A relaxed afternoon on the lake

As Spencer neared his large house, he was hoping that none of the kids would start vocally comparing his place to Evelyn's. As he pulled up his driveway, Logan said "Wait, did you build this place?"

"Uhh, just renovated." Spencer said.

"You doofus." Riley interjected.

"Hey. Don't talk to your brother like that." Evelyn snapped, causing Spencer to smile at the way she laid down the law.

"Sorry." Riley replied.

Spencer then pulled into his garage. "You boys into building stuff?"

"Yeah." Logan said.

"Maybe you guys could show what you're working on at school?" Evelyn interjected.

"Sure."

As Spencer brought his guests inside, he again feared comparisons. To his relief, none of them say a thing, so he continued to the kitchen. He offers everyone a drink, but no one takes him up on his offer. The two boys then whipped out their phones, ready to show off their handiwork. Noticing the three distracted, Evelyn motioned to Amy. "Could we talk for a second."

"Uhh sure."

The two sat on the couch. "I heard you've been watching videos on Youtube about cops."

Amy felt a pang of anxiety, but her face remained blank.

"I just want you to know that I'm okay with it. I know you're taking an interest in what I do, and you should know it's not all sunshine and rainbows."

After a relieved sigh, Amy said "Okay."

"Just maybe not at school."

"Yeah. That's fair."

"So how's school going?"

"Uh... pretty goo-"

"Hey Evie." Spencer called out.

Evelyn turned her head. "Yeah?"

"The boys wanna kayak on the lake. That okay?"

"Yeah sure, they can swim."

"You wanna come with?"

"Is there enough?"

"With the two-seater there is. That includes you to Amy if you want?"

"Yeah okay, Dad." Amy said.

At the shed, Evelyn made sure to keep the boys in line by offering diner out at Thuong Thien in trade for their best behavior. Eager to fulfill their end of the bargain, Riley and Logan pay attention to every instruction Spencer gave them and didn't dare get up to any mischief on the water. After an hour kayaking around the lake, the five head back for land, and get back in Spencer's car, ready for a night out at Thuong Thien.