As I drove through the thick trees that separated Owen's yard from the dirt road, I concentrated on keeping the speed low enough to prevent rocks from flying up. When goosebumps rose on my arms, it took me a second to realize Owen's excitement buzzing through me caused them.

I smiled. "You doing okay up there, dude?"

"Yeah, I just..." His voice trailed off, and I wondered if something was wrong. Before I could ask, he said, "I'm out. Away from the house in a cherry ride with an entire town to see."

Chuckling at his old people's slang, I tapped the wheel. "She is pretty cherry. But don't get too excited about tonight. It's only Ellersville."

"Man, anything's better than staring at those same walls."

The earnestness of his tone hit me like a punch in the stomach, and I wished there was someplace more thrilling to show him than some restaurant. "Is there something specific you want to do or anywhere you'd like to go? If not tonight, then after work tomorrow."

"Nope, this is good. Seeing all the changes in town and wherever the mimics lead us will be enough. Besides, after work, we'll have to practice."

"Let me know if you change your mind."

Owen made a noncommittal sound and grew quiet. By the time we pulled into my driveway twenty minutes later, he'd been silent for a while. "Are you still alright?" I asked.

"Everything is so much different than I remember."

"We haven't gone anywhere yet; that was all back roads."

"Yeah, man, but even the roads are new, and the cars and the houses are different. And that family in their yard—that chick had blue hair! Is that something people do now?"

"It's pretty common." I grinned at his enthusiasm. It was so unlike anything I'd seen from him so far.

I reached for the handle, but Owen said, "Wait. Before we go in, we should decide how I'll know when to check out."

"When I'm about to think of things I'd rather keep private." I cracked the door for some air, but stayed in the truck.

"Right, but how will I know? I mean, I'll tune out before any hanky panky, and I won't talk while you're with people unless I have to, but what if you want me to leave besides that?"

I shook my head. "I can't exactly plan my thoughts."

"Well, how about a code word? Something you can say whenever you want privacy."

I liked the idea, and if we worked hard enough on blocking, it could work. "So, I say the code word, and you tune out?"

Owen hummed in agreement.

"What's the word?" I asked.

"It needs to be something you wouldn't normally use." We were quiet for a minute and then he laughed. "How about baseball?"

"Works for me. I say baseball, and you check out."

"You got it."

"Cool, it's a plan. Dad's still out, so we can talk inside too, at least until he gets home."

Owen was quiet as I unlocked the front door and hooked my keys on the coat rack in the foyer. "Um, this is it."

I looked around to show Owen the layout. From this spot, we could see the sunny living room packed with an oversized cozy couch and two brown leather recliners, the stairs leading up to the second floor, and part of the kitchen, including the white wooden dining set with six chairs. We only used a couple of the seats, so stacks of plumbing-related orders and paperwork covered most of the table.

"It's nice," Owen said.

"Thanks." I walked toward the steps, and out of habit, my gaze found the family portrait on the wall.

Owen said, "Are those your parents?"

Sighing, I stopped. "Yep, I was seven there." A dull ache filled me as I studied the picture. Mom smiled down at me, and Dad's arms were around us both. We were so happy.

"Do you have siblings?" Owen asked.

"Nope. It was just us three. Now, it's Dad and me."

"Where's your mom?"

My chest tightened. "She went missing when I was eight. The police couldn't find anything. They said she left on her own, but Dad never believed it. I guess I didn't, either." I took a slow breath before adding, "That was ten years ago, right after Halloween."

"Oh," Owen whispered. "That's why you agreed to this."

I nodded. "It's a big part of it."

"Man, I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It's not your fault." I struggled to maintain the casual tone in my voice.

"What's that pendant she's wearing?"

"It's a picture I drew of the three of us when I was in kindergarten. She had it made into a necklace and never took it off." Engraved into the silver, 'Sebastian' was scribbled on the bottom in my little kid handwriting, and above that was the stick-figure drawing. My eyes burned as I remembered how proud she was of it.

"She clearly loved you a lot to wear that thing. You're no artist." Owen's laughter lightened the mood.

With one last glance at Mom, I climbed the stairs to get ready for my date, snagging a towel from the hall closet on my way to the bathroom.

As I leaned into the shower and twisted the lever to start the water, Owen said, "Huh. So no conveyor belt like the Jetson's?"

"Nope. The robot should be in here to wash me soon, though."

There was a long pause, then he said, "You're blowing smoke."

I could hear the question in his voice, but decided not to mess with him anymore. There was too much he really didn't know, and I didn't want to be a jerk about it. "Yeah, I was kidding. We still shower the old-fashioned way."

"I'm glad it hasn't been computerized."

As the water warmed, I tossed my shirt into the hamper. Unzipping my pants, I peered up at the mirror and froze. "This is weird."

"What is?"

"Well, I'm usually naked when I shower, so..."

"Pretty sure that's how everyone does it."

I huffed. "Everyone doesn't have someone living in their head."

"Oh, yeah. Sorry." Owen chuckled. "I'll check out."

"Thanks. I'll tell you when I'm done."

A short while later, I stood staring at my closet in a clean pair of dark wash jeans. "Owen. I have pants on."

"Okay. I'm here."

He was quiet as the hangers scraped along the metal bar while I shoved clothes around, trying to decide between a black button-up and a green tee. Did I need a collar? I wanted to look good, but not like I tried too hard. The button-up was too hot, I'd melt. I pushed it aside to compare a navy polo to the tee.

"What's taking so long? Just put on a shirt."

"I can't decide."

"Do they both fit?"

"Yeah."

"Then wear either one. What's wrong with you? Are all of your decisions this difficult?"

I smirked as I took the tee off its hanger and slipped it on. "Shut up."

Moving to the dresser, I grabbed the hairdryer and finished drying my hair. After popping the cap off my hair cream, I squeezed a bit onto my fingertips and rubbed my hands together before working it through into a messy but clean style. I wiped the excess product on my towel and reached for my cologne as Owen groaned.

"There's more? How much crap do you have to put on?"

After a couple of sprays, I grinned in the mirror at him. "That's all."

"Already?"

I snickered as a honk sounded from my driveway. After one last glimpse at myself that made Owen scoff, I was down the steps and out the door. A few seconds later, I slid into the passenger seat of Nolan's car, and the scent of cinnamon gum and his cologne gagged me. Coughing, I pressed the button to lower the window. "Did you spill the bottle?"

"Whoa," Owen gasped. "Are you sure he knows how to drive this? There's a lot of stuff on the dash. How can you need that many buttons? Does this thing fly?"

I ignored Owen as Nolan rolled his window down and waved his arms. "Too much? I wanted to get the weed funk out of the car. I don't want to give Lauren any reason to be mad at me."

"I thought she didn't care about you smoking."

"She doesn't really, but it's not her favorite. Why push it?"

"Well, I don't smell weed, but let's leave the windows down until we get them, so no one suffocates."

"It doesn't surprise me that he's a stoner who wears too much cologne," Owen mumbled, and I had to bite my lip to stop myself from cracking up.

For the remainder of the short drive, I did my best not to react while Owen commented on everything we passed, but nodded in agreement when he said my truck was way cooler than Nolan's car.

At 8:00, I stood on Emily's porch, with Nolan beside me, nervously smacking his gum. The sound was annoying, but a good distraction from my own nerves that might make me puke if the girls took too long getting out here. Everything would be fine, I told myself. No one can tell there's a dude in your head.

When the door opened, Lauren rushed past me to throw her arms around Nolan. She was clearly done being mad at him.

Emily stood there wearing a short, burgundy skirt with a black tank top, and the amount of tan skin showing made my words stick in my throat. She never dressed like that for school, and she'd caught me entirely off guard. My mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out as Owen's laughter filled my mind.

Emily peeked up through her lashes and took my hand. "Hey, Bash!"

"Baseball," I whispered.

"What?" Her brow furrowed.

"Checking out," Owen said.

I smiled. "Nothing. You look amazing."

She stretched up on her toes to peck my lips, and jumped as Nolan yelled from the car window, "Let's go!"

***

La Comida was packed, and my stomach rumbled in protest at the prospect of waiting. Two large groups stood in line for tables, but thankfully, the host led our party of four to the last available booth.

As Emily scooted in, I focused on the Mariachi band playing in the corner instead of her long, smooth legs stretching across the seat, until I could slide in next to her. Owen hadn't said a word. He was supposed to be blocking this, but I was doing my best to keep my thoughts in check anyway, in case he slipped.

As soon as we settled, the server was there with chips and salsa. She took our drink orders before leaving to give us time to look over the menu.

"They have great carnitas," Nolan told me across the table as the girls discussed splitting fajita nachos.

"Sweet. If she comes for our order, get me that." Leaning toward Emily, I said, "I'll be right back," before getting out of the booth. Once inside the bathroom, I scanned under the stalls to ensure I was alone, then whispered, "Owen?" When he didn't respond, I repeated it a little louder. "Hey, Owen?"

"What's going on?"

"I was seeing if you were there."

Humor laced his voice. "There aren't a lot of options."

"I had to call you twice."

"It's loud in here, and I was focusing on something else. I guess I didn't hear you."

"Well, we're at the restaurant. If you'd like to check stuff out, you can. We're having dinner and then dropping the girls off at Emily's." That should be innocent enough. I'd make sure it was.

"Right on, thanks. If you want me to go, just say the word."

"Okay." I moved toward the exit, but paused. "Are you alright up there?"

"Bash, we're out. I'm better than alright."

"This is so strange. It seems wrong or rude somehow. Like I'm ignoring you."

"What are you gonna do? Talk to me on your date? I told you I wouldn't take over your life, and I won't. We practiced today; now it's your time. If it makes you feel any better, I'll have plenty of questions later."

I grinned. "That helps. Let's go see some stuff."

"Sounds great."

The bathroom door squeaked open, and I cut through the crowded tables, strolling back to ours, and taking my spot next to Emily. She hooked her arm through mine as she talked with Lauren about a shopping trip to buy things for their dorm rooms.

"You guys are making it too hard." Nolan shook his head. "All I'm bringing with me is bedding. I'll work out the rest later."

Lauren's mouth fell open. "That's insane. You have to take way more than that. How are you planning to shower? You'll need flip flops, towels, a caddy for your soap and razor, a toothbrush and that stuff. You'll need a hamper and laundry detergent. Storage and a way to organize your desk."

As she continued to tick things off on her fingers, Nolan's face scrunched up in pain. Lauren noticed and sighed dramatically. "Fine. You can either come with us or give me money, and I'll get you ready."

Admiration lit Nolan's eyes as he held Lauren's cheeks and kissed her. "I'll pay to set us both up, if you go buy everything."

"Oooh!" Lauren clapped. "I've been needing some expensive decorative things."

Nolan smirked. "I love you, babe. Seriously, what am I supposed to do without you?"

"Honestly, I don't know if you'll make it." Lauren simpered, and he pulled her in for another kiss.

After a few seconds of them canoodling, Emily threw a chip that bounced off Nolan's ear and mocked his words from the other night. "What the hell, guys. Make out later."

Lauren giggled and shifted back while Nolan feigned annoyance before picking up the chip and popping it in his mouth. "Thanks." He winked.

Owen laughed, and it made me happy to hear him having a nice time.

My stomach growled at the savory aroma of grilled meat as the food arrived and the server set matching meals in front of Nolan and me and a massive dish of nachos between Lauren and Emily.

"Can I get you anything else?" the waitress asked with a smile.

"Uh, yeah. Plates," Emily said and gestured between herself and Lauren.

"Absolutely! I'll grab those right now."

She rushed to retrieve the plates as Emily huffed and leaned away from the table. "You'd think a server would know to bring them when people are sharing a meal."

"Well, I don't need an extra plate to dig in," Lauren said, picking up a chip loaded with cheese and chicken. "What colors do you want for your room, Nolan?"

He shrugged and poked at his rice. "Whatever you pick out will be fine."

"So, pink and shimmery?" She blinked at him innocently and shoved the entire chip into her mouth.

"Yeah, babe. Pink doesn't scare me."

She wiggled her eyebrows and spoke around the food, "Noted!"

"Here you go." The waitress reached over and handed each of the girls a plate. "Is there anything else I can get you?"

"Nope, this is fantastic. Thanks," Lauren beamed.

"Everything tasting okay?" The server asked, glancing between Nolan and me.

"It's great. Thank you," I answered, and Nolan nodded and gave a thumbs-up as he chewed a huge bite.

I took a sip of my water and almost choked as Emily ran her hand up my thigh. Pressing against my arm, she said, "So, tomorrow's your first day working with your dad?"

"Um-hmm, yep." I wiped my mouth and whispered, "Baseball." If she kept running her fingertips on the inside of my leg, there was no way I could control my thoughts.

Owen said, "I'm out."

On the ride back to Emily's, the three of them compared summer trips they were taking with their families. Lauren planned to go to the beach and visit family up north. Nolan was headed to his grandfather's 90th birthday party out of state—he'd be gone for a few weeks.

Emily was going on an extended family trip to her aunt's lake house. "I don't want to go," she complained.

"It sounds like fun to me," Lauren said.

I had to agree. "If I had someone's lake house to hang out at half the summer, I'd be fine with that."

"Well, even if I get stuck with my parents, I should have a couple of weeks first. I hope you'll have time to go out?" She looked up at me, and I had to remind myself that her leaving was good.

"I'll try, but Dad's been saving a few big jobs for when he'd have my help, so I might be pretty busy."

She pouted, and guilt prickled at me, but it was true. Dad had a bunch of work lined up. Plus, there was the whole monster hunting thing I wanted Emily away from. Brushing her hair behind her ear, I kissed her temple and said, "I'll find the time."

"Perfect." She squeezed my hand and smiled.

Nolan pulled to a stop in Emily's driveway, and her mom opened the door with a friendly wave as Emily grumbled about her being nosy. I thought it was nice she was watching for them. That's what parents do.

Lauren reached over to give Nolan a peck before hopping out of the car, yelling, "Hi!"

Emily rolled her eyes and leaned in for a quick kiss before sliding out and slamming the door. "Really, Mom? I have a key."

Nolan waited while I jumped out and moved to the front seat. In between, I quickly murmured, "Owen, Owen, Owen, we're driving home."

"I'm here, thanks," he said and then stayed quiet for the rest of the ride.

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