But isn't Kelly worth that risk? I'm getting up the nerve to say something when there comes hammering on the roller door. "What the hell's with this place being like Grand Central Station?"
Kelly struggles to be free of my embrace before inching away and off the trailer, causing the tow bar to crash back to the floor. Rather than wait, she's already on her way to open the door to see who it is.
It's Barry. The last person either of us expected. "Mr. Miller, how can we help?" Much as Kelly has asked, the uneasiness in her voice says she doesn't want to know.
I'm with her on this one. He was here not half-an-hour ago and hadn't bothered getting out of the car. So, why's he back now? With no sign of the Buick, he must be on his own. It's then I spot an Uber parked outside the front gates.
"I don't want to!"
Kelly's brow wrinkles. "You don't want to what?"
The old guy takes a deep breath, as if girding his loins for the challenge ahead. When he then focuses on me, I do likewise. I don't like where this is heading.
"Son, I need your help. Mary wants me to ride up front on the float. Much as I love her, I'm too old for that malarkey."
Busy thinking that I can't altogether blame the old guy, it takes a second for me to focus on some of what he'd just said. "The front of the float?"
He nods while tapping the towbar with his cane. "I ride up front and throw candies at the kids."
"Candies?" Squeaks out Kelly, next to me.
That Barry is unaware of Mary's plan to have him riding the rocket is obvious. I thought it was a big ask for an old guy with failing health. It's also too big for me to be the one who breaks the news to him.
Barry then spears me with a steely gaze. It's one that has me checking over my shoulder, hoping I'm not the target.
No such luck.
"Zachary, you'll need to do it."
I've not thought about how I'll get out of this when I see Kelly in my periphery. After slapping her hand over her mouth, she shoots out the front of the lock-up. A second later and she disappears around the side.
"But what about Mrs. Miller? She'll know it's not you up there."
"I've thought about that, son. The astronaut costume she's picked out for me has a helmet."
I'm still digesting this when I hear a snort of barely contained giggling. Kelly won't be laughing when she finds out she'll be on the rocket with me. I then have trouble concentrating as I imagine her in a sexy space suit.
As her suppressed giggling gets louder, Barry looks around, but unable to see anyone, he shakes his head and presses on. "So, you'll do it?"
"I'll do it alright, and Kelly will be right there with me."
With Barry busy thanking me while pumping my hand, I almost miss the sharp intake of breath from outside. However, there's no missing the coughing fit that follows as the newest member of my 'crew' fights to get herself under control.
His delegation a success, Barry waves to the Uber driver, with the electric vehicle gliding through the front gates and over to stop next to my truck. Rather than Barry getting in, the driver gets out, having popped the trunk.
Soon after, I'm handed an enormous trash bag, with no chance to check the contents before Barry is settled in the back of the Uber. Another cheerful wave, and Kelly's elderly neighbor is on his way home.
I feel no guilt in hoping he's having meatballs for dinner.
