“Welcome to our world, son,” Nick said.
“So your building was bombed by the Russians?”
“Yes.”
“Holy shit. What do you do about that?”
“The Russian ambassador has been told to hand over the perpetrators to keep from having us treat this as an act of war.”
“And here my biggest problem is an upcoming exam in honors econ.”
“Stay in school as long as you can,” Nick said. “Put off real life indefinitely.”
“You’re making me very glad I’ve decided to stay for grad school.”
“Of course, you shouldn’t let our daily madness color your impression of real life,” Sam said. “It’s not like this for most normal people.”
“We’re not normal,” Nick said. “We haven’t been for one second of the time we’ve been together.”
“And yet, you two are couple goals for everyone who knows you and millions who’ll never meet you in person.”
“Yay us,” Sam said, laughing. “How’s Candace?”
“She’s great. Did I tell you she’s been working at the daycare center on campus? She loves it.”
“No, you hadn’t told us, but that’s great,” Sam said.
“She’s going to take some classes next semester, too.”
“Good for her,” Nick said. “I’m glad she’s making a life for herself there.”
“I won’t keep you guys. You must be exhausted after this day. I’ll let you know what happens with the grandparents from hell.”
“Thanks for calling, Eli,” Nick said. “We’re here any time you need us.”
“That makes all the difference to me. Love you guys.”
“We love you, too,” Sam said.
They said good night to him and settled back into bed.
“Those people are unbelievable,” Sam said after a period of silence.
“I can’t believe how utterly craven they are.”
“I wonder if they were after Cleo’s money when she was alive.”
“How much do you want to bet that she was keeping them afloat for years?” Nick asked.
“I wouldn’t bet against that possibility, but you should mention that to Eli to pass on to the company’s lawyers. If there was a history of cash infusions, they might be able to show they’ve already gotten their piece of the pie.”
“I’ll pass that on to him tomorrow.”
“I feel so sorry for him being caught up in this nonsense with the twins’ grandparents,” Sam said as she yawned. “And to hear him worry about the twins being proud of how he managed things for the three of them…”
“I know. He was forced to grow up overnight and has more than stepped up to the challenge.”
“Such a quality young man. How lucky are we to have him as a son?”
