“Weirdo,” Mav teases, and she pushes his leg with her foot.
I walk to the stairs, giving them a wave. “I’d better head up.”
“Not a scary movie fan?” Haddy leans her head back to look up at me.
“Nah, I’ve got to call home and shower.” I nod to the guys. “Good practice today. I’m beat.”
“Don’t worry, old man,” Mav calls. “We’ll have you in shape in no time.”
“Old man…” I huff a laugh.
I’m only thirty-five, but he’s got me. I’ll be sore tomorrow.
Walking up the stairs slowly, I take out my phone.
Owen
Is Maddie still awake? I keep forgetting the time difference out here, Sorry.
Heather
It’s Friday! We’re all at Gran’s watching Hocus Pocus with Mom and the aunties.
My dad’s mom started the tradition of keeping the kids at her house on Friday nights when I was a boy.Then, when Maddie was old enough, she started it up again.
Owen
Will she want to talk to me instead of watching the Sanderson Sisters?
Heather
Of course she will. Hold pls…
Our text turns into a phone call, and my sister’s face appears on the screen.
“Hey there, big brother. You’re not looking too bad for being on the other side of the continent.” She gives me a wink.
“It took me a minute, but I’m on West Coast time now.” I continue into my bedroom, where Ladybird is curled on her large, round cedar-chip-filled cushion.
It’s been her bed since she was a puppy, and even though it makes all my stuff smell like cedar chips, it reminds us of home.
“Where’s my baby girl?”
“Here I am, Daddy!” The sweet voice yells at me through the phone before her face appears on the screen.
Her happy brown eyes, round cheeks, and long blonde hair is a punch of joy straight to my chest. I sit down, smiling back at her.
“Hey, Shortcake, are you taking good care of your aunt Heather?”
“Yes!” She nods her head fast. “We’re watchingHocus Pocus, but I don’t like this part. It’s where Max gets struck by lightning.”
My lips twist. “Are you going to have trouble sleeping tonight?”
“No, Daddy!” She rolls her eyes, shaking her head. “I’mseven now. I’m not scared of the Sanderson Sisters. Besides, Grammy Gwen said Bandit can stay at our house tonight.”
Bandit is the newest black cat to take up residence at my step-grandmother’s house.
“Well, if anyone can keep witches away, it would be Bandit.”
