Page 82 of Home Tears

Kate laughed. “The carnie outfits fell through. Bubba didn’t get them in time, or something. I’m not sure. Aiden said we’re going with the animals tonight.” She raised her arm. “I’m Koala One.”

“Who’s Koala Two?”

“Ah. Yes. That’s why I’m not the ‘cop’ tonight. It’s supposed to be Robbie, but he’s not here yet.”

“Oh.” Dani leaned beside Kate against the patio’s frame. “I heard a rumor you’re supposed to kiss?”

“We are.” She slumped next to her, holding her cup with both hands. “I think he has to tell Lori that. At least, that’s what we decided.”

“Gotcha. And if he doesn’t come tonight?”

“Then he didn’t tell Lori.” Kate gave her a pointed look.

Dani frowned. “Oh.”

“Yeah.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Yeah.”

“My grandma’s alive.”

“What?” Kate did a double take.

Dani shrugged. “I thought I’d share in your misery. My grandmother’s alive, and she just kicked me out of her hospital room.”

“Why’d she do that? Where is she? Your grandma’s alive?!”

“I pushed her to admit something, but she wouldn’t.”

A smile ghosted over Kate’s features. “Is that code to tell me that I’m pushing Robbie?”

Dani gave her a wry smile. “Robbie asked me one night if I thought Lori would make a good mother.” Kate winced, but Dani kept going, “I’m not telling you that to hurt you. I’m telling you that because he’s thinking about his future. And I told him if he was asking a stranger that question, he knew the answer.”

“He kept dating her.”

She touched Kate’s arm. “I haven’t kept up to date with what’s going on, but I wouldn’t worry about it. Robbie seems like a guy who needs a little push. And if he doesn’t, then he’s losing something amazing.”

“Oh.” Kate frowned. Her hand flicked up to her eye. “Thanks, Dani. Maybe we could stay out here and get drunk? Forget waiting on guys, right?” It was a wishful thought, but Kate laughed as she reached into her pocket and produced a walkie-talkie. She pressed the button and spoke into it, “This is Koala One to Chimp Two.”

Static sounded a moment. “This is Chimp Two. Chimp One is still missing in the jungle. What do you need, Koala One?”

Kate whispered over the sound to Dani, “Chimp One is Aiden. Chimp Two is Bubba.”

Dani nodded. “Got it.” She’d never remember that.

Kate pressed the button again. “Koala One has come across Flamingo Two. Flamingo Two is requesting more coconut juice.”

Dani mouthed, “Coconut juice?”

“Booze. And you’re Flamingo Two.”

They heard a reply, “Coconut juice is on its way, Koala One and Flamingo Two. Good to hear you arrived, Flamingo Two.”

Dani took the radio and spoke into it, “Thank you…”

“Chimp Two,” Kate mouthed for her.

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