Page 14 of Vawn
He wrinkled his face and tilted his head. “I appreciate this, but why?”
“You’re family of two of my teammates. I kind of feel obligated to help.” And I could never tell him the other reason because even I found it hard to understand. I gestured inside. “May I come in?”
He moved out of the way. “I thought you didn’t really get along with them, but whatever. Just know if you do come in, you may catch whatever my daughter has.”
I stepped inside. “It’s okay. I’ll take my chances.” Even I found it odd, but there was nowhere else I wanted to be.
After following Vawn into the small dining area, I set the food on the table. “Have you eaten already?”
“No.” He shook his head. “I haven’t had the energy to get up to turn on the food synthesizer, so I’m very thankful you brought food.”
I nodded. “I’m here to help. How is your daughter now? Is there anything else you need me to get for you?”
“We’re good, thanks.” He gave me a half smile. “Her fever has gone down, and she finally stopped throwing up.”
That was definitely a good thing. I didn’t know if I could stomach witnessing that. All of us racers took tabrue after a night of drinking for a reason. “Okay, I’m glad.”
“She’s not ready to eat solid food yet, but come, and I’ll introduce you.”
I followed Vawn into another room that had an amazing view of the beach. His friend was holding the little girl on his lap.
“Hi.” Not sure what else to say, I waved at them both.
“Ojokun, this is my daughter, Enif, and my best friend, Utahn.”
I waved again as Utahn nodded. “Nice to officially meet you.”
The little girl smiled before burying her face into Utahn’s chest.
“Sweetie.” Vawn bent down in front of his daughter. “This is Ojokun. He’s on the same team as your uncles.”
She glanced up with wide eyes. “You a space racer?”
I was happy to have her attention, and a weird warmth engulfed me. “Yeah, I am. Have you ever seen us race?”
“Ownwee on video,” she pouted.
“Well, we’re going to have to change that.”
Vawn touched my arm and shook his head. “Please don’t tell her things like that.”
Shit!I was trying hard to make Enif like me, but I’d screwed up already. Though, why hadn’t she ever been to a race to see her uncles? Did Vawn think she was too young?
“I’m gonna be a racer, too.” Enif leaped off Utahn’s lap with her arms out. She took two steps before I noticed her stumble over her feet. I lunged to catch her as she fell.
Vawn gasped and kneeled down, taking his daughter into his arms.
“Man’s got good reflexes,” Utahn whispered.
“Thank you, Ojo.” Vawn sat on the couch, still holding Enif. “I don’t think she’s quite ready to run around yet.”
“Let me go get the food and bring it in here.” Neither Vawn nor Utahn looked like they wanted to move, and I didn’t think Enif had fully recovered. “Is there anything I can get for your daughter while I’m up?”
“She has her electrolyte drink in the cooler.” Vawn ran his hand through his hair, looking even more exhausted. “You know, I’m really thankful you showed up.”
“It’s not a problem.” I pointed over my shoulder. “Okay, I’ll be right back.”
I brought in the food and some drinks for everyone. After we’d finished eating, I offered to play a video from my hologram collection.
