Chapter 84

Would ya consider takin' yer dad's advice, Josh?" a female voice asked, but I was too tired to pinpoint it.

"No, Mom." At Josh's voice I suddenly woke, but I couldn't quite seem to open my eyes. "I ain't gonna stay away from her. I—Danny?"

Something squeezed my hand and my eyelids fluttered open reluctantly. I caught Josh's worried blue eyes and glanced around. I didn't recognize the room, but I was lying in a bed with Josh at my side, holding my hand. It looked as if chairs had been brought in to accommodate the large family, but only half were here. Coffeeblue and Iya sat to my right, turned towards each other with cards in their hands and between them. "Hmm…" Coffeeblue said, staring at Iya and leaning back against Tannar. "Got any twos?"

"Ha!" Iya said, punching the air. "Go fish!"