“But they’re getting better all the time.”
“One thing at a time,” Taki said. “Learn to think like an engineer.”
“You have to think ahead too. I’ve got lots more ideas. Wanna hear ’em?”
“Where is Dad, anyway?” Kevin muttered, looking around.
“I’d rather have something to drink,” Taki said. “Why does neurocoupling make you thirsty?”
“I’ve got change. I’ll get them,” Avril said. “What do you guys want?”
“Coke,” Taki answered.
“Orange,” Kevin said.
“Want to give me a hand, Jan?” Avril said.
“Sure.” Janna put the phone in her purse and followed after Avril in the direction of the vending area.
Kevin spotted Eric with Michelle, over by the door to the briefing room—unlike a movie theater, there would need to be some introduction and familiarization for first-time users. Harriet, looking smart in a navy dress trimmed with white, had just left them and was coming over to where the two boys were standing. Michelle gripped Eric’s arm, leaning to say something close, and they both laughed together.
“So, how is everything going?” Harriet inquired. Kevin got the feeling that she had seized the moment to leave discreetly.
“Pretty good,” Taki replied.
“When are we going to sign you up as a guide too?” Kevin asked her. They had persuaded Harriet to try the mecs finally, but that was about all. Kevin didn’t think there was much danger of a lifetime addiction developing. Taki’s sister was evidently not alone.
“Oh, I think I’ve gotten too used to being the size I am to want to go changing it now,” Harriet told him. “I like things looking the way they are.” She studied Kevin for a moment, then turned to follow his gaze. Eric was off in another world again, but this time it was shared, not one purely of his own.
Harriet looked back at Kevin. His face had an odd, distant grin. Her voice fell to a confidential note. It didn’t matter that Taki was listening—he had long been family. “And if you ask me,” she said, “from the way some other things are shaping up, it might not be long before you have to start getting used to having a new stepmother all over again.”
Kevin couldn’t pretend that it came as a total surprise.
Michelle had been showing up at the house and the office too often for that; there had been too many days with just her and Eric going off somewhere together, too many evenings of cozy dinners and late-night dancing. Kevin nodded and grinned in a way that he hoped conveyed the wisdom and worldliness that seemed to be appropriate.
“Oh, I don’t think I’d have too much of a problem dealing with it this time,” he said. He looked at Taki and raised a quizzical eyebrow. Taki solemnly nodded approval.
A burst of enthusiastic applause from the auditorium door behind them endorsed it.
END