Ollie parked around the back when they got to Charles's place, and Reaves turned to him with a grin."Are you sure you don't want to stay for dinner?Dad would love to see you, and so would Alara and Zia."
He checked his watch.It was only five thirty.Bentley's meetings hadn't run as long as he'd expected, and they'd made it back early.
"I'll come in and say hi, but I won't stay to eat, thanks.I want to get home to the dogs."
Reaves chuckled."And to sit around and wait for Callie's call."
He shrugged."Yeah, that too.I'm not gonna lie."
"There's no reason you should.I might be teasing, but I'm happy for you that things finally look as though they might be going in the right direction."
"Fingers crossed," said Ollie."And what about you and Alara?"
"I'm not even allowing myself to think about what might happen," said Reaves."My priority is helping her get on her feet.For the time being, it’d be all wrong to ask her to even think about dating me.She has so much else to figure out before she can think about that."
"Right," Ollie agreed."And what's happening?Has she done anything about seeing a doctor?"
Reaves sighed."No, she won't go.She insists that now things are more stable, she'll be able to get her feet back under her."
"You think she's just stalling until she can use the health insurance?"
"I do."
Ollie opened the door."Then maybe I need to have a word with her, because all the headaches and dizziness — that's just not right, Reaves."
"I know, but I can only push so much."As they walked around the side of the house, Reaves shook his head."I'm in a tough place.I can't force her to do anything.I can only encourage."
Ollie gripped his shoulder."I know, and I can only do the same.But maybe she'll listen."
When Reaves opened the back door to the kitchen, they both burst out laughing when Zia came running toward them, yelling, "Prince Daddy, you're home!And you brought Secret King with you!"
She skidded to a stop in front of them, smiling up at Reaves before turning to Ollie.
"Hey," he greeted her.
She continued to study him carefully, her little eyebrows drawn together.
"What's wrong?"he asked when he couldn't take the scrutiny any longer.
"Nothing.It's just that I think you really could be the Sunshine King.I think sunshine suits you better than secrets.But for now, you're still the Secret King."
He chuckled.It sounded about right to him.
"What are you up to?"Reaves asked."Where are your mom and Grandpa Grape?"
"Mom's taking a nap.They've been working hard this afternoon.But Grandpa Grape—" She glanced back over her shoulder, and Ollie had to bite back a laugh when Charles appeared, looking a little flustered.
His shirtsleeves were rolled up, his glasses sat on top of his head, and he was carrying what looked like it might once have been a journal — but it was currently covered in shiny stickers.Ollie had a feeling that Zia’s glitter pot might be responsible for the sparkle on his cheeks.
He greeted them with a rueful smile."I'm glad to see you.Are you staying for dinner?"
"I am," said Reaves.
"I know that.Even if you weren't planning to, you would be."Charles shot a meaningful look at Zia as he added, "I think we need your help."
"I'm not staying," said Ollie."I just wanted to drop in and say hi."
"Hi," said Zia.
