Don't you see

 Darry became a shelver at the library so Junie had to be a Junior Friend for the Children's Reading Program.

"I've done it before," Junie said while at her cousin Maddie's new place. It was her chance to look around and see what it was like for Maddie to be all on her own. Sure, it was neat. Of course, she wondered if Maddie lived here at all.

"Yeah, but you'd forget to even show up, half the time," Maddie reminded her about last summer. Her arms were crossed as if she would always be Junie's babysitter wherever she went.

"I will now," Junie protested. "I have a reason to go."

Junie shot a look into the bathroom. It was all things Maddie, right down to the trendy shower curtain.

"This is all yours?" Junie winced as if it just wasn't fair.

"Yeap." 

Maddie told her that her roommate had the master bedroom and his bathroom was in his room.

"I don't know this guy?" Junie wanted to meet him.

"Oh, you know him, he works at the bakery."

Maddie made it sound like she'd known Boone forever, but Junie didn't think so.

"Are you sure you feel safe?" Junie looked her over.

"Yes," Maddie glared back. "Don't you know we worry about your safety all the time?"

Maddie told Junie, "You're the one everybody should be worried about."

"But I've got Darry." Junie smiled.

"Yeah, I'm beginning to think you are his bodyguard."

Maddie went to grab a soda for both of them in the fridge.

"What about you and KC?" Junie wanted to know.

"KC? What's to know?" Maddie shrugged. "We text, occasionally."

"Did you know he started a band?" Junie took a sip of her drink, hoping not to let any of the strawberry cream soda dribble on her sundress. 

"He's just helping that girl out," Maddie made it sound like it wasn't a big deal.

"Oh, she has a name," Junie told her. "She came by to pick him up the other night."

Maddie remained straight-lipped as if she didn't care.

"Why are you this way about him?" Junie winced. She really hoped her step-brother would be with Maddie.

"Because, we are just family." 

"Not really."

"We are." Maddie left it at that. Of course, Junie shrugged back and dropped to the couch as if she could stay awhile, but Maddie had her back to her feet. After all, they needed to be at the library.