*Briar Halstead added Heath Halstead to the chat
Walker: Why did you add Heath to our conversation?
Briar: Because it’s much more fun to tease you with backup.
Heath: I’d rather sit this one out.
Briar: Oh no, you don’t. I’m your only sister, and that means you’re obligated to participate.
*Briar named the chat Group Therapy Halstead Siblings Edition
Walker: Can you answer my question? I don’t have much time.
Briar: Until what? Midnight strikes and you turn into a pumpkin?
Walker: Birdie gets off work soon, and I’m taking her out.
Heath: So that’s why you left the ranch early.
Walker: Is that a problem? I finished the fence repairs like you asked.
Heath: Would it matter if there was?
I grunt my irritation at his flat reply. Over text, he’s impossible to read, and it’s a constant guessing game to see if he’s serious.
Briar: Nope. No arguing today. My former tramp of a brother is going on a proper date, and that’s something worth celebrating.
Looks like Briar isn’t taking any chances where Heath’s mood is concerned.
Walker: Hold up. Did you just call me a tramp?
Briar: Former, if that’s any consolation.
Walker: If I say yes, will you please tell me why Birdie doesn’t drive?
Briar: Fine, but only because you said please.
Briar: A rabbit family is living under her truck, and she refuses to make them move.
Heath: If that’s the case, she’s never driving again. Those things multiply faster than weeds.
Briar: Charlie and I have been telling her that for ages.
Heath: When did Charlie become an expert on population control?
Walker: We’ve got to come up with a long-term solution. I’m not comfortable with Earl driving her around anymore with his deteriorating eyesight.
As nice as the man is, he can barely see past the end of the driveway, let alone navigate busy streets.
Heath: Did you hear he nearly caused a wreck near the drugstore this morning?
Walker: Was Birdie with him?
Heath: Not sure. He almost got T-boned while cutting across traffic.
That only cements my decision. Until I figure out a long-term fix, I’ll be Birdie’s chauffeur.
I glance at the clock again—seven on the dot. Birdie should be coming out soon. She might like her job, but she’s never one to stick around past her shift unless an animal needs rescuing, like the unsold chicken and ducks. She’s been known to take them home rather than let them be abandoned or euthanized.
