CHAPTER 12
MOLLY
“Blow,” Charlie commanded, again.
Kellan blew.
His eyes bugged, but nothing came out his nose.
“Like you mean it, soldier,” Charlie demanded. “Don’t let those medics near your brain. You work this candy out or you get the pliers. You don’t want the pliers.”
Kellan’s eyes bugged again. “I don’t want the pliers.”
“Then blow,” Charlie said, gruff.
Now, Molly wasn’t the one being directed, but the way Charlie took control, the tone he used, and the options he gave? She was ready to make an attempt to give up some snot there in the lobby of the movie theater just to avoid the
pliers herself.
She should work on that type of command. Her mom voice usually worked, but this drill sergeant thing was probably way more effective.
Kellan gave a solid effort that was rewarded with a semi-dissolved green Skittle bouncing off the napkin and hitting the carpet of the movie theater hallway.
Yup, more effective.
“Thank God,” Gavin said, snatching it with a second brown napkin.
“The name’s Charlie, but I’ll take it.” Mr. Davenport—Charlie—rocked back on his heels. “Don’t put things in your nose that don’t belong there.”
Sage words, if Molly had ever heard them.
“Can I keep it?” Kellan asked, peering into the napkin his dad held.
“What would you do with it?” Molly asked, because ew. “I dare you to eat it.” Brady’s eyes lit up at the idea.
Every adult in the hallway gave him some serious side-eye.
“I’ll give you a dollar,” Ollie added.
Molly opened her mouth to tell her child that he was not
spending his money on?—
“No one is eating it.” Gavin wadded up the napkin and tossed the whole thing into the nearest trash can with pretty remarkable aim and distance. “And now it’s time to go home.”
“The movie’s not over yet,” Ollie pointed out. Literally, he pointed back to the room where the movie continued playing with no one watching.
“I don’t know what Gavin’s rule is, but my rule is that
once someone is threatened with a doctor visit, we all go home.” Molly placed her hands on Ollie’s shoulders, ready to guide him outside. If history was any indication, when one of the boys went without much of a fuss, the rest would likely follow.
“But I didn’t need the visit.” Kellan balked at the rule. “Can we stay, Dad?”
“My rule is now the same as Molly’s rule.” Gavin stuck his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “Get your stuff together, guys.”
“Can I at least go over to their house?” Ollie asked. “Can he?” Brady asked. “It’s still early.”
It wasn’t early, not really. Not for a school night. Also, Gavin looked like he needed a stiff drink and some time to think about his life choices.
