Haymitch gestures to zip his lips. His vision must be back because his eyes focus again.
Levi chuckles. “‘Don’t mess with Texas’ is more command than slogan.”
“Haymitch doesn’t think Texas is The South either,” Austin says.
“You feel left out?” Sophie teases Austin. “Wish people wouldn’t make assumptions based on where you’re from?”
A pleased smirk grows on his face. “One point Sophie.”
“I would have thought this was The South,” I say. “The people in Pinecrest are so friendly and hospitable.”
“’Preciate that.” Austin says.
“And all the fried chicken spots,” Mia says.
“And all the twang.” Sophie sends the challenge straight across the table.
He sends her a flirty glance. “Does it remind you of my music?”
Mia points her head toward the two of them and leans to me. “Are we on board with this?”
“I mean, heseemssafe.” I keep my voice low.
“Safe, sure, but he’s not bothering her?”
“Huh? She looks happy.”
“The safest,” Levi says quietly.
I swivel to him. He could hear us?
He sends me a reassuring nod.You, on the other hand…
Haymitch interrupts my thoughts. “How ’bout you, Jeeves? You been here two years. What’s your take on Texas?”
“I think the barbecue here is the best I’ve ever had.”
“Preach,” Austin says.
“The brisket is some’n else,” Haymitch agrees. “Wish I could introduce you to ‘Bama White Sauce though.”
“Let’s make it happen.” Levi says.
“Christmas break? Maybe we can drag Samwise away from his family for a couple o’ days.”
“If you can convince Janie,” Austin says.
“Janie?” Sophie asks.
“My baby sister.”
“He don’t like tellin’ his sister no,” Haymitch says to us.
“Aw,” Sophie says to Austin. “You’re a softie.”
“She’s, what, seventeen now?” Haymitch asks.
“Nearly. She’s still a baby.” Austin sends a look to Haymitch, who raises his hands in innocence.
