shook the offered hand. Lucas laughed, and it was such an open,
unself-conscious sound that Jerry joined in.
?We worked it out,? Helen said.
?Good,? Jerry said. Then he passed Lucas?s flashy convertible as
he went back to the cab to pay and get his bags. ?Or maybe not,? he
amended. Helen took that moment to roll her eyes at Lucas and
point to her phone.
?What about that woman? How are you going to tell me the rest
of the story now?? she whispered frantically. ?If I use the phone in
the kitchen, my dad will hear.?
?Sorry,? Lucas whispered back, his eyes laughing. ?I couldn?t
think of anything else to do.?
?Tomorrow,? Helen warned. ?I want the whole story.?
?I?ll pick you up half an hour early for school. We?ll get coffee,?
Lucas promised.
?What?s going on?? Jerry asked suspiciously, joining them again.
?Lucas has to get home for dinner,? Helen said. She saw Lucas
wince at the lie, but he took the hint.
?It was nice to meet you, Mr. Hamilton,? Lucas said as he waved
good-bye and backpedaled toward his car.
?Damn, I really wish you had acne. Or a gland problem,? Jerry
replied.
?Dad!? Helen huffed, embarrassed. ?Good night, Lucas,? she said
apologetically.
?Good night, Helen,? he replied softly, his eyes bright.
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?Okay, that?s enough. Get in the house, Helen,? Jerry said with a
nervous smile. He physically turned Helen around and gave her a
little push toward the door. ?I think I would prefer it if you went
back to hating him.?