Page 197 of As The Shifter World Turns

“They are ancestors,” he countered and I didn’t even bother to argue. Once Toby had a notion in his head, it was there growing deep roots.

“Look.” He popped his seatbelt. “Micah’s waving from the doorway.”

We got out, our items in tow and walked to meet him. We had far morethings than anyone needed for any overnight trip. But as Toby told me numerous times while we were packing, we were off for an adventure.

“Glad you made it. It’s like a launching of a ship, but no water or travel… maybe that wasn’t the best analogy.” Micah reached for my bag of snacks and I gave it to him, glad for the help.

“Does that mean no pirates? I have my swords for nothing.” That was Toby.

“We shall keep our eyes out for pirates,” Micah promised. “Come on in and I’ll show you to your room and then you can see where we’re all hanging out.”

“Is it the courtyard? I’ve never been in a real courtyard but I read about one in my new book. The statues all come to life at night, but they aren’t mean or anything.” It was a book I had read as a child and given to Toby. I had adored it, too.

“It is the courtyard. You’re going to love it,” Micah assured him.

We walked inside and Micah grabbed a key on a big plastic keychain. It had been a long time since I’d stayed at a motel with metal keys. They truly had done nothing to the place.

In the reception area, it totally worked. It had this retro-vibe that small boutique places had on all the fancy travel shows. Once we got into the hallway, it was a different matter. The shag carpet was no longer shaggy and really it was more half shag carpet. Like it wasn’t the best and fanciest of its time, but also it wasn’t trying to be trendy.

At least it wasn’t orange. My grandfather had that and it looked almost like mud after years of use, even with a fancy carpet cleaning service.

“You two are in room nine. It has two beds, a television, and a door into the courtyard.” That meant I could come out while Toby slept and still be within visual and auditory range of him. Micah thought of everything.

We found the room and wow. Just wow. “This is something.”

“The green… this is my favorite green!” Toby squeed.

“It’s green and gold.” Micah chuckled. “And look.” He opened the door and there were all of the residents of Sunshine Manor, including Neil.

He hadn’t told me he was coming, maybe because he assumed that I’d know he’d be here. But whatever the reason, he was here and I was happy.

This, a nice time with our friends, this would be good for us.

“Come on out,” Ivor called over to us. He was sitting in a lawn chair that was made with the woven plastic stuff that always looked like it was going to break that was wrapped around aluminum, but somehow never did. Under his chair was Patch in a ball, sound asleep. Dyani and Elune were in their respective pushchairs and were also asleep.

Glancing around, all the chairs were the same, just different colors. Was nothing in here modern? But then again, if it was, what would be the fun of it?

“Can I, Dad?” Toby was bouncing on his toes.

“Absolutely.” I had this overwhelming urge to rush over to Neil and kiss the man breathless.

“Are these for the room or out there?” Micah asked of the snacks.

“Oh, they're for everyone. I’ll be right out. Gotta pee.”

The bathroom was pink. Bright pink, just like my dad’s uncle had while I was growing up. It didn’t match the main room at all in feel or in design elements.

“They probably got a good deal on the old model tile.” I said, running my fingers over the tiles. There was something comforting about the space, probably just that it reminded me of my great uncle’s place, but I loved the tile work. I had half a notion to ask Micah to salvage it during the renovation. It might make him some money and I didn’t want it destroyed.

We had fun. It was like being at one of our rooftop gatherings, only in a cool retro courtyard. I wasn’t the only one to bring snacks, but about two hours in, we were ready forfoodfood.

“Heads or tails?” Daire asked, holding a quarter in his hand. We had narrowed it down to subs or pizza, not wanting anything requiring dishes. “Toby, your call.”

“No. Pass it over. I know this trick.” My son was adamant and I had zero clue what he was talking about.

“What’s the trick?” I asked. “Do you think he can control the quarter? Like an illusion from a magic show?”

He just rolled his eyes.

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