Chapter 29

“Oh, I’m enamored.” I fed Abby more burger. “But you knew that.”

Z leaned across the table to kiss me. “Perhaps.”

“Another distraction. Kiss me later. For now, keep talking.”

“Well, that’s pretty much it,” Z said. “Most of the memories are good, and most of the life lessons worked out, even if the other boys made fun of my peeing rituals, before I changed things up.” He leaned in again, to whisper, “Boys shake.”

“What’d he say?” Carmen asked.

“Something maybe not appropriate for mixed company.” Z’s smirk was suddenly a little shy

“I’ll tell you later.”

“You better.” Carmen and I were always in sync. She stood when I did. “Let’s get some footage of Z for the broadcast.”

He rose, too, and both dogs. “Can we not, Nero? I really look…”

“Perfect.”

“Only to you. I’ll give you a quote or two, but the better stories will come from the survivors, those who’ve fought the battle. Please…”