Chapter 41: Chapter 41: Daniel, Part 3

"No, mijo," I say, grateful for his interruption. "Just some heavy conversation is all. What's up?"

"I wanted to talk to you. Do you have a second?" He points over his shoulder with his thumb.

"Sure." I address the rest of the family. "I've just been saved from this very uncomfortable conversation. I'll see you all at the dinner table."

I follow Nicky through the living room, hearing Geovany yell, "Take me with you!".

"What was that all about?" Nicky asks. "I've never heard the kitchen without noise before. It's freaky."

We traipse out the door to the patio and take our usual seats. "Nah. Just some old hurts that were being mended. Nothing exciting."

"Oh." He shakes his head as if to clear it. "I don't think I want to know what you're talking about, do I?"

I chuckle against the lip of my beer. "Probably not." I take a drink before asking, "So what's up?"