Page 103 of Quinton's Quest

“I like Buddy.” Trevor’s smile carried in his voice as I checked both ways before turning onto the road.

“He seems like a very nice dog.”

“Bibi’s fun.” Melodie’s contribution.

“Yes, she seems to be. She wasn’t scared of Lucky.” I stopped at the intersection.

Lucky woofed.

Melodie giggled.

Yeah, I can do this. The intersection was clear, so I crossed it. Our house was another three blocks away. Logically, I understood nothing bad was going to happen—but that didn’tkeep me from white-knuckling it all the way home.How do parents do this? With such precious cargo?Well, they couldn’t leave the kids at home for eighteen years, so obviously they managed.

I pulled into my driveway. We lived in a nice two-story house with three bedrooms, a den, and a full in-law suite in the basement where Mama lived. I hated that, but she insisted she liked having the small space to herself. I argued this washerhouse, so she should be able to live in the upper part. In a moment of melancholy, she said she associated it too much with my father. That the basement suited her because she didn’t see memories of him at every turn. Plus, she could come upstairs whenever she wanted and she could keep me close.

Speaking of Mama… She opened the front door and poked her head out. She caught sight of me and cocked her head.

I got out of the SUV.

“New ride?” She grinned. “I liked the old one, but this silver color suits you.”

“I’m not giving up my burgundy baby for anything.” No way was I picking a boring color. If I could’ve gotten neon pink, I totally would’ve done that. “I, uh…we have guests.”

“Let me put on my shoes.” She disappeared into the house.

I opened Melodie’s door.

“I can help with Trevor.” She reached across and deftly unclipped her brother.

He scrambled out of his seat and tried the door.

Child locks.

Thank God.

“Who do we have here?” Mama poked her head into the SUV.

“I’m Melodie Rodgers.” The young girl beamed.

“Trevor. Want out.” He was trying to push past his sister.

“One at a time.” Because I was the adult and had to maintain some semblance of control.

On cue, Lucky woofed.

Mama laughed. “Full house?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Dr. Rodgers?”

“Emergency.”

“Ah. Well, I was about to make some soup and maybe bake some more cookies.”

Trevor stopped fidgeting. “Really?”

“This is my mother, Mrs. Zhang She bakes the cookies I bring.”