“How about we make a computer, Miles?”
“Moo.” He picked a cow from the pieces and started mooing.
“That’s it, buddy. And how about this one?” I picked up a dog, and he woofed.
We played the animal sound game for a little while until a message dinged on my phone.
MARCO
Hey. How’s home? I don’t want to intrude on your family time. Just wanted you to know Hassan figured out the leak.
TROY
Well done, Hassan! Who is it? Anyone we know?
MARCO
Someone we hired a while ago. He did a few jobs for us before we decided we no longer required his services. He’s the one who cornered Veronika in the elevator.
TROY
Shit. That one? I remember him. He was good with computers, but there was something off about him. He reminded me too much of Nedry from Jurassic Park.
MARCO
Dude! Right? Anyway, how’s home?
I snapped a selfie with Miles holding his favorite cow.
The reply was almost instant.
MARCO
Suits you. That thing you say you can’t buy with money? You should chase it.
TROY
Trust me. I am.
I put the phone down and played with Miles a little longer until Wren came to get him to give him his lunch.
I’d fought the temptation to message Alexi. I didn’t want to cut into his time with Charlie and Kris, and I’d have plenty of time to be with him later.
Thinking about the kisses I was planning to steal from him during the party put a smile on my face that I hadn’t managed to shake off. My mom was getting suspicious I was either up to something or had finally met a guy.
She was right about both of them.
My parents’ place wasn’t huge, so when I heard cars in the driveway, I looked out the window and almost tripped over myself to get the door.
Charlie and Kris were holding wrapped presents and Alexi trailed behind them, holding a wrapped case with a handle.
He hadn’t had it with him when I picked him up from college, so I assumed he’d had it delivered here.
“Where’s my godson? I need cuddles,” Charlie said as soon as I opened the door.
“Living room.”
Kris followed him, rolling his eyes. “We’re not getting a baby, Charlie.”
