Charlie went back to the lab with Kate before she left for Marie's house. They each had big ideas and the lab felt like home. "If you are looking for a way to mess with the freaks, you could run tests for it. Demons and ghosts react to salt. Some react to silver. Since the freaks are flesh and bone, couldn't you do that?"
Kate knelt on one of the stools, swiveling her legs to either side as she rested her elbows on the table. "We have tried a few things." She stopped swiveling. "I wonder if there are genetic components or properties that make a creature react the way that they do. Demons and ghosts are both spirits."
Marty sat back as the girls chattered. They were both brilliant.
"Looks like we need some monster DNA," Kate said. She chewed the end of her pen but stopped when Marty cleared his throat. "Lab safety got it." She tapped her pen on the table instead. "We can test on me. So far, holy oil packs a punch."
Charlie cringed. "I think that wouldn't be a Winchester-approved avenue for scientific discovery."
Kate sighed. "We could just test things that we know work on other creatures. I'm not saying stab me." She met eyes with Charlie. "However, if we do safe testing and call Dean to tell him we found something, we could totally tell him it's something off the wall."
Charlie took a step back. "You are way too brave for my liking."
Kate snorted. "Nah, I just like messing with him." She cracked her knuckles. "We could do creature testing if we could find out if the sample would have a reaction without it being a live sample. If you whack a dead person with a stick, they aren't going to bruise." She groaned. "The venom may not react how the creature would react. We really need another specimen."
"Perhaps Matt would be willing to provide a sample," Marty said.
"Our vampire friend," Kate said.
"Aren't vampires kind of... undead?" Charlie asked.
"Right because they die with vamp blood in their system and turn. Mary seemed to die before she turned into one of the freaks." Kate slumped.
"I can make a list of living and undead creatures. Maybe we can start there." Charlie said.
"They wouldn't let me test anything," Kate said.
"You and a vampire. One living, one undead." Charlie said. "Of course, this would be safe for yourself as well as Matt," Charlie said.
Kate froze. Months of research started rushing through her head. "What if I am undead?"
"You have a heartbeat," Marty said.
Kate got up to pace. "No. I read something." She squeezed her head with the palms of her hands. "The human dies and becomes a vampire. I've died." She stopped moving, tracing her train of thought through an ocean of lore and research. "What if, when we die, we come back stronger."
Charlie patted the stool so Kate would sit down. "You are already strong."
"What if I am less human every time. I know I lose a piece of my soul. Maybe that is why I am stronger than Taylor, I've died more." Kate said.
Charlie shrugged. "I know werewolves are what you guys say they are but some people think they trigger their werewolf side once they kill someone. Are you thinking it is something like that? Not killing, but dying."
"Taylor's brother said he died when he was a baby," Kate said.
"His abilities didn't show up until he was way older," Charlie said.
Kate snapped her head up. "I want his medical records. I want my medical records."
"Uh, I can get those, I guess. They probably won't be accurate though." Charlie said. She gently took Kate's hands. "Let's write down those thoughts. I can help you sort through the information. We don't need answers today. I'll try to find records."
Kate took a deep breath. "Okay, thank you."
"One of my colleagues is coming in very soon. You are always welcome back." Marty said.
Kate grabbed her stuff. "Thanks, Marty, you're the best!"
Marty smiled. He enjoyed having Kate around.
Bobby had errands to run in town. Taylor had football practice. The girls were able to walk around for a little while as long as they were cautious.
"Let's get drinks," Kate said. They walked over to a small shop and got sodas. Kate found a bench and sat down. They people watched. She loved that Charlie found it as entertaining as she did.
Charlie saw someone walk by and unconsciously let her eyes follow them.
"She's pretty." Kate commented.
Charlie nodded.
"Your type?" Kate asked.
Charlie shrugged. "I don't know. I don't really know what my type is."
"How do you know you like girls?" Kate asked.
Charlie sighed. "I've always known. I just don't like guys, I guess. It is the same way for people who aren't like me. You just know."
Kate sipped her drink. "I'm not into anyone yet. I had a bad experience with a guy a few months ago and in general, most guys are mind-numbingly dumb."
Charlie fist-bumped her. "I can agree with you there. What happened?"
"There was a boy that liked me. His name is Logan. Taylor and I snuck off to a party and he was there. He tried to do stuff after he slipped something in my drink." Kate admitted.
Charlie's mouth fell open. "What did you do?"
"Beat the ever-loving crap out of him. Dean pulled me off of him. It is probably a good thing I hit him because Dean wanted to." Kate said.
"He is pretty protective," Charlie said.
"He can't help it. It is in his nature." Kate said. "It gets on my nerves when I want to do something and he won't let me. We could be having a major scientific breakthrough but I'm not supposed to put myself in danger."
Charlie pulled her feet up so she could cross her legs. "If something happens to you, who is going to make the breakthroughs?"
"You," Kate said.
"Nope. I'm an assistant. If you want a technological breakthrough, I'm your girl." Charlie said.
"While I have ideas, I do know that I can't jump on them. I think I scared everyone enough last year and the year before." Kate said.
"No kidding. Dude, you were ten." Charlie said. "You were ten when you faced down a hellhound."
Kate rubbed her leg, the scars long gone but the memory still heavy on her mind. "That seems like it was ages ago."
"When I was 10, I was afraid of the dark and needed a nightlight," Charlie said.
"Well, that is understandable. Have you seen what is out there?" Kate said. "We should all be a lot more afraid than we are. You have settled in. You haven't passed out in a while."
Charlie blushed. "One day I was just happy thinking all of that was fantasy. The next day, I'm in a car with you and Dean, driving to who knows where. In a way, I feel better knowing that some stuff is real. It takes away the unknown."
"I grew up with it. Dad and Dean hid all of this from Sam for a while. My biological dad told me right off the bat." Kate said. She blinked a tear away. "Sometimes, I can't remember if my childhood was even real."
"What do you mean?" Charlie asked.
"My dad was a good dad. I guess, seeing other hunters' kids makes me remember the bad days. I wasn't really allowed to dwell on emotions. Maybe that is why I am a hot mess now." Kate said. She missed Brian and felt guilty for being happy. She wasn't stuck in motel rooms. She wasn't hiding under beds. She had brothers and family.
"All I remember from my parents is how wonderful they were. I get a lot of my personality from my mom. She was fun. My dad took me to tea parties and let me paint his nails. He made me feel like a princess." Charlie said, letting her gaze blur as she tried to bring forth memories that she had forgotten about.
"They sound wonderful," Kate said. "I never knew my mom. Karen and Marie are good though."
"They are super nice. There is a store in town that I kind of wanted to go to. Do you want to walk?" Charlie asked.
Kate got up, tossing her emptied bottle into a trashcan. "Lead the way."
(April and the boys)
Caleb left for work after a hearty breakfast. He said goodbye to his little family and told them he'd hurry home as soon as work was over.
Andy was back on the right track with behavior. Having time with his parents did him a world of good. He got to tell him about his worries and they really listened. They usually listened but sometimes, he forgot to tell them stuff because Ian took up so much of their time. He wasn't excited to go back to school but he would get to see Owen every day. They got to play together a few times a week but it was never enough. He thought that Owen was what it would be like to have a brother that was his age. Ian couldn't play catch and he chewed on everything. One day he'd be bigger though.
April was able to tidy up the upstairs of the house while the boys played. She felt great and wasn't achy or tired. She planned to take them to the park later, knowing that they got bored inside. She had a short list of things to do for Caleb and got started on those after she was done cleaning. His hunting gear made her nervous. She just hoped he didn't need to use it. She couldn't imagine what she would do if anything happened to him. She didn't even want to think about it. She sat down to sort through some of his flannels and stopped to take in the familiar scent. She felt Lauren move and smiled. "You're going to have him wrapped around your little finger."
Andy tapped on the open door. "Riot has to go outside."
"Okay, you can let him out since it is daytime," April said. "You can play outside but you have to stay in the yard" She would be able to hear him since the windows were open and see him if she stood up to look out the window.
Ian tried to follow Andy but Andy shut the gate behind him, essentially locking Ian in the upstairs part of the house. He whined and shook the gate, trying to yell Andy's name.
April called out for him. "Ian, come here."
Ian shuffled into the room, still upset. He collapsed in her arms and sniffled.
April let him sit with her for a little bit. His head started to bobble. "Nap?"
Ian didn't respond.
April groaned as she got up. She held out her hand for him and walked him to his bed. "Just a little nap." She read him a story and sang him a song. She kissed his cheek and covered him with his favorite blanket. He looked so sweet and innocent when he was falling asleep. The bed was big for a boy his size and it made him look that much cuter. She turned on music for him and left the door cracked so she could get back to work.
A while later, Andy ran inside to get some water. He got a big cup and filled it to the brim. He took a sip and carried it to the table so that he could get an apple too. With the apple and cup in his hands, he turned to go back outside. He saw the world spin momentarily and landed on his back with a loud thud. He rolled over onto his stomach and took a deep breath, the previous one having been knocked out of him.
April heard something fall and ran down the steps.
Andy heard her coming. "No mama, don't come here."
April walked around the corner. "What happened?"
Andy sat up. "The floor is slippery."
April looked from Andy to the now emptied soap container left discarded on the floor. "Oh no."
Andy tried to get up but the water had made the floor even slicker. He fell again.
Ian toddled out of the laundry room and patted the soapy floor.
"How?" April asked. She looked back to the stairs. "How did you get out?" She tried to walk over to grab the boys but it was very slick and she couldn't afford to fall. She covered her face and took some deep breaths. There was soap everywhere. How did Ian not only escape the gate but also get down the stairs and coat the floor with soap and she didn't hear him. The music. She felt defeated.
Jody got a phone call from a deflated April. She bit back a laugh. "We are on our way. Just sit tight."
Owen's eyes lit up as soon as he saw the state of the floor. He ran over and slid on his feet. "This is awesome!"
Jody put a hand on April's shoulder. "Don't fret. We will get this cleaned up."
"I'm so sorry. Today is your day off. I didn't know what to do." April said.
Jody surveyed the damage. She tossed Andy and Owen two towels. "Work from the edges to the center."
Andy crawled to the far edge and started trying to wipe up some of the soap. Ian jumped on his back causing him to fall. He giggled and rolled Ian off of him.
All three boys were having a ball slipping and sliding all over the floor. April had wanted to cry but she couldn't help but laugh too. She carefully walked around the edge of the kitchen to the laundry room. She tossed the boys more towels and rinsed the used ones. As more water got added, the boys could nearly ice skate.
Owen gave Andy a huge grin and ran towards him, colliding with Andy who also decided to run. He landed with a thud and laughed until he couldn't breathe.
Jody had to laugh too. Little boys were trouble but they were so much fun.
The boys were a little sad as the floor got less slippery.
April was exhausted. She sat down on the floor. "The kitchen has never been cleaner." She looked at Andy and Ian. "You two need a bath." She caught Ian by the ankle as he ran by her. "Oh no you don't, Mister. You are not tracking soap through the house."
Jody smiled. "I'll get the boys washed off."
April thanked her.
Andy wiped off his feet and ran up the stairs. He had red marks on his elbows from hitting the floor but it was the best thing he had ever done. He turned the water on and slipped as his feet shot out from under him.
Jody helped him up. "Alright boys, we don't want to call an ambulance. Everybody sits down." Her goal was to rinse them off with the showerhead with their clothes on and then go from there. If April tried to wash those clothes as they were, the washing machine would overflow with bubbles. She rinsed Andy's head and then Owen's. "Your turn." She said to Ian. She pulled the water away from him. "Gotta be on your bottom."
Ian got pulled down by Andy but stayed when the water started hitting his head. He happily smacked at the growing suds at the bottom of the tub and scooped them into his hands to throw them in the air.
Jody decided that getting Ian washed off first would be a good idea. She got the older boys to move back while she did just that. She wrapped him in a towel and let April know that Ian was set. She lost her grip on him briefly and stifled a laugh when he ran away without the towel.
April cornered him and got him to his bedroom with a lot of effort. She wrestled a shirt over his head and put a pullup on him. She sat back and blew air through her nose. He was strong for such a little kid. "Are you hungry?"
Ian grabbed her hand and pointed to the stairs. He waited as she unlatched the gate and walked slowly down the steps.
April still didn't know how he got out.
With Owen and Andy free of suds, Jody cleaned out the tub while they got dry clothes on. While the ordeal was probably stressful for April, those boys would remember that for the rest of their lives. It was a memory that she could keep tucked away when she needed a laugh throughout the day.
April got Ian a snack and started making sandwiches for the older boys. She was fatigued but didn't feel bad. She watched Ian as he ate. She was so frustrated with him at first but the situation was okay in the end. Her boys and her floor smelled amazing.
Jody tossed the rest of the towels into the washer and joined April. "Your bathroom is sparkling."
April smiled. "Thank you so much, Jody."
"No need to thank me. Owen was a handful as a toddler. Sometimes, we have to ask for help." Jody said.
April cut the sandwiches into triangles, the only appropriate shape for sandwiches to be, according to Andy. "He was a handful?"
"He was rambunctious and headstrong. Nobody holds a candle to this little guy." Jody said, brushing her hand across Ian's head.
"I don't know what to do," April said. "Andy was a handful but we got through it."
"The nursery program will be good for both of you. Some kids are more difficult than others but they leave you with the best stories to tell." Jody said.
Andy shoved part of a sandwich in his mouth. "Thanks, mom." He mumbled around the huge bite.
April offered him a napkin. "You're welcome, love."
"Things are different this time around. I wasn't a great disciplinarian with Andy." April admitted.
Andy swallowed. "I don't think I like this conversation."
Jody patted his back. "We are talking about Mr. Ian."
Andy shrugged and went back to his food.
"I can share some things that worked with Owen," Jody said.
April sighed. "That would be fantastic." She rubbed the back of her neck. "Would you two want to go to the park with us?"
"Absolutely," Jody said with a bright smile. "Unless you boys are too tired after all of that hard work."
Both older boys tried to eat more quickly.
"Don't choke. We have plenty of daylight." April said.
Andy slowed down. He got to ice skate in the house and go to the park on the same day. Summer was awesome.
Jody jingled her keys. "I can drive us there."
April fanned her face. "The day is catching up with me."
"Sit. I'll get water for the boys and Riot's leash." Jody insisted. She rounded up the necessities and clipped the leash to Riot's harness.
April really enjoyed hanging out with Jody. She was such a kind person and the boys adored each other.
They found a bench and sat down to watch the boys play.
The older boys ran off to the swings and Ian followed Riot around, throwing sticks for him.
Ian looked back at April for a moment and turned back toward the park.
"It looks like he thought about that," Jody said. "At this age, their little minds are just working overtime."
"We got an extra tall gate to keep him out of trouble. I don't know how he got out today. Maybe he learned how to work the latch." April said.
"They are quick. Owen was the master of getting out of baby-proofed areas." Jody said with a warm smile.
Ian reached up to grab a low bar and pulled himself up to swing his feet.
April sat forward. "Oh, maybe that is how."
Ian hoisted himself up by swinging his foot to the side and managed to flip himself over the bar, landing hard on his back.
April gasped and ran over to him.
Ian's face was red as he giggled wildly. He jumped up and tried to do it again but April stopped him.
"That is dangerous," April said, momentarily forgetting that he was not yet two and could lift himself like that.
Jody walked over. "I'll keep him from falling." She let Ian pull himself up again but held onto him as he tried to flip over again. "You may have an Olympic gymnast on your hands." She pulled Ian away from the bar and carried him to the grass. She showed him how to put his hands down and push with his legs to do a front flip. She showed him two more times and he got the hang of it.
Ian rolled, landed, and laughed over and over again.
April was surprised. "How is he so good at that."
"Some kids are naturally good at it. Some have big heads and can use that to throw their weight." She rubbed Ian's head. "Maybe if he is doing this, he won't try to flip over bars."
"Maybe tumbling classes would be good for him. He needs to burn off some energy." April commented, watching him roll around on the ground.
"I'd invest in some mats. It starts with front flips and moves to flipping off of the bunk beds." Jody said with a chuckle.
April's stomach fell. "Oh no, don't tell me that!"
Ian tried to run back to the playground but fell because he was dizzy. He giggled again and pushed himself up only to fall again.
Riot licked his face and fell on his back, eliciting more giggles from the toddler.
"He's sturdy," Jody said. "He laughs just about every time he hits the ground."
April put a hand on her stomach. "Lord help me if Lauren isn't a little princess"
(Dean and John)
Hunting with John was just what Dean needed. Although John had picked on him about Tessa, there was a hidden meaning to the jokes. Before, John saw things as black and white. He would not have trusted Dean with that decision. He would have given an order. No, he respected Dean and followed him. That meant the world to Dean. He had always looked up to his dad and they had a good relationship but the relationship was changing.
"I'm going to call James. If he needs help, I'll head that way." John said.
"I'll come with you," Dean said.
John nodded. "Either way, we can head in that direction. If he needs help we won't stop in South Dakota."
Dean packed his bag and finished yet another cup of coffee. He called Bobby to touch base with him and the kids. He snorted. "You let those two wander around by themselves?" He listened to Bobby's explanation. "I trust Charlie but Kate is Kate. Ah, well, I can call again when you all get home. Tell Kate it wasn't a dragon." He paused. "No, I didn't think it was a dragon but she said it was and I'd like her to know I was right." He leaned back in his chair. "Alright, good luck with those three."
John returned to the room. "James has not found Desiree or the other hunters. He has found tracks though. I told him to wait. The last thing we need is for him to fall into whatever trap they fell into."
"How far away from Stanford are they?" Dean asked.
John didn't know for sure. "A few hours."
"Good. After we help him out, I'm going to drop in on Sam." Dean said.
John raised an eyebrow. "Call him first."
Dean looked saddened. "If I call him, he will expect me and then I won't be able to make sure he hasn't gotten rusty."
"You underestimate him," John said. He snorted. "Do what you want."
Dean smirked. Sure the house was warded and Sam knew how to fight but Dean knew all of that too. He could drop in and see his little brother but also torment him at the same time. While Kate and Taylor were fun to mess with, they were both annoyingly quick and he often wound up the victim of practical jokes and taunts. Sam had always been an easy target. That gave Dean false confidence that the younger two stole from him. "I need ideas."
John looked up from his journal. "What kind of ideas?"
"While I am accepting that you too like to make my life difficult, Kate and Taylor are cocky. I need to get them back." Dean said.
"I wasn't aware that I made your life difficult," John said.
Dean rubbed his face. "The skunk prank. Joking about Tessa."
John chuckled. "Ah, I see. Wouldn't you say that is nothing compared to all of the crap that you pulled?"
"Well, considering I do most of the management of Bonnie and Clyde, we might just be even," Dean said, frowning into his empty cup.
John nodded. "I'll think about it as I drive."
Dean held his hand out to John. He blew air through his nose as he got an odd look from John. "We are going to shake on it as an agreement that I no longer have a target on my back."
John shook his hand. "Until you do something that puts that target back on."
"How's Pamela by the way?" Dean asked with a smirk.
John put his journal into his bag. "Not a reaper."
Dean scoffed. "She's a psychic though."
"I'm aware," John said.
"What is it with her? She's pretty and has one hell of a personality but I didn't think she was your type." Dean said.
John zipped his duffle. "The bonus of being with a psychic is that they know exactly what's going through your head." He opened the door and waited for Dean to follow.
Dean froze, momentarily confused by the comment. A look of disgust crossed his face, followed by consideration and maybe a bit of jealousy. "Hey, does she have any friends?"
"Missouri," John said with a chuckle.
Dean shot John a look. "Just so you know, Missouri is going to kick both of our asses just because you said that."
"Just drive. If we are going to be any help to James, we need to get there as soon as possible." John said.
Dean got into the Impala and cranked the engine, smiling as the roar vibrated the entire car. He got a phone call and quickly answered it. "Oh, Kate."
Kate furrowed her brows. "Geeze, don't act so excited."
"I half expected you to be Missouri. Never mind, what's up?" Dean asked.
"Charlie and I are at this retro store. They have old cassette tapes and I was wondering if you are looking for any particular albums." Kate said.
"Oh, that is actually really nice of you." He gave her a few to look for. "Dad and I are going to help James. I won't be back for a few days." Dean said, knowing Kate would get upset.
Kate frowned. "Well, I guess when Charlie leaves, Hannah and I will have to fill our time somehow."
"Do not threaten me," Dean said.
"Come back in one piece. You know the lengths I'll go to if you get yourself in a bind." Kate said.
Dean did know. "Make good choices."
"As long as you do," Kate said, pulling a cassette from one of the shelves.
Dean talked to her for a little bit before letting her get back to shopping. "I'll update you. I promise."
Kate sighed. "I promise not to nuke anything."
Dean smiled. "That's my girl."
(Taylor)
Taylor ran back a few steps and threw the ball to one of the varsity running backs. He pumped his arm when Damon, the other player, caught the ball. Throwing was only half the battle. Having someone that could catch was the other half. He felt fantastic although it was hot out. He saw Nate's face getting red from drills and sprints and decided to feign fatigue. "Hey coach, do you mind if I take a short break?" He rolled his shoulder like it was overworked.
The coach told him to go ahead and get some water. He also blew his whistle, signaling for everyone to do the same.
Nate plopped down on the bench beside Taylor. "You're looking good out there."
Taylor fist-bumped him. "You are too."
Nate downed some of his water. "You could go pro. Of course, if you did that, you'd still remember your old friend, right?"
Taylor laughed. "Yeah. When I get my big mansion from all of that money, you can be my roommate."
"Sweet," Nate said, bowing his head as he steadied his breath.
Damon ran over to Taylor. "Hey, Winchester, Allbright, and I want to try a few things after practice. Are you up for it?"
Taylor stretched. "What are you thinking about?"
"We might be able to work on it during practice. They are just different drills that we wanted to do last season but the other quarterback couldn't manage it." Damon said.
"Sure," Taylor said. He looked at the time. "I'll message my ride and ask."
The coaches talked as the players took a break. Eventually, the conversation focused on Taylor. Although he was trying not to stand out, he naturally did. "I've never seen a kid that accurate."
"He's throwing to our best players." The assistant coach said.
The head coach wanted to see how it looked when he was throwing to someone that didn't follow the ball as well. Was he as sure of himself during a game?
Taylor could see the coaches talking and caught his name a few times. He had Nephilian hearing that he could turn on and off as needed. Everything they were saying was positive but it made him nervous. How could he explain himself in a way that wasn't claiming that he was naturally talented? "Nate, help me not stand out."
"How?" Nate asked.
"I don't know. I guess someone could get really accurate by endless practice." Taylor said.
Nate nodded. "When you were with your old family, you'd get kicked out by that SOB and spend time throwing a ball for hours."
"That would make sense," Taylor said.
"I've got your back. You can beam me if you want to look less cool." Nate said.
Taylor smiled. "Thanks, man."
The drills that Damon and Allbright wanted to do were focused on catching the other team off guard by throwing the ball in an unexpected direction. They got the approval from the coach and showed Taylor what they wanted.
Taylor held the ball in his hand. He stood facing forward with Damon to the right of him, several yards down the field. He botched the first throw due to nerves but the second one was almost perfect. It was a new movement but he had done similar things in baseball and basketball.
The coach didn't want them to spend too much time or energy on it because he didn't think it was a needed skill, but more of a party trick. However, as he watched the three of them, he realized that it could prove useful. He took his cap off, rubbed his head, and replaced it on top of his head. He noticed Taylor was no longer looking at either of them but still hitting his mark. How much peripheral vision did that kid have? He picked up a ball and launched it at an angle from Taylor's back, expecting it to sail by him.
Taylor reacted without thinking and caught the ball. He swore under his breath and slowly turned around.
The coach stared at him, dumbfounded.
Taylor needed to turn off his instincts like he could his hearing.
The coach approached him and held his hand to Taylor's side. "Can you see my hand?"
Taylor shifted. "Yes, sir?"
The coach moved his hand farther behind Taylor's shoulder. "Now?"
Taylor could see it clear as day. "Uh, no, sir."
"How did you catch that?" The coach asked.
Taylor looked at Nate, who mercifully had been standing nearby. "Nate's always got my back. He saw it coming."
The coach slowly nodded but narrowed his eyes. "Alright, let's get back to practice."
Taylor could make people see things that weren't there but could he make people unsee things? He needed to work with Kate. He needed to be able to compel people more easily.
Nate clapped Taylor on the back and mumbled. "Cool it, angel boy. They're going to catch on."
Taylor groaned. He jogged back over to the rest of the team and got another drink of water. While it felt good to be good at something, he didn't want to be too good. That did make him think about other creatures and how entertaining a supernatural sports league would be. He put that on his list of horrible ideas that he'd never mention to anyone.
(Bobby)
Bobby picked Kate and Charlie up from the store and drove over to Taylor's practice. He got out and walked over to the fence to watch the last few drills and plays. He and Karen would be at the first game, rain or shine.
Kate was proud of Taylor. He looked at ease. She didn't know what sport to choose. She was athletic but loved science. Would a sport take her away from the lab? She grinned when Taylor turned to walk over to them. "How was practice?"
Taylor shook his head, slinging sweat. "It was good."
Kate gagged. "Ew. Keep that to yourself."
Taylor laughed and wiped his head with a towel. "Hey, Bobby. Hey, Charlie."
Bobby opened the door for him to get into the car. He tossed him a few paper towels and stood back. "Is all of that sweat?"
"And some water. I had to make it look like a struggle." Taylor said, wiping his arms.
"Why does Taylor always get the front seat?" Kate asked.
"I'm older," Taylor said.
"No, Charlie is," Kate said. "This seems sexist."
Charlie jokingly agreed with Kate.
"No one is sexist here. If you want the front seat, fight him for it." Bobby said.
Kate sat back in the backseat. "I don't want that seat anymore."
Taylor tossed his towel behind him, hitting Kate with it. He ducked and rubbed his head when her hand connected with it.
Bobby grumbled. "Hands to yourselves. I don't want to pull the car over before we've even left the parking lot."
Taylor buckled his seatbelt. "There's the grumpy Bobby we all know and love. Ow." He clamped his hand over his ear.
"Boy, just keep on talking," Bobby said, pulling the car out of the parking lot.
Taylor gave him a grin and leaned forward to dig around in his bag. He pulled a jersey out and turned it around so that they could read the back of it.
Kate sat forward. "Whoa. That is awesome."
Taylor folded the jersey so only the name was showing. One of the moms runs the t-shirt business in town. She is doing all of the team's stuff.
Damon waved to Taylor as they turned to drive around the field.
"Who is that?" Kate asked.
"Damon," Taylor said. He told them about some of the stuff that happened at practice and downed the rest of his water.
"Who names a kid Allbright?" Kate asked.
Taylor gave her an incredulous look. "Last name. Everyone goes by their last names."
Kate blushed. "Well, I didn't know!"
"How does that work with big families?" Charlie asked.
Bobby spoke up. "I played with two brothers and we called them Big Allen and Little Allen."
"You played sports?" Kate asked.
"Well, yeah." Bobby said.
"What else did you do?" Kate asked. "It's like we don't even know you."
"You all don't ask and I'm a private person," Bobby said.
Kate smirked. "How did you meet Karen? How did you propose? Did you date for a long time?"
Bobby snorted. "You'll have to ask her that."
"Why?" Kate asked.
"That's what you'd call girl talk." Bobby said.
Kate rolled her eyes. "Sounds kinda sexist to me."
Bobby pulled into his own driveway. "Now what's got you on that kick?"
Charlie gave him a sheepish grin.
"Charlie is worldly and has shown me the ways of normal people who aren't a bunch of grumpy old hunters." Kate said.
Bobby waited for her to get out and put an arm around her shoulders. "Well, Kate. I can't say I'm sexist. I have no doubt that you could beat up just about every male out there. I don't treat you any different than the boys but if you are wanting me to talk about dating and love stories, well that just isn't going to happen."
Kate leaned into him as they walked to the front porch. "I'll go to Karen with that stuff and save all of my hunting questions for you."
Bobby ruffled her hair. "I can abide by that."