Chapter 19

"Dad," Heath stuck his head in later. "Is Mom back yet?"

"Nope," Brian replied. "You may have gotten back without being busted. So how did the goodbye go?"

"Don't get mad, but I got another kiss," Heath replied.

"You two are getting pretty hot and heavy for only knowing each other for a short time, aren't you?"

"Maybe. But there aren't many girls that are cute, can fight, and play sports," Heath said with a grin.

"Good point."

"Oh yeah, and she thinks you're cute for an older guy too."

"Wow, that just made my whole afternoon, Heath."

"Hey, it wasn't my idea for her to say you were what Kellie called a 'sexual stunner.''

Brian spit out coffee at that last statement. "What? Jesus, good thing your mother isn't home yet; she would have both added another week to your grounding and had my manhood had she heard that."

"Guess you still have it, Dad, when girls like Kellie are talking about you like that."

"And it's a little scary at the same time. Meanwhile, I think I just heard your mother being dropped off outside, so you better head upstairs for the time being."

Heath nodded. "Thanks again, Dad."

"No problem. I was thirteen once too, you know."

Heath had barely been upstairs when Steffi came in the door. Brian looked up at her and grinned nonchalantly. "Have a good afternoon with Francesca?"

She smiled, putting down a couple of bags with groceries in them. "Yes. How are the kids?"

"Heath's upstairs and Audrey went to the mall to get things for her prom."

"Prom?" Steffi asked. "She didn't mention anything to me about a prom."

"She didn't mention anything to me about it either until this afternoon while you were gone."

"And you gave her one of your credit cards without discussing this with me? Brian David, I should hang you by your toenails right now! Lord knows what she's picking out to wear."

"Relax, Stef. I set her a spending limit and the dress she picks has to meet with our approval. I'm not having our daughter going to this thing looking more like she's working the nearest street corner."

"You still should have waited to discuss this with me. I could have helped her pick something out."

"I think the whole idea was for her to have a solo trip," Brian replied. "Hence which is why I suppose she told me first."

"That and you hand those kids money like water," Steffi sighed. "Really, Brian, you've spoiled them silly since they were babies."

"They're not THAT spoiled," he countered. "Is it so bad to let them have liberties I didn't have at their ages?"

"No, but there has to be a limit somewhere. I'm surprised you went along with me grounding Heath for that fight that broke out at the dance last night."

"Well, I think they know my position on fighting very well by now," Brian said.

The phone then rang, interrupting them. Brian sighed, picking it up and staying on for a few moments, a look of both shock and concern crossing his face. By the time he had hung up, he was a little pale.

"What's wrong?" Steffi asked.

"That was Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia," he replied slowly. "Ma had a heart attack."

"Oh my God!" Steffi gasped. "When did this happen?"

"About twenty minutes ago. They apparently just brought her in and I'm the only one they were able to contact. Jesus."

"Should we tell the kids?" Steffi wondered. "You know how much they love their grandmother, especially Heath."

"It's best we wait until Audrey gets back; I have to call management in the meantime and let them know what's happening, and then book us a flight to Washington. Much as I enjoy going back to my old stomping grounds at every opportunity, this isn't one of those times."