Page 36 of War

My mind flashed back to the “talk” I'd received, which had been significantly different.

I stared at her for a second then chuckled. “You're the cool aunt. Good for you.”

I finished my Reese's cup and threw the packaging into the bag.

She smiled. “I'm trying my best to raise him right. I hope I didn't screw up too much.”

“Nah. He's a good kid. He obviously loves you.”

Neo’s door opened and he came running down the hallway. He stopped at the side of the couch. “They're here. Thanks forletting me go.” He kissed Amantha's cheek, then took off toward the front door.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. I have to meet her parents before you leave,” Amantha said as she struggled to stand up fast.

Neo flung the door open and ran outside.

I jumped up and helped steady Amantha with my arm. When she was steady on her feet, I handed her the cane.

“Thanks,” she smiled at me and used the cane to hurry outside.

I followed behind and poked my head out the door.

Neo stood with the back door to the black car open, talking to someone inside, who I assumed was Mona. He climbed in the car and shut the door behind him.

A man waved and leaned out the driver's window. He reminded me of a volunteer baseball coach; his brown hair was short and he wore glasses. I could see a blond woman in the passenger seat.

“Thanks for letting Neo hang out with Mona,” the man spoke loudly from the car. “We’ll have him back after the derby ends tonight. It won't be late. See ya tonight!”

Amantha went to say something, but the car backed out and left before she could.

Her mouth hung open for a second before she said, “That didn't go at all how I imagined.”

“Maybe you can talk to them tonight. I'm sure he'll be fine. They're going to spend the day at a public place in the middle of town.”

She looked at me and gave me a tight smile. “You're right. What do you want to do today?”

I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her back inside.

“Get your purse. And point me to your wheelchair. We're going out.”

Chapter 18

Amantha screamed and clung to the zip line’s handle as she flew across the river. Her hair was loose and streamed behind her from under her helmet.

To keep from hurting her ankle, the staff strapped her into a seated safety harness and would meet her with her wheelchair on the other side. A thrill ride without a big risk. I loved watching the adrenaline pumping through her.

One of the young male staff called me over. “Come on. We'll get you ready to go.”

I couldn't take my eyes (sunglasses free, I finally took them off) from Amantha, though. She'd started having fun. I could hear it in her laughs and cheers as she propelled down the line.

“Gimme a minute. I want to watch her ride.” A smile touched my lips as I tracked her with my gaze. “Beautiful,” I murmured.

She reached the wooden platform on the other side. Two staff stepped forward to catch her and help her down.

I loved how excited she looked. She had a huge grin on her face and I could see, even from where I stood, that her cheeks flushed red. She was thrilled,

“Okay, wherever you're ready,” I said, stepping into position.

The staff secured my helmet in place and hooked me into a standard harness.