“What are you up to? Do I need to be your lawyer?”
“Nah.”
“But you’re up to something.”
“It’s legal, but it could be…a little immoral.” A lot. But getting Nate’s parenting parameter up isn’t something I’d play with.
“Just because it’s legal, doesn’t mean it’s right.”
“Aren’t you the one who told me legal and illegal don’t matter, because justice is circumstantial?”
“And yet, here you are, twisting circumstantial beliefs in your favor.”
“Isn’t that why you said it?”
“I said it so you’d have no misconceptions about the world you live in.”
“You also mentioned that the concept of truth is an outdated righteous belief that no longer applies to modern society. Truth is the mold we shove ourselves into in order to escape the world’s harsh reality. So, in a sense, we all have misconceptions we try to escape in our own way.”
“That’s a reach.”
“Then are you implying that you didn’t say those words for me to learn from them? Or did you perhaps think I would accept them, blindly trusting your senior judgment?”
He smiles, the lines easing from around his usually rigid eyes. “Argumentative.”
I grin back. “I learned from the best.”
“You should ditch politics and join me. We’d have so much fun.”
“Being destroyed by Mr. and Mrs. Weaver, you mean?”
“They can’t destroy us when we’re on the same team.”
“I’d rather play smart.”
“Which is another word for safe. I didn’t peg you for someone who refuses challenges, Rascal.”
“I love challenges, but not when they ruin me.” I pat his shoulder. “Talk to you later, Nate.”
He grabs my shoulder in return, his humor disappearing. “Don’t do anything stupid.”
“That was purged out of my dictionary by Mrs. Weaver.” That’s what we call Grandma behind her back, sort of like putting distance between us.
“Apparently, she left remains. I recognize impulsive foolishness when I see it, and your eyes are shining with it right now.”
“Don’t worry. It’s all under control.”
“That’s what your father said and we both know how he ended up.”
My jaw clenches. “I’m not him.”
“Good. Because Mr. and Mrs. Weaver aren’t the forgiving type. They weren’t with your father and they won’t be with you.”
I wink. “Everything is game as long as I don’t get caught.”
He shakes his head once.
“What? Isn’t that what you teach your clients?”