“I thought you shut the pool down.”
“I did. Cassidy’s flopping around on thecover like a fish on land.”
David laughed and sat on the edge of thebed. “Big bad purebred vampire getting shoved around by ahuman.”
“She won’t live it down either. Willow,Julian, and Kyle all witnessed it.”
No, Cassidy would never live that down. “Howis everyone else?”
“They’re all good. How are my kids?”
“Aiden’s training is going well, and I’venever seen Abby happier.”
“Vicky?”
“She’s doing better. There’s still a sadnessin her that was never there before. She’s strong though, always hasbeen. I wouldn’t be surprised if she doesn’t try to join Ronan’sgroup with Aiden.”
“I’ll keep that to myself until it happens.Sera’s already worried enough about what Aiden is doing withoutthinking her daughter may be contemplating the same thing. It wouldbe nice if they made it home for Christmas. And you.”
“It would.”
He didn’t think that was likely, but hewasn’t about to tell Liam that in case things changed.
He talked with Liam for a few more minutesbefore setting the red phone back on its cradle. This may be theugliest room in the place, but it was also one of the few with aphone in it, and getting cell reception had proven impossible.
Rising to his feet, he stalked out of theroom. He had to move, to feel fresh air or do something before hestarted tearing the wallpaper down. He stood in the hallway, hisgaze on the closed door of Mia’s room beside his. Instead of goingtoward it, he forced himself to turn the other way. After theirdiscussion earlier, she needed her space, and he would give it toher.
Stepping out of the hallway, the sound ofthe TV pulled him toward the only room with a television in it. Hefound Vicky lounging on the couch with her legs draped over one ofits arms. Her feet swung back and forth as she watched thenews.
“Anything good going on in the world?” heasked her.
“Is there ever?” she replied without lookingat him.
“No.”
She pulled her feet back when he walked overto perch on the arm of the couch. His mind drifted to Mia as imagesof government officials flashed by on the screen. There had to besomething he could do to make her smile, to bring her somehappiness.
The nudge of Vicky’s toe in his side pulledhim from his thoughts. “You ever been to the center of the maze outback?” she asked.
“A few times,” he replied.
“It’s pretty romantic.”
He couldn’t help but smile even as he shookhis head at her. “Playing Cupid now?”
“That’s Abby’s department. I’m just sayingit’s really pretty out there. You’re the one who jumped toCupid.”
“So I did,” he turned his attention back tothe TV. “I’m pretty sure that’s also become Brian and Abby’sspot.”
“True.” Vicky nudged him with her toe again.He arched an eyebrow at her when he turned to look at her. “There’sa lake out behind the maze. I discovered it last week. The hedgesfor the maze keep it blocked out, and I think most don’t know it’sthere because they’re always focused on the maze. It’s reallypretty and peaceful.”
“I’m sure it is.”
Vicky returned to staring at the TV.“Thought I’d let you know about it.”
He rested his hand on her calf, drawing herattention back to him. “Thank you.”
She grinned at him and put her foot into hisside below his ribs. “Don’t mention it,” she replied, then shovedhim off the arm of the couch. “See you later, Shemp.”
