Chapter 63: Just a Look

Hallie came out of her bedroom to the sound of some kind of awful howling.

“Home, home on the range,” Luke sang, sounding like an out-of-tune contestant on American Idol.

“Your singing,” Hallie remarked with a shudder, “it’s even worse when you’re sober.”

They walked down the stairs of the ranch house to meet the rest of the family for breakfast.

“Sorry, I can’t help it,” Luke said, “I’m just so happy to be back here in the countryside, even for a short getaway.”

“So you’re not going to stay for weeks and weeks like some kind of moocher?” she teased.

“Not this time. I’m telling you, I’ve become a more responsible person. I’ll do my best to promote Solar Sarkadia and make lots of money for my country, bringing home the bacon, as you Americans say.”

“I don’t know if anyone says that anymore,” Hallie replied with a slight smile. “But I’m glad you’re being more responsible.”

The family sat down at the table as the smell of fried eggs, hash browns, and sausage filled the air.