Page 44 of Whispers and Wildfire
“I haven’t heard anything about hiding from the FBI,” I said. “Although you never know with her. She could be the head of an organized crime ring.”
Theo nodded thoughtfully. “You know, I can kinda see it.”
“Stop,” Mom said with a laugh. “Melanie Andolini is a sweet girl from a very nice family.”
There went someone calling her sweet again. “Do you actually remember Melanie, or are you mixing her up with someone else?”
“Of course I remember. I know things didn’t work out between the two of you, but that doesn’t mean I have to dislike her.”
“That’s not what I’m saying.”
“You should invite her for dinner,” Mom said.
“Why would I do that?”
“I can’t remember the last time I saw her. I’d love to catch up.”
I looked at my dad, hoping he’d tell her that was a terrible idea. He just grunted and shook his head as if to sayI’m not getting involved.
“Thanks, Dad.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“Exactly.” I sighed. “Mom, I don’t think inviting her over for dinner is a good idea.”
“Wait, I’m confused,” Owen said. “Who’s Melanie?”
“Luke’s girlfriend from high school,” Theo answered.
“And she works at the garage?” Owen continued. “But she might be the head of an organized crime ring?”
“No, her only crime is driving me crazy,” I said.
“Be kinda cool if she was,” Owen said with a grin. “I mean, not really, because my dad would have to take her down. But it would make a good story when it was over.”
“I don’t know, I think our family has enough good stories,” Theo said. “We don’t need to add Luke dating the head of an organized crime ring.”
“I’m not dating Melanie,” I snapped.
“Dated,” Theo said. “I meant dated.”
Zachary chuckled. I glared at them both.
“How are things shaping up for football this season?” Dad asked Theo.
I glanced at Dad, and he gave me a quick wink.
Holy shit. My dad had changed the subject for me. I subtly tipped my chin to him so no one else would notice.
Dad’s subject-change diversion worked. Theo launched into his favorite topic—football. He had plans for their summer camp and the upcoming season. Owen had plenty to add, especially when it came to Tilikum’s rivalry with neighboring Pinecrest. Back in our day, some of that competitiveness would have been harnessed for pranking the Baileybrothers. But with the feud over, the kids of Tilikum had to do what normal small-town teenagers did and trash-talk their rival schools’ sports teams.
I finished my burger and my beer, glad no one was talking about Melanie or my apparently failed love life anymore.
Despite the shift in the conversation, I found myself thinking about her. What did it mean that her mom said her job was going well? Was Mel happy working at the garage? Was it all in my head that she’d seemed irritated with me for talking to Jenna?
And why did I care? It didn’t matter what she thought.
My family kept chatting, and I got up and went inside to get another beer. As I opened it, my phone buzzed with a text. It was Kyle. A race was on.
