Biz answers on the third ring.
“I’ll do it.”
Chapter Thirteen
Sasha stirs Connelly’s pasta sauce and tries to remember if she added salt. She tastes it. Needs more. She reaches for the salt grinder just as Finn and Fiona gallop down the stairs, arguing about something involving a YouTube video and whether it’s scientifically accurate.
“Dinner in five minutes,” she calls over her shoulder.
The debate continues at top volume. Mocha lifts his head from his bed in the corner, decides it’s not worth getting involved, and goes back to sleep. Java watches from the top of the refrigerator with the disdain only a cat can muster.
Through the open French doors, she catches Connelly’s eye. He’s in the garden on a call with Hank. He frowns at the salt grinder in her hand.
She gives him a warning look. He’s the one who left her in charge of the sauce to take the call. Actions have consequences.
He holds up one finger, and she nods.
“Plates,” she tells the twins.
They know dinner’s not in her wheelhouse. So they hop to it.
Fiona sets the table while still arguing with Finn about terminal velocity. Finn gets the silverware.
Connelly comes inside and washes his hands.
They sit. Sasha serves the pasta. Connelly pours water for everyone and wine for the adults.
“So,” he says. “First day. How was it?”
Fiona launches into a detailed account involving the drama teacher, a girl named Yasmin whose father is the Egyptian ambassador, and a rumor about the spring musical being Hamilton but nobody knows for sure yet.
Finn reports on the robotics lab, which apparently has actual industrial-grade equipment, and his science teacher, who lived in Antarctica for six months.
“Antarctica?” Sasha asks.
“On a research station. He studied penguins.”
“Wow.”
Finn nods. “Right?”
“Can we go to the park after dinner?” Fiona asks. “Everyone’s meeting at Montrose at six-thirty.”
“Everyone?”
“Like twelve people from our grade. Yasmin’s brother is bringing a soccer ball.”
“Alone? No parents?”
“Moooooooom.” She draws the syllable out beyond recognition.
Sasha glances at Connelly.
They have a wordless conversation.
It’s two blocks away.
This is a safe neighborhood.
