Chapter 08.05

“I’ll pick you up early tomorrow morning,” he said before walking me to the door.

“Uncle Steve,” I said as we reached the entrance, “if it’s okay, I’d rather not tell anyone that I’m your apprentice.”

“I wasn’t planning to either,” he smiled. “Anything else?”

“For me, the bonus questions aren’t just optional, right?”

“I don’t think I even need to answer that,” he laughed. “I liked your response to the alcohol question too.”

We shook hands, and I stepped outside.

“Messyhair,” Jenny ran after me once I was already on the street. “Just don’t leave me behind on Sunday.”

Right there, in the open street, she wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me. She never would have done that before.

“Never,” I whispered against her lips.

—

Uncle Steve really did come for me early. I woke up on my own, but not long after, I had to head out. He drove his own car—a well-maintained, fully equipped gray SUV that was a few years old. It handled country roads much better than mine.

We spent the entire day visiting animal farms. He introduced me to everyone and showed me how to assist with vaccinations. He examined pregnant animals and checked each one individually. The three farms took up our whole day, but I loved every minute of it. The locals always fed us, so by the time I got home late at night to a quiet house, I just collapsed into bed.

The next morning, he picked me up early again, but we only had time for two farms that day. By the afternoon, we were back home. Mom had already packed up, and after scooping up Jenny, we headed back to school.

“How was it?” she asked, and I told her all about my weekend.

“And you?” I was curious about Daniel’s girlfriend.

“Interesting girl,” she said, keeping it brief.

“Not a fan?” I asked.

“Not really,” she said. “She lectured Mom about why lunch wasn’t good enough and argued with Uncle Steve about spaying and neutering.”

“What did she say to you?” I grinned. This was probably the real issue.

“That people who watch sci-fi have no imagination,” she said flatly. I burst out laughing.

“What did Dany say?”

“I told him in a way he’d understand—that he deserves better,” she said. “Luckily, he knows that too. The girl was the one insisting on the introduction. I give it a few months, tops.”

“Knowing your brother, I’d say just a few days. Has he always been a ladies’ man?” I asked.

“Not as much as you,” she teased. “His relationships usually lasted several months, but after Dad passed, he didn’t have time for dating for a while. There was a girl at his old school he was really into, but they didn’t stay together.”

“I see.”

“Messyhair,” she said. “Next week, I’m coming home for a night during the week—I’m helping Adam with paperwork. I think this will be the last time.”

“Of course, Babe. Come whenever you want.”

Late at night, I dropped her off in front of Paul’s apartment, but I slept at the dorm.