Page 59 of Truth or Spare

“It’s not about Roddy,” Dewey confirmed and cleared his throat. “Theo and I had a talk about the future and we?—”

Cassie let out a loud squeal and started clapping. “Oh, my God! Doobie’s engaged! He’s getting married!”

“I knew it!” Keith declared, looking around smugly.

“No!”Dewey shouted as Bryce attempted to calm Cassie down.

Theo reared back, raising a brow at Dewey. “You could be less horrified.”

“Sorry,” Dewey said to him, then shook his head at Cassie. “No, we did not call you all here for…that. Theo and I haven’t officially addressed…that in an official way…yet.” He squinted up at the ceiling, hoping his face wasn’t as red as it felt. “Please, help me,” he begged his father and all the Brooks before him and flashed Cassie a wide, patient smile.

“I won’t interrupt again. Promise!” she whispered.

“Great,” Dewey said pointedly and saw Theo biting into a knuckle as his chest shook with laughter. “As I was saying…” Dewey gave it a moment, making sure Cassie was out of guesses. “We’ve decided to expand and add a kitchen here at the bowling alley and a sign with Cassie’s name out front,” he said, then nodded in her direction, signaling that he was done but she blinked as if she hadn’t heard him.

Bryce nudged her with his elbow. “They’re putting in a kitchen, Mom,” he whispered out of the side of his mouth.

“I know, but what are they gonna do with a kitchen in here?” she whispered back.

Theo choked on a snorting giggle and his eyes were watering. “We were hoping you could sell your sandwiches and pastries,” he said to her.

“Here?” she asked, shooting a confused look at Dewey. “Here, at the alley?”

He couldn’t hold it back any longer and started crying as he nodded. “It was Theo’s idea. We’re gonna put a sign out front for you and he’s going to build the kitchen of your dreams over where the snack stand is,” he said as he pointed at the simple counter and candy display by the jukebox.

“Here?” Cassie mouthed as her face crumpled. “For me?” She reached for Bryce as she began to shake and sniffle. “For me? Really?”

“I would be so happy to!” Theo said, hurrying over to help as she started to cry in earnest, hiccuping and gasping out her gratitude.

“Doobie! Theo! I can’t believe it! This is so—! Thank you!” She threw her arms around Theo’s neck and they were both sobbing as he rocked her.

“I can’t wait! Think of all the sandwiches you can make for me!”

She leaned back in his arms, laughing as she cupped his cheek. “All the sandwiches you can eat and I’m going to make up a special sandwich just for you.”

Theo gasped excitedly at Dewey. “Did you hear that? My own sandwich!”

Cassie released Theo and ran at Dewey, jumping into his arms. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” she said with a watery sniffle as she hugged him tight. “I don’t know what else to say!”

“It was mostly Theo. He had the idea and he’s paying for it. I’m just providing the space,” Dewey said with a dismissive shrug but Cassie rolled her eyes.

“It’s a lot more than that, you big nerd. This isyourbowling alley and you’ve always believed in me, even when everyone else thought I was just a screw-up. And you’ve always been my biggest fan and told me I should have my own business.”

Dewey pulled a face and waved it off. “I wouldn’t have said yes if I didn’t think it was a damn good idea and just as good for the bowling alley as it is for you.”

Cassie’s head fell back as she cackled and gave his chest a swat. “You are so full of shit! You absolutely would if Theo told you to.” She fanned her eyes, forcing out a slow breath. “But, seriously. This is incredible!”

The moment would have been perfect if Cassie hadn’t turned and ran to Roddy for a hug. He was crying too as he held her but Dewey had to grin and bear it despite wanting to push Roddy off of her. Bryce didn’t like it either, judging by the way he stalked to the workshop, bringing the celebration to an end.

“I’ll go after him, Cass,” Chase volunteered as she stared after Bryce.

“He’s so mad right now, but it’s for the best,” she said shakily, looking at Dewey for support.

He sighed heavily and nodded, not interested in looking at Roddy. “It’s what Dad would have wanted and Roddy is technically a Brooks so he’s still a part of this too,” he said with a vague toss of his chin.

Theo cleared his throat softly as he gave Dewey’s shoulder a reinforcing knead. “Why don’t I tell Cassie about our plans for the kitchen while you two catch up?” he suggested and Dewey nodded.

“Thanks, Theo,” he said, ducking and accepting a kiss on the cheek from Cassie.

---