“Yeah, I have to head west to Prosper to help with the fires tomorrow,” I said, taking a long drink of my beer.
"Be careful," she said, patting my arm. “I hate that you are having to go out that way. Makes Theo nervous as hell too.”
“It’s part of the job, but I’m usually away from the fire as back up,” I said, leaning on the counter.
“Well, make sure you are far away from the fire,” she sighed. “Now go relax while I finish up and I’ll pack you some for tomorrow too.”
“Thanks, Nova,” I said, hugging her.
I walked into the living room seeing Colt and Atlas arguing while Sol was laughing.
“That’s not how you play,” Colt argued.
“Yes, it is,” Atlas said, grabbing the instructions.
“He’s right, Colty,” Sol said, as he narrowed his eyes on them, grabbing the instructions and reading them.
I chuckled when Colt threw the paper on the floor. “I’ve never played it like that.”
“You just don’t like losing,” Sol said, calling him out.
“You know what, little girl?” He grabbed her, tickling her and the best sound erupted.
She giggled trying to get away from Colt. Atlas and I laughed as she tried to tickle him back. I grinned watching them all interact. The family they had made always tugged at my heartstrings and I was glad my brother was able to have found his family, even after our real family fell apart.
“Look, we can restart the game with the right rules,” Atlas said, as they calmed down.
“Yes!” Sol yelled, giving me a hug, grabbing everyone's cards and attempting to shuffle them.
“Here, let me help you,” I said, giving her a hand.
We played two games before Nova told us to go wash up. Iris arrived just as I was going to the restroom.
“Hey!” I gave her a hug and a kiss.
She was in her Boozy Bandits uniform.
“Coming or going to work?” I asked.
“Coming, it was my turn for the day shift which I don’t mind,” she said, yawning. “It was actually busy. That crew working on the highway came in for lunch and we had a steady flow of people. How are you?”
“That’s good,” I said. “I’m gonna use the restroom, I’ll catch up in a minute.”
The smell of those enchiladas was calling me and I couldn’t wait. I did my business, washed my hands and made my way to the kitchen to see if Nova needed any help.
“He looks like shit,” Iris said quietly. “Why doesn't he just tell Jude he’s here.”
I stopped before rounding the corner, hearing my name. Who was here? My heart pounded quicker. Sam??
“You should have seen him the day he got here,” Nova said. “He was worn out, and I couldn’t believe he was still on crutches. I don't know what's going on between them, but they're both hurting.”
“Webber and Jude have always been tight,” Iris whispered. “Something big must have happened, but why keep the fact that he's here a secret?”
“He said he wanted to tell him,” Nova said. “Webber looked like a different man. He was timid and he kind of broke my heart.”
“Well, maybe we need to intervene?” Iris suggested.
“No, let them work on their shit by themselves,” Nova said immediately. “But maybe we need to be checking on Webber. I don’t like that he’s at the house all alone in crutches.”
