Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 2

surprised."
    "Rico?"
    Dan laughed, "Mickie named your nephew."
    Rico's eyes bounced back and forth as the two men traded friendly barbs and banter.
    "How is the little shit?" Russell asked with a smirk.
    "Well, considering that he hasn't yet set the world on fire with his freaking laptop, I'd say pretty damn good." They smiled knowingly at each other.
    Dan handed Salty and Rico glasses of lemonade, then took a sip of his own. "He's doing good Salty. Nothing's changed in the last few months. He's settled in really well. He loves being at the bar and everyone loves him."
    Russell nodded and gave him a hard look. "How are you doing?"
    "I'm fine. It's quiet, I have the beach. What's not to be happy about?"
    "So you're not bored to tears then?"
    Dan snorted softly. "Boring is just fine with me, Salty and you know it. Boring means everything is going the way it should be, with no hiccups. Besides, you shook things up a bit by giving me Mickie to look after. That boy keeps life interesting all on his own."
    Salty laughed at Dan calling Mickie 'boy'.
    "You know good and well Mickie is only four years younger than you Dan." He sat up slowly. "Oh well, guess you'd better hang on to your hat then. I'm about to give you a ticket on an E-ride."
    Rico sat at the corner of the grouping with an odd look on his face. He wasn't sure what was going on. The dynamic between the two men was not what he expected. Dan was sitting forward, elbows propped on his knees. His eyes were sharp and focused on his uncle as he spoke.
    "Why did Rico come see me Salty?"
    Salty sighed. "Boy caught me transferring money into your private account. 'Mind your own business' is a concept he was never correctly introduced to. My own fault I guess. I needed to get a hold of you and since the boy involved himself, I sent him."
    Salty got up and paced a couple steps. Dan was watching him intently. "Results from my last physical show I have a fast acting cancer. Prognosis is shit and I've volunteered for an experimental treatment program. I was transferring the money, because… well…" Salty paused for a moment before he continued. "I know you didn't ask for it Danny-boy, but I need you to watch over my special projects."
    Dan nodded, "Of course. Do you have to leave the area for the treatment?"
    Salty shook his head. "I got lucky. The doctor offering the treatments works out of a hospital in San Diego and I can rent an apartment nearby. It will save me driving back and forth to the house."
    Dan looked aggrieved as he grabbed his cell phone and dialed Mickie. "Hey kid. Get a hold of the boys for me. We're moving Salty in with us. I need it done today if at all possible. Yeah, I'll tell you later, thanks."
    He held a finger up, pointing at Salty when he groaned. "Do not even try to argue. I haven't heard of a cancer treatment yet that didn't leave you sick as a dog. You are NOT going to be staying in an apartment by yourself." He held Salty's eyes, letting the older man see how determined he was to do this for him.
    Salty finally nodded. "I'll pack a few things."
    Rico got up, stunned, by everything he had heard. He was hurt and furious with his uncle. He didn't trust himself to speak to the man, he was afraid of saying something he couldn't take back. Blood roared through his ears, turning words into buzzing sounds. Uncle Russell hadn't told him about the cancer. His uncle hadn't trusted him with this, hadn't told him he was sick.
    "I, ah… I have to go."
    Dan was alarmed by the angry red flush on Rico's face and grabbed his arm as he tried to walk by. He gave Salty a dirty look. "You never told your nephew you were sick?"
    "He would've tried to handle it on his own."
    Dan rubbed the side of his face with his free hand. "Sounds kind of familiar, eh?"
    Salty snorted at him. "I'm going to go pack."
    Dan pulled lightly at Rico. "Come on buddy. The guys will get your uncle settled and I think you and I could use a drink or three."
    The fact that someone else was angry on his behalf eased the rage somewhat. Rico nodded and let Dan lead him out the door.
    ****
    As the bar filled, they had commandeered the prime spot close to the big fire pit. Mickie had joined them briefly; bringing cookies from his personal stash behind the bar. They had spent a couple of hours enjoying the sunset and talking amiably.
    The plate that had been full of shortbread cookies now held only crumbs. Nearby, an empty bottle of Drambuie 15 sat, firelight reflecting off the glass. The cooling