Mind Games

“Your chicken beats the Colonel’s all to hell. And I like the Colonel’s. Great meeting you, Rem, and you, Lucy.”

“You bring that boy down to see me.”

“I will. Bray, time to go home.”

“Nooooo, Daddy!”

“Pal of mine, you need a bath.”

The whine changed to hope. “Bubbles and trucks?”

“And plenty of them.”

“Three books?”

Ty held up two fingers, which Bray counted. “Aw.”

“Lots of bubbles and trucks and two books.” He hauled Bray up. “Let’s ride.”

When Bray climbed around to his back, Ty gave him a hitch to secure. “Thanks again. Bray?”

“Bye! Bye!” Then bounced and laughed when Bunk waved. “Bye, bye, bye!” He sang it out as Ty started home.

Rem had the good sense to wait until they were out of earshot.

“Okay, did you squeal like a little girl and bounce up and down when you met him?”

Thea afforded Rem a single, withering stare. “I certainly did not.”

Inside, sure, but that didn’t count. Nobody knew that but her.

Well, and Maddy.

“Didn’t act like a rock star, did he? Or how you figure a rock star would act, I guess.”

“He doesn’t perform anymore, or hasn’t since Code Red broke up.”

Rem grinned at her. “You shed some tears over that.”

“Maybe. I’m over it.”

“He’s a very solid young man,” Lucy said. “And a good father. That boy’s just brimming with light.”

“Serious cute quotient,” Rem agreed. “Wonder where the mother is.”

“No, I didn’t look and won’t. Neither will Grammie, because she’s too polite. If he wants to share that eventually, he will. And don’t poke in your way either,” Thea warned.

Obviously amused, Rem gestured with his beer. “What’s my way?”

“So, Ty, what’s the story with Braydon’s mom?”

“Direct’s best.”

“Direct is often rude.”

“Not when you’re charming with it, the way I am.”

At Thea’s snort, Lucy shook her head. “Leave your sister be, and walk your grammie home. Thea, this was just what I needed tonight. Good food, good company, fresh air, and a little-boy bonus.”