Chapter 76

“Not now, thanks.”

They talked a while, until Mickey saw that Chris was getting tired.

“Come give me a hug, Ted,” Chris said. “Then I’m gonna push that button and close my eyes for a while.”

With Mickey’s help, Ted managed to lean over the bed and give Chris a hug, and when Ted had both feet on the floor, Mickey bent down and kissed Chris thoroughly.

“We’ll be back this evening,” he said.

“Bring my shaving kit with you.”

“Count on it. Can I bring you something to eat?”

“That’s a nice thought, but not necessary. I learned when I was here overnight for testing that the food in this place is pretty good. Besides, I have to be careful about what I eat for a while.”

“Okay.”

Mickey kissed Chris again, then took Ted’s hand, and they left the room.

When they were in the car, Ted said, “He really is gonna be all right, isn’t he?”

“Looks like it to me, kiddo. Are you hungry?”

“Yes, Sir.”