Page 75 of Dad Next Door

“Are you okay?” Tristan came up behind Leo. “Did he hurt you?”

“I’m fine,” I assured him. “I got out of his way.”

“I’m sorry. He knows not to jump up on people, but it’s been a crazy morning, and I think he senses it.”

“It’s fine.” I waited as Leo gave Freddie some pets for obeying his commands, then got him back on his feet and into the house. “My parents’ dog sometimes forgets her manners too.”

Tristan closed the door behind me. He looked as frazzled as he sounded. His skin was pale, and his hair was more of a mess than usual. He was also wearing two different shoes.

“Can you put Freddie in his corner?” Tristan asked Leo.

“His corner?” I asked as Leo led Freddie away. The cats followed, giving me room to come in.

“It’s not as bad as it sounds.” Tristan closed the door behind me. “It’s what we call the bed in the back living room. It’s just to reinforce that jumping on people is bad, and there are consequences when he forgets that.”

I caught his arm as he stepped back. “It’s okay, Tris. You’re okay.”

He blew out a breath and gave me a quick, hard hug. “Thanks.”

“Quinn!” Leo said excitedly as he came back into the foyer. “Hi!” He waved again, a beaming grin on his face.

“Hey, buddy. How have you been?”

“I’m good. Dad said you’re going to hang out with me while he goes to work.”

“That’s right.” I patted Tristan’s arm. “Go do what you have to do. We’re good. But you might want to fix that.” I pointed to his feet.

He looked down and groaned. “Can you tell it’s been a day already?”

Leo giggled.

“You okay to hang with Quinn while I get ready?” he asked Leo.

“Yup.” He turned his attention to me. “Do you know how to play chess? I learned how to play at school, and I’m really good,” he said proudly.

His school was teaching chess to nine-year-olds? Things had changed since I was in the fourth grade.

“His after-school program has a STEM element to it, and chess is one of their units,” Tristan explained.

“Do you know how to play?” Leo asked again.

“I do. My dad taught me when I was about your age. It’s been a long time since I played.”

Leo beamed and waved for me to follow him. “Come on. I have the board set up.”

“I need to…” Tristan waved at his feet, the door, then at the kitchen.

“Do what you need to do. We’ll be fine. When do you think you’ll be home?”

“Shi—oot,” he corrected his almost-curse. “Right. Forgot to tell you that part. Shouldn’t be later than seven. Is that okay?”

“It’s great. We’ll have dinner waiting for you, and maybe we can watch that movie after.”

He smiled, his features relaxing. “That sounds great.”

“Come on, Quinn. Do you want to be black or white?” Leo asked.

“Black.” I patted Tristan’s arm again and took a step to follow Leo.