Page 118 of Push

The little girl lifted a proud chin. “Morag Destiny Tomato the Second.”

I nodded, trying to be very serious, even though a chuckle threatened to escape. That was one heck of a name for a doll. “She sounds like a very fancy baby.”

“Yes.” Josie grinned.

I pointed to her dolly’s naked tooshie. “Doesn’t a baby as fancy as Morag Destiny Tomato the Second need a diaper?”

Josie’s face screwed up. “She know howta go potty. She abiggirl.” She huffed. “You right, Nana. He not smart.”

Zach coughed into his fist.

“Now, Josie, my girl.” Maree patted the little girl’s arm to hush her. “Were you and your baby listening at the door again?”

Josie curled her lip. That was a yes.

“Quiet words behind the door are just for Nana and Pop,” Maree explained gently.

How many of these quiet words had they needed to have before I’d arrived? Yeah, Maree Rawlesdefinitelydidn’t like me.

“Sorry, mate,” Zach interrupted with an awkward laugh. “You’ve got a lot to learn about fancy babies and playing House Ladies.” He jerked his head toward the back door. “Why don’t we say hi to Dad?”

“Good idea,” Maree muttered.

Zach grimaced but didn’t push the issue. He opened the screen door and gestured for me to follow him to the back deck. I pulledup to a stop as soon as my eyes landed on the backyard. A cubby house and swing set stood proudly beside a sandpit and a landscaped pool with a slide. My mouth dropped open.

“Wow,” I breathed, curling my hands over the back railing and leaning over to get a better look. “I’m taking notes. This yard is fantastic.”

Zach adjusted his glasses, peering down. “Yeah?” He squinted another look. He obviously wasn’t a lawn guy like his dad. “The pool’s pretty great. You should bring Noah and Gwen over for a swim one weekend.”

“Count us in.” I let out an awed sigh. “Man, I’d kill for a yard like this. Our place cost a bomb, but the yard’s a matchbox. No space for all this.” I waved at every mirage glittering from the back deck. “You’ve even got enough room to kick a ball around.”

“Uh, yeah…” He rubbed the stubble darkening his chin. “Sure.”

I arched my eyebrow. “Well, I’ve already discovered you’re shit at running.” I grinned. “Do you likeanysports?”

“I go to the gym and do some outdoor stuff, remember? I’m not totally hopeless. Hey—you should come up to the Blue Mountains with me and my friend Andie. We’re planning a hike next weekend.”

“Seriously?” My jaw dropped. “I could come?”

“Yeah, of course. It’s a good trail.” He smirked. “Easy for a beginner.”

I rolled my eyes. “Sounds right up your alley then.”

Zach laughed. “Come on. Dad’s in the garage.” He took off down the steps to the backyard. “I have a feeling you’re going to like this.”

“Yeah?” I jumped down the stairs after him two at a time, easily keeping up, right behind him as he opened the garage door. “Why’s that? Has your dad—”

I stopped dead in my tracks. My brain fizzed and spluttered like the vintage red Ford Falcon proudly sitting in the middle of the garage. If I had to guess, the car was from the early 1960s. She was a beauty.

“Wow.” The word whooshed out in a breath of pure awe.

Zach’s dad, John, was leaning over a long wooden workbench, an engine torn down and laid out in pieces in front of him. Grease stained his gloves, a rounded black piston pinched between his fingers.

“Morning.” Only a faint smile tugged at John’s lips when he nodded at us.

The only word I could find in response was “Wow.” I turned to Zach. “Is that a Ford Falcon Futura?”

“Uh…” Zach’s eyes darted to his dad, pleading for help.

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