Page 28 of Truth or Spare

“Probably because you gave half of them to Walter.”

Theo shrugged. “They’re good for his teeth,” he said, cocking his chin at the lunchbox. “What delight did she create for us today?” Cassie had brought them turkey sandwiches with white cheddar and pepper jelly the day before and Theo had beenenraptured. He usually was, not that Dewey blamed him. Cassie was a genius and Dewey was always telling her she should have her own business.

He opened the lunchbox and blinked at the single foil-wrapped bundle. “Looks like meatloaf again,” he said as he gave it a sniff and nodded. “But there’s only one.”

“What?”

The sandwich was snatched from Dewey’s hand before Theo bolted. “Hey!” Dewey shouted as he came around the counter. “I get that!” he said and ran after Theo.

Dewey chased him down the steps and onto the lanes and they nearly spilled onto lane 2. “You can’t have it!” Theo said when Dewey grabbed him around the middle and reached for the sandwich. “It’s mine!” He was able to push Dewey away easily, he was too lightheaded and weak after their little dash from the counter and barely wrestling with Theo.

“That’s the worst proposal I’ve ever seen, Doobie,” Keith said from 6.

“Shut up,” Dewey barked, breathless as he set his hands on his hips and shook his head at Theo. “Give it back.”

“If you insist,” he said and lowered to a knee. Theo winked at Dewey rakishly, then held up the sandwich, offering it with both hands. “Please, take this sandwich and my heart, Brooks. But don’t eat my heart. That would be gross.”

There was a wheezing hoot from Keith as Cassie arrived, bearing another sandwich. “Well, that workeda lotbetter than I had planned,” she giggled as she waved it. “I was hoping you’d share and have aLady and the Trampmoment and maybe spark something but Theo just ran with it!”

“Give me that,” Dewey said as he abandoned Theo on the lanes and snatched the sandwich from Cassie. He paused to give her a kiss on the cheek before storming into his office and slamming the door shut behind him.

Dewey ate his sandwich in peace and caught a quick nap while Cassie kept Theo and Keith distracted and entertained. She was gone when Dewey emerged, feeling somewhat rested.

“Think I’ll vacuum,” Theo decided and Dewey gave him a thumbs up on his way to the storage room.

“I’ll restock the candy in the snack stand.”

He had just finished and was closing the glass case when Dave Wells rushed through the front door.

“Everything okay, Dave?” Dewey waved warily at him.

“Where is he?” Dave asked, searching the alley until he spotted Theo with the vacuum. “I know it was you, you son of a—!” he said as he rushed at Theo.

“Hold on, now,” Dewey dropped a box of assorted candy bars and hurried around the snack counter.

Theo shushed and held out a hand, backing away from Dave. “I haveno idea—” he started before Dave swept him into a tight hug, lifting Theo off his feet.

Dave twirled Theo, then set him down and grabbed his face, kissing him loudly. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, you beautiful, beautiful man!” He was crying as he pulled Theo into another exuberant hug.

“I really have no idea what you are talking about.” Theo held up his hands and looked at Dewey cluelessly as he was spun. “All I did was adopt Walter,remember?”

“Right!” Dave gasped as he set Theo down. He nodded at Walter and then at Dewey. “Right, right, right! I’m still so happy about that! And Lidia is just…over the moon.” His head bobbled rapidly as he wiped his eyes, worrying Dewey.

“You okay, Dave? I’ve never known you to be happy about anything,” he said but Dave turned and glared.

“Mind your own business, Doobie.”

Dewey’s head cocked. He was even more confused. “Okay…”

“How was that, Theo?” Dave asked and Theo gave him a thumbs up.

“Wunderbar. Give Lidia my love.”

There was a watery laugh from Dave. “I sure will,” he said, then scowled at Dewey again. “You had better be extra nice to Theo or you’ll have to answer to me and Lidia.”

Dewey laughed and threw a hand at Dave as he left. “Get out before I make you,” he said with a bemused snort, glancing at Theo. “What the hell has gotten into him?”

“Couldn’t say, really,” Theo said with a look at Walter. “They must be really glad to be rid of you. Not sure why. You’ve been a perfect gentleman.”

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