“Where are the dogs?” Lucas asked.
“Out back,” Thea answered.
“Except Kona,” I said. “Never Kona.”
“She’s a mama’s girl,” Thea said.
We sat down to our meal of steak fajitas and homemade rice and beans. “It’s delicious,” I told Thea. “You are one hell of a cook.”
“Thank you.”
“She learned from her mother,” Clay said with a proud smile.
“How’s it been at the townhouse?” I asked him.
“You know, I have to say Charles and I get along pretty well,” he answered.
“Who’s Charles?” I asked.
“Mr. Wedge,” Thea replied. “Are you actually friends with him?”
“I wouldn’t say friends, but we do have a lot in common. I think the guy is just lonely. His wife died a long time ago and he’s never remarried.”
Everyone at the table nodded in understanding. I remembered how devastated the entire family had been.
“Just watch your back,” Thea said. “The man is a snake.”
“You’re just bitter because he didn’t like your dogs,” Rich said.
“You’re right,” Thea replied.
“So, I’m going to Jordan next month,” Rich announced.
“Jordan the country?” I asked. “What’s there?”
“It’s a new resort,” he answered. “They invited the top travel agents in the world. It’s all comped.”
“Top travel agents,” I joked. “Are you saying you’re one of the top?”
“I’m not saying it. It’s true. I am at the top.”
Thea groaned. “Here we go.”
“Don’t be jealous,” Rich said, laughing.
“You’re both successful,” Clay said in typical parent fashion.
“We studied Jordan in school,” Lucas said. “I really want to go there one of these days.”
“After dinner, I’ll show you where I’m going,” Rich offered.
“Cool,” Lucas replied.
Ally was smiling. Clearly, she was happy with the changes in her son. I’d noticed the change since that first meeting. The whole near-death thing really set him straight.
Ally tapped her glass and stood up. “Can I say a little something?” she asked.
“Of course,” Thea answered.