Page 86 of Mountain Road

“Yeah,” she said, sitting back again. “Nowthatwould be weird.”

Chapter Twenty-Six – Dreams

Minty

Lucky was busy the following week with it being the end of school.

I caught up with him after school one day when I picked up George, and I saw him briefly when I volunteered to help distribute the care packages, but other than that, we didn’t see one another.

Saturday, I took Jace, Alex, and George, to the movies and the bike park, then ate dinner with my big, fat, Greek family.

Yiayia was in fine form as usual, divvying out extra potatoes, advice, and threats indiscriminately. Shortly after dinner, Yiayia went to lie down, and the boys headed to the games room, leaving the five of us sitting around the kitchen table.

It was comfortable. Familiar. Part of me wanted to stay there where it was safe.

It was only a small part.

“Lucky is playing tonight,” I announced. “I’m going with Willa and Junie to watch.”

“Have we met Lucky?” Vander asked Gus. “We know Barrett from BOXXX, but I don’t think we’ve met Lucky.”

Gus shrugged. “He’s the tall, blond that hangs out with Barrett sometimes. We could ask Barrett about him the next time we see him.”

“Uh,” I huffed. “Thanks, daddy, but I think I’ve got this,” I reprimanded them both.

“Daddy. Kinky,” Vander teased. “Do you call him ‘daddy’?”

“No, actually,” I began softly. Both Amber and Ruby perked up. They recognized the tone of my voice.

Gus went on alert, his eyes wary.

Vander grinned at me, unaware.

I met his eyes, and his grin faltered.

Ruby chortled, her eyes alight with expectation.

“I call him Captain Cock,” I replied softly, taking in Vander’s stunned expression with a deep sense of satisfaction.

Amber laughed, leaning into Gus as he wiped a big hand over his face, groaning.

Vander began to laugh and looked at Ruby affectionately. “I thought you were trouble.”

I stood to go, wrapped in their happiness. For the first time, I was not the slightest bit envious.

“Minty,” Gus called out.

I turned, my eyebrows raised.

“Call any of us if you need anything.”

I softened. I knew that. The knowledge warmed my heart. “Thank you, Angus. I know that.”

A few hours later, I arrived at the bar and a different type of happy energy filled me. Being the holiday weekend, the place was packed and the atmosphere super-charged.

Willa, Junie, and I settled at our table and ordered a round of drinks, virgin for Willa who was nursing.

“Ten minutes to spare!” Junie crowed. “Lenny said we’d never make it on time.” She turned to me. “How are things with Lucky?”

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