Page 47 of Fight
Mom turned away from setting a stack of plates and silverware on the table and spotted me in the doorway, and Devon at my back.A smile spread across her face.
"There you are!"She said."I was just wondering when you would get here.You're usually earlier than this." I felt heat rush to my face.
"We were just running a little late, Mrs.Daniels."Devon spoke up.He set one hand on my hip, reminding me I was blocking his path.I quickly stepped out of the way, going to set the table.
"You're still early, dear," She assured him."just not as early as usual."
Dad was quiet, but I knew he was seeing everything around him.
"Is there anything I can do to help?"Devon asked.
"Can you grab the salad and the dressing out of the fridge?"Mom pulled open the oven and lifted out a pan of fresh baked rolls.
We all pitched in, and within minutes we had dinner on the table.We sat down and passed dishes around until everyone was served.
"How are things going with you two?"Dad asked once we'd begun eating.
"We're doing well, Dad.Really well."I took a bite of roasted chicken.
"That's kind of what I wanted to talk to you about, sir."Devon spoke up.
"Dev, I've told you not to call me that.My name's Jim and I expect you to use it."
Devon nodded."I know, I'm sorry.It's habit."
"What was it you wanted to talk to me about, then?"Dad said.
"Well, Nickie's told you that we're potential mates right?"
Dad nodded, not sure where this was leading.
"Well, I don't know how much she's told you but one of the side effects of an unsealed mating, is a kind of exaggerated separation anxiety.We have a hard time if we go more than a day or two without some kind of physical contact."
"You mean-" Dad trailed off, his face turning red.I wasn't sure if it was anger or embarrassment.
"DAD!"I gasped, shocked."It's not like that!"I reached over and laid my hand over Devon's where it sat on the table."It's like this.Some kind of physical proximity.Touch, nearness."
The flush faded from my father's skin, replaced by a look of confusion."And why are you telling me this?"
Devon took a deep breath."Because the Anikitos-"
"He means Bill."I put in.
"-is going to need Nickie to do some traveling."Devon finished.
I saw the realization dawn on my father's face."So you're going to need time off."Dad said, relieved.
"Pretty much, yeah."Devon said, but quickly continued."I won't leave you hanging, though.I'll arrange for someone to fill in for me and help you out."
"You don't have to do that.I can take care of things while you're gone."
"I do need to do it."Devon insisted."You don't need to be handling it all by yourself, and helping you is my job.Finding someone to cover for me while I'm gone, is part of that job."
"What about the trouble Brandon's been causing?"Dad wanted to know.
"That's part of why Devon's going to go with me.Bill won't send me out of town without some kind of security.Devon will be that security."
"Is it going to be dangerous?"Mom wanted to know.
