Page 30 of Truth or Spare

“Why are all the benches pink?” Theo asked. “I love them but it’s an unusual choice, isn’t it?”

Dewey chuckled as he worked. “My grandpa got them secondhand before I was born. I guess a chain of laundromats was remodeling, out in New York and Jersey, and someone got word to him.” He stood, groaning as he leaned on the black armchair at the control pad, giving the backrest a pat. “All of these were out of a pair of salons and used to have dryers attached right here,” he said as he pointed at the metal frame. “They painted over it, but you can see the screw holes where Dad and Gramps removed them.”

“Wirklich?” Theo asked as he turned to inspect the back of his chair, marveling at the elder Brooks’ craftiness. “I love how much history this place has.” He looked around and tried to imagine it in Dewey’s grandfather’s day and how it would change with the next generation. Dewey had said that he planned to leave the bowling alley to Bryce or one of his kids later and Theo wondered how they would change it. “You said Bryce was coming home soon?”

“Yup! Week after next is spring break!” Dewey cheered and pumped a fist excitedly, making Theo smile. Very little excited Dewey but he lit up like a Christmas tree whenever Bryce’s name was mentioned.

Oddly, Theo was nervous about Bryce’s return. The youngest Brooks’ spirit was always present, even if he was miles from the bowling alley. Bryce’s name was mentioned by nearly every patron as they passed through, enquiring about his progress at university and when he’d return. Theo often found notes hidden under tools and taped to machines, reminding Dewey to do a task an easier way or to take a break.

Brooks Bowling and Dewey obviously meant a great deal to Bryce and Theo hoped for the young man’s approval. He was a major piece of the alley’s history and Dewey’s pride and joy.But Theo would have to make a good impression on the younger man ifhewanted to stay and be a part of their future.

That was a very humbling prospect for a man accustomed to universal adoration. He had charmed the people of Oslo without his brother’s title, but Theo expected Bryce to have a far more critical and protective eye.

His phone rang, as if Theo had transmitted his concerns and the closest brother had received them.

“Grüß Gott, Teo,” he said when he answered, once again admiring the view as Dewey resumed work on lane 4’s wobbly bench.

“When are you coming back?” Matteo asked. “It’s beenweeks. How long are you planning to make me worry like this?

“I can’t say.”

“What do you mean, you can’t say? You don’t work for the government or the military.”

Theo chuckled, giving Walter’s head a scratch. “I’m not doing this to get back at you and to make you worry, despite what you may believe. I have Walter now. I can’t just take off whenever I want anymore.”

“Who the hell is Walter? And why can’t you leave?” Matteo asked, his voice rising.

Of course, Theo could have explained that he had adopted a basset hound named Walter and that hemightbe falling for the owner of an Upstate New York bowling alley. But Theo didn’t think that would be very reassuring. If anything, that would only freak Matteo out more.

“Let’s say, hypothetically, that I didn’t…come back. What if this is where I belong? You told me to do something for myself and I think I know what I want now, but I’m worried about you and Eli.”

“I’m worried aboutyou,” Matteo countered. “Have you joined a cult? Is Walter your leader?” he asked seriously.

“A cult?” Theo laughed and fiddled with one of Walter’s velvety ears. “Could you imagine it, Walter?” he said to the dog, earning a dry snuffle in response.

“You don’t sound well. Are you on drugs?”

“Nee, I’m not on drugs, Teo.”

“Are you sure? You’ve never gone anywhere for this long and you don’t do relationships, but now you’re committed to this Walter? You’re being evasive and I’m not even sure if Walter is real or if you’re having a mental crisis.”

“You’re going to have to take my word on this one. Walter is real and I’m not having a mental crisis. I’m on my own for once, the way you suggested. Why are you having such a hard time with this?”

“Becauseyoudon’t keep secrets and you always come back.”

“It sounds like you regret telling me to get my own life,” Theo said knowingly, earning a loud groan from Matteo.

“Oida, will you come back if I admit that I just wanted you to get a life forthatnight? Eli and I might have been worried that you…kannst wie eine Klette sein, but this is much worse, Theo. I don’t know where you are or what you’ve gotten yourself into.”

“Clingy? I was not clingy.”

“I’m appreciating it more now?” Matteo attempted but Theo rolled his eyes.

“I have to go,” he said, checking his watch. “My break is almost over and Walter probably needs to pee again.”

“Wie bitte?”

“I love you and I’ll check in soon. Ciao,” Theo said and ended the call before Matteo could ask more questions.

---