“It’s not crap! It’s good stuff,” Roman said. “And Riley, Darcie called and said she can’t get away today. She’s working with a little girl that’s having a hard time fitting in with her foster family.”
“I tell you what, Darcie might be doing the most important work of any of us,” Riley said.
“She’s good at what she does. She lived it, so she knows what they’re facing, what they’re feeling,” Roman said.
“Well, tell her that I said that I’m proud of her and I’m sure that little girl will be just fine because Darcie’s helping her. Tell her I look forward to seeing her whenever she’s got a chance to run home for a day or two.”
“I’ll tell her,” Roman said, taking a long swig of his apple soda. “Damn, that’s good.”
“It really is,” Remi agreed, as he went back over to the barbecue pit to see what Riley was pointing at.
“It supposed to bubble up like that?” Riley asked.
“Yep. It’s getting sticky. That’s what you want it to do,” Remi said.
“Ohhh, yeah. That sticky part that sticks to your fingers when you bite into a rib…. can’t wait. I might even send a picture to Kaid with no comment at all,” Riley said.
“He’ll know. He’ll know exactly what you’re saying,” Remi said with a chuckle.
“So, I’m seeing that y’all been bonding already,” Riley said, turning his back to his grill as he looked at his Pride members.
“Yep. We’ve been porch sitting in the evening when it’s late,” Roman admitted.
“I wasn’t invited to porch sit,” Riley said.
“Come over anytime you want. It’s usually after their run, they stop by and I’m sitting there, just watching life go by,” Remi said.
Riley looked at Remi, his eyes narrowed. “I know what you’re watching.”
“I am. But I’m also just sitting on my porch, unwinding, letting go of some stress, and getting to know my neighbors. But yeah, I’m watching over my mate. Wouldn’t you?” Remi asked.
“Yeah, I would. But don’t make me have to become the part of me that nobody likes,” Riley said.
“I wouldn’t have asked for sanctuary if I planned to do that,” Remi said.
“And we’d have already taken care of it if we thought that was an issue,” Lucas said seriously.
The screen door opened and Amanda came outside.
“Hey, baby! You remember Remi from that wedding we went to in Louisiana?” Lazarus asked.
“I do,” Amanda said, coming into the yard to join her father. “Hi, Mr. Remi.”
“Oh, my goodness. Please. Just Remi,” Remi said. “Mister makes me sound so old.”
“You are old,” Lucas said.
They all laughed, even Amanda. “Mom said do you want a deviled egg?” Amanda said.
“Oh, Lord, yes. She finally took the cover off those things?” Laz asked.
“She did. We can have one now,” Amanda said. She looked over at Remi. “She won’t ever let us sneak one when she’s making them to bring over for family gatherings. So we have to wait until she finally takes the top off over here.”
“Come on, let’s snag one or two,” Laz said, escorting his daughter with his hand between her shoulder blades.
They paused at the back door as Scotty came outside surrounded by three already arguing little boys.
“Uncle Laz!” they all three shouted almost in unison.
