Page 95 of Shiny Things

“She loved it. We both did, but thanks for asking, kid.”

“Guys, could we maybe drop the kid thing at work?”

Ryan and I looked at each other and shook our heads.

“Nah. You gotta earn that step, kid.”

“Assholes,” he muttered under his breath.

Colin stepped up and rescued him.

“Dean, if you have a few minutes, I’d like to go over some things and answer any questions you have before Dan and Andrew arrive. We have about twenty minutes.”

He stood a little taller and nodded. “We can use my office.”

“His office? I don’t even have an office yet,” I complained. I had a desk but no door that actually shut. Not that it mattered. I never actually worked there. I checked in, got my assignments, and then went home to work.

It suddenly dawned on me that I was going to need to build an office. With Kim moving in and The Diner still closed, I was going to need some space to work.

“Do you think he’s going to screw this up?” Ryan asked.

“The kid? Nah. He’s a Davenport. He was born to be in charge. We all were.”

Ryan snorted. “You aren’t in charge of shit.”

“Not yet, but it’s coming.”

“What do you mean?”

“Dad’s retiring next year. I’m being groomed to take his seat. Shocking, I know.”

“Why are you doing this now?”

I shrugged. I didn’t really know how to explain that.

“Guess I just figure I need to support my own family now and this was a solid route to do that.”

His jaw dropped. “Kim’s pregnant?”

“What? No. Keep your voice down. Damn it, Ryan, that is not a rumor I want going around. She’s not pregnant. I meant her. She’s my family.”

“Oh, bummer.”

I laughed. “Bummer? Seriously?”

“Well, yeah. I’d love a little niece or nephew. Work on that for me.”

“I’m not having a kid for you, asshole. Besides, I want time with my mate before we jump into parenthood.”

“Fine, but don’t keep me waiting too long. You aren’t getting any younger. And with any luck they’ll all look just like me, their favorite uncle.”

“Would you stop talking about my nonexistent kids already? And really? You want my daughters to look just like you? Don’t you dare put that out into the universe. They’d be the ugliest girls in all of Ravenden.”

He snorted. “Okay, just the boys then.”

“And not until after I’ve secured my spot on the Council.”

“Smart because it’s going to take a hell of a lot to convince the Flock to vote you in. It is an elected position now. You can thank Dad for that one.”

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