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“Places.”
“Which places?”
“Why do you need to know?” She shot him a look, but his eyes were on her so she turned away.
“Just being polite.”
“We own a few industrial sites, and the ranch, plus some rental properties.”
He whistled. “The Trainers have done good.”
“We earned it.” Piper hadn’t meant to sound defensive, but it came out that way. She was very proud of the fact her cousins had turned their lives around, considering the feral boys they’d been when she first met them. Not that she was much better.
“It wasn’t an insult, and considering what those boys went through I’m pleased things worked out for them.”
“Thanks.”
“Buzz is a nice dog. I’ve never been big on pets, but I can see how he grows on you. I now have his hair all over the back seat of my car, so I’m thinking that makes me a part owner.”
Piper sighed. “That hair gets everywhere. You’ll be finding it for weeks. He’s Joe and Bailey’s, but the town has pretty much adopted him too. They kind of gave him the key, so he has a free run.”
“Good work, buddy.”
Dylan leaned down and played with Buzz’s ears, which the dog happened to love above all things. When he straightened, he stopped walking. Following his gaze, she saw Ava entering Phil’s.
“She works for us part-time.”
“Really,” he said softly. “You met that boyfriend of hers?”
“I have.”
“And?”
“They date.”
“And?”
Piper exhaled slowly.
“He’s okay, and most of the time I like him, but sometimes he’s a bit of a loser.”
“I’ve always wondered how someone can be a bit of a loser. They either are or they aren’t. Only met the guy once, and he struck me as harmless enough.”
“He is. I guess I just struggle with someone who’s known me four months now, and ignores me unless I say hello first.”
“Manners are important,” Dylan said with his eyes still on the café. “I met him over oatmeal this morning. He has a good handshake.”
“Nice that you and your family are spending time together.”
Piper looked at his clenched jaw and fierce expression. She didn’t think he’d answer her, and why should he, she’d only met him yesterday, and they both knew he wasn’t exactly one for talking. Besides, they also both knew she was blatantly prying.
“Not so much. Firstly, there’s my hatred of oatmeal, a Howard staple. Plus it’s fair to say Ava hates me, and Charlie’s just disinterested.”
“I’m sorry for that, but it’s going to happen if you lose contact, which I’m guessing is the case?”
“Sure, and I deserve it. Ava was a little girl when I left, and we’d been close. I was her big brother, the man who should have slayed her dragons and frightened off the losers. I didn’t. And Charlie, who wants me to call her Charlotte, is wrapped up in herself and work.... actually, she’s just like me.”
“You didn’t see them often?”
