Michael was heading for the patio, to join Melissa and Greg for breakfast. By the time they had gotten home last night, Melissa was somewhat recovered. She changed into her PJs, and the three of them watched TV until she fell asleep, and he carried her to her room. Honestly, chaperoning two teenagers was more fun for Michael than attending a formal event.
As he approached, he could tell Melissa was furious about something. She glared at him and then spat, "I can't believe you didn't tell me Greg was kidnapped by the thieves."
"I made him promise me he wouldn't," said Greg. "Besides, I told you. So what's the problem?"
"The problem is you didn't tell me when it happened."
"Melissa," said Kitt unexpectedly, "I fail to see the problem. Greg told you within twenty-four hours in person and in a time and place when you wouldn't be distracted."
Melissa considered what he had said and then gave a deep sigh. "I suppose. It's just . . ."
"I'm here, safe and sound."
"Yeah, but when I called –"
"Like Kitt said, I told you in person. And I couldn't tell you last night at the charity event."
Melissa gave another deep sigh. "Yeah, you're right."
She hadn't completely calmed down yet. Michael decided to stay out of this. Melissa didn't need a third person piling in against her. So instead, he wandered over to the breakfast buffet, got his first plate, and sat down.
"And just to get it all out in the open."
Greg reached into his pocket and pulled something out. He tossed it on the table in front of Melissa. She looked at the object for a moment, and then up at Greg.
"Really?"
Greg shrugged. Michael was confused. It looked like a distributor cap. Melissa's lips twitched, and then she started laughing.
When she stopped, she said, "Kitt, you had Greg remove the distributor cap on the thieves' van."
"He was safe the entire time, I assure you."
"Greg's so unmechanical, I'm surprised the van didn't blow up."
"Removing the distributor cap cannot make a vehicle explode."
"You're underestimating how much damage Greg can do if you let him near an engine."
"You're the engineer," said Greg. "I'm the architect and landscaper."
She smiled at Greg, and he smiled back. Michael was impressed at how quickly the whole thing had blown over. And it said something about their relationship that she was willing to be that angry with Greg. Especially given her childhood, growing up with Garthe as an older brother.
They ate their breakfast, discussing a wide range of things: teachers (Greg went to the same school Melissa had graduated from), friends, acquaintances, movies. Michael ended up learning a lot about Melissa, things he would never have thought to ask about.
Melissa checked her watch. "Well, time for me to head off for PT. Coming?"
Before Greg could say anything, Michael said, "Greg and I have other plans."
"Okay, see you later."
She pushed away from the table, back to using the wheelchair, Michael was pleased to see. Greg watched her leave, and then turned to Michael.
"We have other plans?"
"Yup. Come on."
Greg got up and followed Michael. "Where are we going?"
"The day we met, you told Daniel the site manager that the reason I was helping out is that I could drive, and I could reach things on the top shelf."
"Yes."
"Well, I can't help you with the second, only the first."
"Meaning?"
"I can't make you taller, but I can teach you how to drive."
Greg stopped dead in his tracks. "What? Really?"
"Really. Melissa's PT is an hour, which gives us plenty of time to go over the basics."
"Do I get a vote in this?" asked Kitt, with a decided lack of enthusiasm.
Michael grinned. "C'mon, Kitt. Are you telling me you don't want the chance to teach someone what you think a driver should know?"
"Well, when you put it like that, Michael, where shall I meet you two?"