Page 6 of The Falcon and the Foe

“Seriously?”

“Yeah, work’s been getting busy. I won’t be able to commit the time,” he said flatly as if he’d rehearsed it.

“You’re an eye doctor, Eddie. I didn’t know things picked up like that.”

“Oh yeah, for sure. More people are moving to Sourwood, which means more eyes that need to be checked.” He let out a nervous chuckle.

“I thought your office had set hours, though.” That was one of the benefits of having Eddie in the troop. He went with the flow—my flow—and he never missed a meeting.

“Uh, we have to get home. Emmaline, let’s go.” Eddie gave her a terse nod. She dropped her drink in the trash, and the Yamimotos made a hasty retreat for the exit.

Just great. It was required that two parents lead a troop in case one couldn’t make a meeting. Now I had to begin the hunt for a co-pilot all over again. Eddie was perfect. He knew how to step aside and let me lead.

Quentin and his friends played Star Wars in the corner of the room. They had rolled up the brochures and used them as lightsabers, making thedooshsound effect whenever they made contact. Quentin was little for his age, just like my late husband, and sometimes it seemed like he was surrounded by giants. He stood on a chair to get height in his lightsaber duel.

“Quentin, don’t stand on the chair. Be careful.” I nodded for him to get off.

Cal continued to make impatient eyes at me. I couldn’t avoid him any longer.

“Cal, good to see you again,” I said with my fakest tone.

“Really? It seemed like you were avoiding me.”

“I wasn’t. I’ve been making my way around to all the parents tonight.”

“With me last.”

“Just a coincidence.” I used all my muscle power to hold back an eye roll, even though he was right. “Frankly, it seemed like you weren’t a fan of the Falcons.”

“I’m not, but my son is dying to join.” Cal waved over Josh from the lightsaber logjam. He was a skinny, shy kid with a mess of dark hair and a bridge of freckles over his nose. He looked at me, then down at the floor.

I squatted down to his level and stuck out my hand. “Josh, it’s an honor to meet you.”

“An honor?” he asked.

“Absolutely! Anyone who wants to join the Falcons has my unyielding respect.”

Josh shook my hand in his soft, sweaty palm. A shy smile took over his face. Part of what I loved about the Falcons was finding kids like this and helping them come out of their shells and find their confidence.

“We’re excited to have you in the troop. What are you looking forward to doing?”

“Uh, I, uh, want to go camping. Sleep under the stars. I want to learn how to build a fire.”

“Not in a pyromaniac kind of way,” Cal interjected.

“Isn’t it amazing that all you need to start a fire are two sticks? Although we’ll probably cheat and use matches. But there’s an art to building a campfire. You have to arrange the kindling, then the logs, and the secret is blowing.”

Cal stifled a laugh. I shot him a dirty look.

“You see, for everyday people, they think that when they blow on a fire, it goes out. Like with birthday candles. But if you do it right, blowing on a fire can make it come to life!”

Josh’s face lit up as I watched his mind get blown in real-time.

“We’re going to make glowing fires and sit down and cook the best meals you’ve ever eaten on them. But first, we’re going to learn about doing it safely and being prepared for life in the woods.”

“Cool!”

“Very cool. Let me show you how to do the Falcons salute.” I positioned my fingers and saluted Josh. He copied me back. “Excellent! Since you’ve done the salute, that means you’re a Falcon now.”

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