Chapter 54

Ted, who was facing toward the deck’s entrance, said, “There’s Robbie.” He raised his voice and said, “Robbie, over here.”

Chris turned to see George and Mike following Robbie in their general direction.

“Join us, if you like, guys. We were getting ready to leave, but we can stay and visit for a while.”

“Thanks,” Mike said. “Don’t mind if we do, especially since the kids have already decided that for us.”

“Yeah,” George said.

Despite having planned to leave the restaurant, they visited with their friends until everyone had finished eating; then they left in a group. Mickey drove back to the house and let Chris and Ted out of the car before he parked it. Ted hurried to the library and his book, but Chris waited on the back porch for Mickey.

“I accomplished one thing by hanging out on the deck so long,” Chris said.

“What’s that?” Mickey said.

“The urge to nap has totally passed.”

“So what are you going to now that we’re home?”