Story 25 - Part 1 - Summer Plans in Winter

“Tech, you haven’t even finished your first semester,” Jordan laughed.

--But I need to plan my summer now,-- Tech signed. --If I want to do anything big I need to figure it out now.--

“So you’re going to spend all of your money on a cruise?” Jordan asked.

--No,-- Tech answered. --I plan on being really cheap and hitch hiking.--

“Your mother will only allow that if you’re traveling with Carmine,” Jordan stated.

--I know. It was a joke.--

Jordan laughed as his step-son continued to internet search. Vire had gotten frustrated with her son earlier because he exhibited some of the restlessness of his uncle. It also did not help that Tech had a decent income because of the help he gave the government agents. At the moment, Tech was supposed to be searching something for the agents but he seemed to be sidetracked. Unless, of course, the agents wanted information on cruises and other travel plans.

“So, what sort of traditions do you have for Thanksgiving?” Jordan asked.

--Well, honestly, my mom can’t cook a turkey for the life of her,-- Tech admitted. --In the past we’d either go to someone else’s house or out. With the exception of since we’ve moved here.--

“Oh, yes,” Jordan grinned. “Wilanna loves being a hostess, and this lobby is a great party place. We’ve got plenty of room for tables, and plenty of screens to watch all of the games.”

--Do you honestly like sports that much?-- Tech asked.

“Only if a certain military team is playing,” Jordan admitted. “Oh, hey. Go back to that last trip. That is either a really good deal, or it is a really good con.”

Tech started hacking through the website and soon both of them were going through the travel website’s various screens. With Jordan’s travel knowledge from his military days, and Tech’s computer skills, they were able to isolate what was too-good-to-be-true in the travel plan. The two were so wrapped up in the website that they did not hear anyone else enter the room. Well, Jordan did not, and Tech never looked up.

“Ow, Vi!” Jordan cried out as he rubbed his ear protectively. “What was that for?”

“For not listening,” Vire sighed.

“Why didn’t pull on Tech’s ear?”

“Because I wasn’t asking him the question.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Jordan asked Tech who only grinned sheepishly. “So, what was the question, Vi?”

“What do you think about doing it at the beginning of the year instead of next summer?” she asked.

“What do I think about doing what when?”

“What have we been talking about for the past several months?”

--Wow,-- Tech interrupted. --You’re having a conversation in questions.--

“Tech,” Vire sighed.

--Well, my answer is awesome,-- Tech signed.

“If we do it at the beginning of the year,” Jordan said, “you won’t be able to come with us because of school. And to answer your question, Vire, I think that sounds great. Is that going to be all right with Carmine?”

“I’m not sure,” Vire admitted. “He won’t be back for a couple of weeks, but we can leave him a message. He’s pretty good at getting back if he’s in a place with reception.”

--Can I make one request?-- Tech asked.

“So long as it’s reasonable,” Vire told her son.

--If you decide on a girl, can you also adopt a boy so I’ll have a little brother?--

“If you say something like that you may end up with several siblings,” Vire teased. “And then I’ll make you babysit them.”

“Hey!” someone yelled from the front door. “Can I have a little help here?”