"Well, if you decideyouwant to marry me, we can talk. Just figured Ash would've put a ring on that by now."
"He's with Cy," I said.
"And the house is still there?" Berto joked. "So, tell me how you ended up with a local guy, Ash and Cy got back together, and you and Ash never happened? I'll call that payment for this. Well, plus the dinner."
"Well, for the sake of a young girl and a custody battle, we are two very distinct couples. Now, when she's at school..."
Silence hung on the other line. "And Emerald's ok with this?"
"Emerald is jumping beds more than I am," I promised. "It works, don't question it, and don't ask about it, because we're probably going to need you to get the state approvals to open back up."
"Those are handled," he promised. "As soon as you have everything else, I got Southwind greenlit through everything in Austin. Had to vote for a shit bill to make it happen, so don't bitch at me about the funding for the new state flower logo. Fucking waste of taxpayer dollars, but whatever. Could've been a lot worse, I suppose."
"You are such a politician," I groaned. "Ok, drink your beer and jack off to infomercials or something. I'll have a room and a meal for you when you come home."
"Mm, home," he breathed. "Has a nice ring to it. I'll see you tomorrow. Night, Violet."
"Good night, Cobalt," I said, then ended the call.
Then I had to warn the house that we were going to get company. Ash groaned, knowing he and Berto would end up debating politics. Cy said he'd cook. Luke promised to help, and wanted to know if there was anything he should warn Faith about. I promised he was safe, except for the little fact that the guy was very much a politician - but he was also family.
Then, the next day, at seven minutes before six, someone rapped on the door. No, I hadn't heard the warning for the gate. We were all lounging in the living room, and I'd actually been listening for it. When I headed to the door, I was braced for the worst, but on the other side I found a tall Hispanic man in a very nice suit waiting with a smile.
"Gran's birthday got me in," Berto said. "You know I had to try. Give me a hug, beautiful."
I did without hesitation, and Berto picked me up with a loud groan. My feet were barely back on the floor before he moved to do the same to Ash, but without the lifting. The men thumped backs enthusiastically, and then it was Cy's turn. The commotion let Faith know someone was in the house, which had her hurrying down the stairs to join us.
Berto just turned to her with a smile. "Faith Barrett?" he asked. "Wow, have you grown. I actually held you when you were a baby."
A chuckle from Luke proved he remembered that. "Because she'd just puked all over me and I needed another hand. Nice to see you again, Roberto."
Berto turned, saw him, then paused. "Wow, you are exactly Violet's type." Then he offered his hand, pulling Luke in for a half hug the moment he took it. "Promise me you're treating her good?"
"Good as she'll let me," Luke assured him. "Drink? Place to change out of that suit? Chair to sit?" he offered next.
"Room," Berto said. "Guest suite open, Vi?"
"All yours," I assured him.
"I got a suitcase out in the car," Berto said, turning back for the door.
"Stay," Cy told him. "I'll get it. You need to catch up."
So I led him over to the living room. The man dropped into the closest spot, leaned back, and then loosened his tie with a sigh. I took the cushion beside him, then Faith and Ash sat across from us. Luke debated for a moment, then claimed the chair between the couches. Immediately, Berto took over.
"So, I'm only here for the night, and I need to be at a church in Randolph tomorrow by noon, but I figure I can get up early and make everything happen," he said.
"Faith knows about the arrest," Luke told him. "She also knowswhyI got in a fight."
"Because Dad wasn't going to let them beat up Ash," she said.
Berto flashed her an overly-charming smile. "I like you. If you decide to grow up and get into politics, let me know. Maybe we can run for President and Vice President together."
"Eww, no," Faith said. "Unless I can be the President."
"I'm down with that," Berto assured her. "Just remember to vote Republican when you turn eighteen."
"Don't do it," Ash told her. "They're anti-gay."
