“Don’t get into trouble,” Nicolae said. His grin was genuine but Dustin could tell they held a definitive, “I’m not kidding” within them. Dustin rolled his eyes at Jewel who was still watching the crowd with wide-eyed fascination.
“We’re hardly children, Nicu,” Dustin grinned.
“Regardless,” Nicolae leaned closer. “Don’t. Get in. To trouble.”
Dustin laughed. “We won’t. We’re just going to wander the fair and probably grab a beer.”
“Or seven,” Jewel added, faking an absent-minded tone. “Just be respectf—”
“I know, I know,” Dustin said. “Be respectful. Stay out of the way. Don’t cause trouble. If you do something stupid, apologize for it and pay for it. We’ve been through this. I get it. I’m not four.”
Nicolae smiled and touched Dustin’s cheek. “And that is a good thing.”
Dustin grinne
