“On that note….” Ben passed Lily over to Ollie and watched his brother get totally distracted by cuddling her.
“Fine,” Ollie said. “But this isn’t over. I have my ways, Ben Jerrick.”
“Don’t I know it.”
“But I better head home. I can’t believe Bayu isn’t blowing up my phone.”
“I texted him earlier and told him I made you go nap while I kept Lily.”
“You did?”
Ben laughed and stretched. “It’s like you’re new here.”
“Is my mate on his way over here with my son?”
Ben grinned. “Maybe.”
“You totally told Dad and Papa I was here too, didn’t you?”
“Possibly. In other news, dinner is on the way. Papa was craving steak, so I hope you’re hungry.”
“And they say I’m the mischievous one. You’re sneakier than I am.”
Ben laughed and went into the kitchen to start setting the table.
“You win this battle, Ben Jerrick. I’m sleep deprived and not at my best. You just wait, though. I’ll eventually get a good night’s sleep and then you’re in for it.”
“I can’t wait.”
The arrival of their dads stopped Ollie from any further questions. It didn’t, however, stop the questioning.
“Ben, son, help me get the grill going while Papa starts marinating the steaks.”
“Yes, sir.” Ben went out onto the deck and opened the grill.
He glanced over at his dad, who’d leaned against the railing while Ben took the metal brush and cleaned the grill’s rack.
“How’d it go with Koios today?”
“He agreed to physical therapy,” Ben said. “You were right that he’s underplaying his pain level. Thanks for the heads up.”
Vaughn nodded and checked the propane tank. “I’m surprised you convinced him. He’s been pretty adamant about what treatments he’ll accept.”
“Tell me about it. He tossed out our discussion of possible amputation in front of his sisters.”
Vaughn straightened. “He what?”
“Yep. Rookie mistake. They’ll use it against him forever. But he did let me explain why I think the therapy will at least help. I think he’s finally acknowledging the reality of his situation.”
Vaughn nodded. They fired up the grill, then closed the lid to let it preheat. “Are you sure you’re up for the challenge, son?”
“No,” Ben admitted. “But I’m going to give it my best shot. It’ll really be up to Koios. I’ll have to do some more work tomorrow to see how to best approach his treatment. My instinct is to start building strength, but I’m also well aware of how weak he is.”
“It’s a balancing act. He’s burning a lot of fuel healing. Did you get a weight on him today?”
“No. He also bargained his way out of the green smoothies.”
Vaughn laughed. “I don’t blame him. I’ll work on the nutrition side of things with Bailey. You focus on Koios and keeping him engaged in getting stronger.”
