“Good morning, Chief Norris.”
Oh, that explained it.
“Yes, we’re back…uh-huh…hmm…I’m not sure, let me check with Andi.” He pressed something on the screen. Andi thought it was the mute button and then looked at him. “She’s asking if her husband can bring Tyler. The ghosts are still bothering him, and he’s getting cranky and angry—her words, not mine.”
Andi just nodded. He liked Tyler since he reminded him so much of himself as a boy. If he had problems with ghosts, Andi wanted to help him as best as he could, even if the dead weren’t his area of expertise.
George tapped the screen again and held the phone back to his ear. “Chief? Andi says it’s fine. Your husband can bring Tyler over anytime. We’re at home and don’t have any plans…uh-huh…yes, ten o’clock is fine…we can call you or your husband when Tyler wants to go back home…no…no, really, it’s no problem. He’s welcome to stay as long as he wants…yes. Bye, chief.”
George put the cell down on the breakfast bar next to his bowl of oatmeal. “Tyler’s coming at ten.”
“I heard.”
“I know.”
They looked at each other over the counter and started to laugh.
“I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
“Me too.” Andi got serious again. “Thank you, George. Just letting me sleep—that helped a lot.”
“Always, my dear.” George bent over the counter to press a kiss on Andi’s lips. “You taste of yogurt and honey. Hmm. My favorite.” He winked and went back to eating his carbs, giving Andi the space he needed to process the intimate gesture paired with the teasing. He ate the rest of his yogurt, and when George was done with his breakfast, Andi got out his cell, searched for the right folder, opened it and held the telephone out to George, who took it with some hesitation.
“What’s that?”
“Kind of my birthday present for you. If you want it.”
“Uh, Andi, those are pictures of furniture. Antique furniture.”
“You liked the crate where Gran kept her photo albums. And I’m sure you won’t need her bed since you’re sleeping with me, and the room won’t be much when it’s completely empty. Depending on what you want to do with it, you can choose from the furniture you see in the folder.”
“Andi, all these pieces are gorgeous and no doubt expensive. I don’t want you to spend that much money on me. As I said, being with you is present enough for me.”
“I know. Don’t worry about prices. Everything you see here is mine already. Gran collected antique furniture. Often got it very cheap when it was damaged. She had a gentleman friend who repaired them for her, and what she didn’t need in the house she put in storage.”
“Gentleman friend, huh?” George grinned.
“Gran led an interesting life. She always said opportunities were there to be grasped.” Andi winked. “Take your time choosing. We can always switch things out.”
“Thank you, dear.” George pressed another kiss to Andi’s lips. “I’m going to shower and then I’ll have a close look at these.”
When Tyler arrived, George was still immersed in the photos on Andi’s cell, making notes on a piece of paper while wandering through the house with a measuring tape. Andi had a feeling there would be some redecorating taking place soon. Tyler’s father gave his son a kiss—or tried to because Tyler skillfully dodged his father’s lips—and thanked Andi for his help with the vague air of nervousness of somebody who tried very hard to be understanding of something that clearly freaked him out. There was love, which was a good start, and the man tried his best. It was more than Andi’s father had ever done.
Tyler ended the awkward moment with a pointed, “Bye, Dad. I’m calling when we’re done,” and his father got the hint. As soon as the truck had left Andi’s driveway, Tyler turned to him.
“Thank you for letting me come.” His chin wobbled a bit. “I’ve been trying everything you taught me, but I just can’t seem to get through, and they won’t leave me alone even though we found out who Boyd is. They’re also not telling me more.” He pouted as only a teenager who didn’t understand why somebody would be so cruel as to not give him whatever he wanted could pout.
Andi put a hand on Tyler’s shoulder. “Let’s go to the gazebo and see what we can do. Are you thirsty, hungry? You don’t want to be distracted when we start.”
“I ate before Dad brought me. Hi, George.”
George had come down from the first floor, smiling at Tyler. “Hi, Tyler, it’s good to see you.” He shook hands with the boy. “Do you need me for this?”
Andi looked at Tyler, who shrugged. “I don’t think so. I’m going to meditate with Tyler and see where things lead us.”
George waved with the paper in his left hand. “I’m in here. If you need me, just holler.”
“Will do.” He got a kiss, which made Tyler roll his eyes.
