Page 75 of Healed
“Yeah, but I need to be back for Tempest shortly,” Brandt said. “Just gotta check on my sister and this guy and see what it’s all about.”
Have fun,” Emmalyn called out, snuggling down into the sofa and adjusting herself on the numerous throw pillows she was reclining on.
“What is she watching?” Brandt asked as Barron stepped outside and pulled the door closed behind himself.
“Some Chinese mini-drama things she’s found on scrolling on social media. Long as it keeps her distracted I really don’t care. She’s been miserable.”
“Yeah, I know the feeling. Tempest is about ready to bring the whole damn world down around her ankles just to get the ruffian, as she calls our kid, out of her,” Brandt said.
Barron nodded, then stopped and looked at Brandt when he realized what Brandt had said. “Can she do that?”
Brandt shrugged. “Let’s just hope everything goes well, and goes soon. She’s completely out of patience and I can’t say I blame her.”
“We driving?” Barron asked.
“Thought we’d just cut through the woods,” Brandt said.
“Even better,” Barron said.
~~~
“Well, look what we have here!” Havoc said, lifting his beer in a semi-toast to Barron and Brandt as they walked up the driveway toward Havoc’s impromptu cookout.
“Thanks for the heads-up,” Barron said sarcastically.
“We’re having a play date!” Analise said. “Want to join us?”
“Of course, they do. They not here because we invited them, they smelled meat and followed the scent. That’s why I sent an invite. If they didn’t get invited, they’d be butt-hurt,” Havoc said, taking a bite of his steak and chewing appreciatively. “And it’s good, too!” Havoc said.
Barron and Brandt looked at each other then at Havoc. “So where’s ours?” Brandt demanded.
Havoc laughed. “Got it right here,” he said, lifting a large cover off a buffet server so they could see inside.
“Oh, my Lord, load me up,” Barron said, grabbing a plate and holding it out for Havoc to put a steak on his plate.
“Want a potato? Analise made a potato bar set up,” Havoc said, waggling his brows in what he thought was a provocative manner.
“Hell, yeah,” Barron said, waiting while his plate was filled.
“Same,” Brandt said, patiently waiting his turn. Then standing behind Barron waiting for him to finish fixing his potato so he could do his.
“You look like Mr. Bane,” Carson said from where he sat, his gaze firmly on Brandt.
Brandt looked over at the boy. “I do, don’t I? That’s because he’s my dad. I’m Brandt. Who are you?”
“I’m Carson. Mr. Bane is my new friend.”
“He’s a good friend to have,” Brandt said, adding cheese, sour cream and butter to his potato.
“Yeah. And so is Harley. She’s my new friend, too,” Carson said. “And Gerald.”
“Sounds like you got a lot of new friends,” Brandt said.
“I do. Do you have any friends?”
Brandt laughed. “I guess that depends on the day.”
“Don’t let him fool you, Carson. He’s my brother. He’s a good male and he has lots and lots of friends. And his wife is about to have a baby. He’s going to be a daddy!” Daisy said.
