Chapter 10

I kept asking leading questions like, “You guys sleep all right? I see you decided to sleep downstairs after all?”

These queries were met with Andy’s pursed lips, knitted brows and slight shakes of his head. To which I mouthed an innocent, “What?”

Ted was bright and airy. Brad played with his food and shot moon eyes at Ted, and nervous glances at me.

“I slept like a log,” Ted offered. “How about you, Brad?” He winked at his counterpart on the other side of the table.

“Oh, yeah, eh, great. Yup, like a log.” Brad recited his line and blushed.

“How about you?” Ted continued, “You have any trouble sleeping, Mr. Bennett?”

My eyes must have gotten as big as saucers. I was sure this smooth character somehow had read my mind.

“I…we…I.”

My hero came to my rescue. “We slept really well. Thanks.”

Brad looked at me with a question on his face.

From there the conversation was carried mainly by Andy and Ted, while Brad and I offered little but exchanged glances.