Page 101 of Reeves

I place the first burger on the grill. "When the edges start to look cooked, and it doesn't stick."

He nods like he's committing it to memory.

The burgers hit the grates with a sharp sizzle, and I close the lid.

"Can I stand here and watch?"

"Sure. But step back."

He moves maybe six inches.

"More than that, buddy."

I guide him back with my hand on his shoulder, keeping him out of reach of the heat.

"Why?"

"Because hot grease hurts."

Grease pops inside the grill. My arm comes up automatically, blocking him.

I don't think about it. I move.

When I glance down to check him, I catch Charli in the doorway.

She's holding the bag of buns, but she's not moving. Just watching.

Benjy traces his finger along my forearm. "What's that?"

I look down. He's pointing at the ink.

"Tattoos."

He leans closer, studying them.

"Did that hurt?"

"Some of them did."

"Why did you get so many?"

I flip a burger, buying myself a second.

"Started with one I got with my brothers. Then more with guys I served with."

"Why?"

I shrug. "You remember things. Or you just keep going."

He nods like that makes perfect sense.

"They look cool."

I huff out a quiet laugh. "Not something you need to worry about anytime soon."

"Okay."

He studies them another second. "Do you have a favorite?"