Page 41 of Whispers and Wildfire

“Don’t worry, Coach,” I said. “He already figured out a life of delinquency isn’t for him.”

Owen groaned. “Are you guys ever going to let that go?”

More than a year before, Owen had been caught shoplifting from Angel Cakes Bakery. He had no idea at the time that he’d stolen from his future stepmom. Fortunately, it had been a one time thing, and he was generally a great kid.

“Have you met us?” I asked. “This is what happens when you start to grow up.”

“You tease me mercilessly about every little thing?” he asked.

“Pretty much.”

“Yeah, that tracks,” Theo said. “Luke still gives me crap about the bologna sandwich incident. I was probably your age.”

“Never gets old.” I looked at Owen. “Lemonade?”

Owen caught the ball again and held it. “What’s the bologna sandwich incident?”

“Don’t ask,” Theo said.

Owen shrugged and threw the ball. “Yeah, lemonade. Thanks, Uncle Luke.”

“You got it.”

I headed for the side door and held it open for my dad, who was on his way out with a tray full of raw burger patties. A man of few words, he nodded his thanks. I did a quick double take at his Squirrel Protection Squad T-shirt. It was almost too small for his broad chest and muscular arms.

Inside, my parents’ house was comfortable and familiar.The living room had a denim couch and armchairs draped with blankets my mom had knitted. Family photos adorned the walls, a reminder of the days when their house had been full of six rough-and-tumble brothers and one baby sister.

Mom was in the kitchen, loading another tray with condiments and buns.

“Need help?” I asked.

“No, I’ve got it. I just hope your dad made enough burger patties.”

“Why? Are Garrett and Harper coming over too?”

“No, Isla has the sniffles, so they’re home with her. Theo brought Owen. I just know how these things work. Someone else is bound to show up.”

“Well, Dad had enough burgers to feed an army. I think you’re good.”

I poured lemonade for Owen and grabbed three beers out of the fridge—figured Dad would want one too—and went back outside.

Mom was already arranging things on the picnic table. Dad glanced at her and, with a subtle grin, grabbed her backside. She jumped and playfully smacked his arm. I pretended not to notice.

After passing out drinks, I opened my beer and took a sip. Theo wandered over and stood next to me.

“How’s work?” he asked.

I hesitated before answering. “Fine, I guess. I don’t know, man. This whole Melanie thing is driving me nuts. She does the job fine; it’s not that. But she just…” I made a fist. “You know?”

“I was just wondering if you were working on any cool cars.”

“See? This is what I’m talking about.”

He glanced at me with his beer halfway to his lips, like he had no idea what I meant.

“Why am I answering your question about work by talking about her?”

“I don’t know.”

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