Story 10 – Part 1 – If Things Change

“You’re turning my boy into a regular grease monkey,” Vire said.

“Actually, his car is going to end up more tricked out than a spy car,” Jordan laughed. “I keep thinking engines, and he keeps thinking accessories.”

“Well, Tech is more of a computer kid,” Vire agreed. “I doubt anything will truly change that. Where are you off to now?”

“To the base,” Jordan sighed. “Someone decided that this horrendous weather would be ideal for some training.”

“I wondered why you were in your uniform,” Vire drawled. “Too bad it’s not your dress uniform.”

“So it’s true. Ladies love a man in uniform.”

“For me, it’s only if that uniform involves weaponry.”

After a little more playful banter, Jordan finally left. With Tech at school and nothing scheduled for the day, Vire wondered what she was going to do all day. She and Jordan had been spending increasing amounts of time with each other, usually he helped her on her latest project, and now she had no company. It was a little surprising to her on how much she missed him even though he had only just left.

“Wow, I don’t even need to try to know what you’re thinking,” a voice said from the doorway.

“Carmine,” Vire gasped. “Make some noise next time.”

“I did,” Carmine laughed. “You were just lost in thought.”

“I’m hopeless.”

“Do you really want me to make a comment on that?”

“Nope,” Vire sighed. “So why’d you stop by?”

“Eh, my boss is old and decided to not open the store in this weather,” Carmine told her. “So, I decided to stop by and say hello.”

“Well, that explains why you’re soaking wet.”

“Oh, now you notice.”

Vire ran up to her apartment and grabbed a towel. Carmine never used an umbrella. No matter what the weather was like. In Vire’s opinion, he liked the rain too much. Carmine sat his wet self onto the lobby couches and tried to ring out his jacket onto the towel. She had tried inviting her brother to her apartment, but he insisted on only soaking the lobby.

“You’ve been in an awfully good mood since you came back from your trip,” Vire said.

“And you’ve been in a good mood since you and Jordan started really going steady,” Carmine countered.

“Well of course, matchmaker. And here I was thinking I would be the one to set you up.”

“I didn’t set anyone up. I just encouraged things.”

“That’s why you’ve been so smug lately.”

“Smug?” Carmine faked surprised. “Why would I act smug when, not only did you agree to go camping with us on the extreme road trip, but I think I have the best chance on Owens’ betting pool on the engagement date.”

“There is that kind of betting pool?” Vire cried out. She looked livid for a little bit longer, and then curiosity got the better of her. “What are the current bets?”

“Anything from a month to three.”

“That short?”

“Well, people change their bets as things change.”

“Who’s all betting? And what changes?”

Carmine smiled and then leaned back, soaking what few dry spots were left on the couch. As far as Vire could tell, Carmine was spending too much time with Boomer. His mischievous side was taking over. Vire was about to start chewing him out, when the expression on Carmine’s face rapidly changed. That look usually meant trouble, or that Carmine had a bad premonition.

“You should call Jordan,” Carmine said quietly.