Cast the Cards

“I’m not feeling social.”

“We’ll eat at my place. You need to get out of here for awhile. Shake it off, get some fuel in your belly, and come back fresh.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

“I am.” He walked over to her chair and held out his hand. She grabbed it, and a shock of awareness ran through him. “Come on.” She allowed him to pull her up. Her graceful hand fit his like a glove. The realization stunned.

He scanned the area. Was Clark nearby? The rumor about twins sharing thoughts, and emotions was true. Even after Clark passed, he could sense him. At first he thought he’d been headed for the psych ward. Then he’d done some research and found it wasn’t uncommon.

She dropped his hand and they walked through the door. Maybe lunch at my place wasn’t the best idea. The mood was subdued and they didn’t say much as they left the station.

“I’ll drive,” he offered.

“Okay.”

Her lackluster response made him frown. “We’re doing all we can, Vannah.” He unlocked the car with his key fob.

“I know, but it doesn’t seem like enough.” She opened the door and entered the car, shutting the door before he could respond. I can take a hint, no conversation. He got into the driver’s seat, turned on the radio. After starting the engine, he pulled out of the parking lot.

Ten minutes later they were inside his kitchen. She sat at the four–person, square oak table. He stood in front of the fridge.

“What are you in the mood for? I have cold cuts, steak, pasta?” He turned to look over his shoulder.

“Whatever you’re in the mood for.”

Get her minds off things. “Okay, banana pancakes it is.”

“What?” she chuckled half-heartedly.

I’ll take it. “That’s better. Steak and a salad okay?”

“It’s great, but salad?” Wrinkling her nose, she frowned.

“Hey, gotta watch my figure.”

“Really?”

He laughed. “Okay, have to make sure I’m faster than the perpetrators I’m pursuing.”

“Better, but in Dale?” Her eyes laughed at him.

“Careful, your big city snobbery is showing.”

She rolled her eyes. “Please, I know where I come from.”

“Hmph.” He pulled out the steak, opened the packaging, and began to season.

“Are you saying I don’t?” Fire returned in her voice. Mission accomplished.

“I’m just curious. Do you even remember how to play Farkle?” They’d spent hours playing the dice game when they were younger.

“Yes, and I bet I can still mop the floor with you.”

He smirked. Got you! “In your dreams, sweetheart.”

“Once lunch is over we’ll see.”

“I guess so.”