Page 75 of Learning to Run

Jude was the first to get back on track, though. “We’ve gota few things to discuss first but setting up a playroom with some of the toysis going to be a good idea.”

A few things to discuss?

Part of me wanted to ask what they had to work out, but Iknew it wasn’t my place.

It was Gareth’s.

“What do you need to work out?” Gareth looked between thetwo of them, curious and confused. “That’s code for something, right?”

Oh yes.

Thankfully Brady was just as chatty as Gareth was. “I’m notsupposed to ask you about it yet, but lying is worse than being overly nosy, soI have to answer your question. There’s no way around it.”

I had a feeling that nosy part was a dig at me, but Iapproved of anything that got us more of Brady’s wonderful logic, so I wasn’tgoing to get offended.

“Jude and I were talking about next year and what to do andwhere we wanted to live and if we were ready to live together and what steps weshould take, but I couldn’t leave you guys alone but talking about it was pushyand you might not be ready for those kinds of discussions.” Brady glancedcuriously between all three of us as the insane flood of information finallystopped. “Are you?”

I could see both sides of the issue, so I understood whyBrady wanted to talk and Jude hadn’t wanted to push.

“Are we what?” Gareth seemed to have gotten lost in theconvoluted explanation because he gave Cashel a confused look, obviously askingfor a translation.

“Ready for discussions about how we want to live next year.”Cashel was happy to help and it looked like his brain was going full steamahead. “Brady wants to live with Jude in one of the two-bedroom units, but he’sworried that we’ll feel left out since we’ve lived together since freshmanyear.”

“Oh.” Gareth quickly jumped back on track once Cashelcleared things up. “Well, I was worried that us going to stay with Bates on theweekend would leave Brady alone too much, so this is perfect.”

Cashel and I both nodded in unison, but I let him take theconversational lead. “Taking care of Brady is really important to us and itseemed like a big job for just one person.”

“Who’ll babysit when you have to leave him alone?” Gareth’shelpful question had Brady pouting and Jude’s mouth dropping open.

Had he not realized the babysitting part?

“I haven’t used glitter or set anything on fire in months.”Glaring adorably, Brady had the most wonderful chaos threshold. “I don’t need ababysitter.”

The way Cashel’s, Gareth’s, and Jude’s heads all cocked tothe side at the same time said I wasn’t the only one who was questioning thatdeclaration.

“I think you just need to remember how important you are toeveryone.” It seemed like my turn to try to smooth things over before the crazylittle continued to pout. “They want to make sure you’re safe and happy. Notmany people, little or not, can say that. You have a wonderful family.”

And crisis averted.

“I do.” Beaming, Brady sighed and looked at everyone likethey were so sweet and romantic.

Hmm…had Gareth gotten that look from Brady or had Bradygotten it from Gareth?

“I have a wonderful family, and family shares secrets andhelps each other, right?” Leaning his elbows on the table, Brady rested hishead in his hands and looked adorably innocent.

He was definitely up to something…but what?

Chapter 22

Gareth

Brady was really good at getting what he wanted…but I wasn’tsure what that was.

Looking at Cash and Bates, they weren’t sure what he wantedeither, but the way Jude frowned said he knew and he didn’t like it.

That just made me and Bates more curious and Cash sighed.

Family was hard.

---