He dialed, then dropped his voice a few octaves to explain I was sick. It must've worked even though he sounded nothing like Dad because when he hung up, he gave a triumphant smile. "I'm the coolest guy ever."

I snorted and held my hand out. "Money, Super Ego."

"I guess you'll have to crawl into my lap since the phone's on this side," he said with a wink and placed a quarter in my palm.

"You want to make friends with my fist again?" I snatched at the handle ...