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She cut the pizza. "When the timer goes off, come out and get the next pizza, and slide the third one in. I think you should sit at the table, rather than on the couch."
He glanced inside; Wiz still sat on the fireplace hearth. "But that's behind her."
"Hm." She handed him the cutting board. "Okay, far end of the couch. Move slowly."
"Yeah." Ryan took the cutting board and walked to the door, opening it for Erin. Then he sauntered across the room, put the pizza down, and served himself pizza, salad, and a beer. Erin followed him. He sat at the far end of the couch, like Erin suggested. As he came around the end of the couch, Wiz started, but she seemed to relax once he sat. Ryan kept his eyes on his plate.
"Wiz, come and get a couple of slices," Erin called from the kitchen. "I gave most of this first one to Ryan, since I know he eats more than I do, but the next one will be out soon."
"Okay." Wiz rose.
Erin sat on the other end of the couch between him and Wiz's spot and put her feet up so that her legs blocked him. Smart lady. He nodded at her. She half smiled, half grimaced.
Wiz returned to her seat by the fireplace with her plate in her lap. They ate in silence. Ryan was too hungry; he'd been taught not to talk with his mouth full. "This is really good." Wiz lifted her second slice before chomping the tip.
"Thanks."
"Told you so." Ryan smiled at her but didn't move otherwise. Wiz stared at him, then nodded her head. Ryan returned to his pizza. Anything he did or said was likely to set her off. He'd stay here, eat, and keep his mouth shut.
"If you move here, Wiz, where would you want to live? Generally, I mean." Erin waved her hand at the patio.
"I need high-speed internet and clear, defendable space. Perhaps on the east side of the valley, on an open, grassy piece of property. Maybe I could get a dog too." Wiz's mouth twisted to one side.
Erin nodded. "This is a good place to have a dog. I've been thinking about getting one. There's a German Shepherd rescue here, and they often have Belgian Malinois too, if you want an even more active dog."
Wiz nodded slowly. "Those are both good protectors."
"Yeah." He’d love to have one, but without a yard, it wouldn't be fair to a big dog. "Very protective of houses and people. Strong herding instinct. They use Belgians for military working dogs a lot because of that, and they're smart, and strong, and very determined. Shorter coats than a German Shepherd or a Dutch Shepherd." Wiz's blank face froze. Shoot. He really hoped her assault didn't involve a K9 handler. "All of those dogs need a lot of exercise, though."
"I'd forgotten that." Wiz swallowed hard.
"Sorry, Wiz. Didn't mean to bring up bad stuff." Ryan grimaced. He had to think before he spoke.
She waved a hand at him dismissively. The timer went off, and they all jumped. Ryan punched the off button, rose slowly, and switched out the pizzas. Inside, he took a piece with him and returned to the couch. Erin got up and got a piece, then Wiz, like a sad little dance.
Erin put down her beer. "Wiz, you can move your van into my garage if you'd like. I don't have any cars scheduled for tomorrow."
"Thanks."
"And, if you don't mind, can I come over to the garage with you after dinner so you can tell me what you want done? That way, I can order the parts tonight online and work on it tomorrow."
Wiz nodded. "Sure. Good idea."
They ate. Wiz asked, "Erin, do you have a lawyer?"
"Yes, I do. Samantha Kerr."
Wiz stabbed her piece of pizza toward Erin. "Good. You need signs warning customers you are using surveillance. Ask your lawyer about the wording. I don't know what Montana law says."
Erin huffed. "Oh. I didn't even think about that. Good idea."
Wiz raised one brow. "I can't activate it during business hours unless there's a warning up."
Erin nodded. "Okay. I'll send her an email tonight, after I order parts."
"Good."
They ate. Ryan tried to think of a neutral topic, but he was coming up blank. The timer went off again. Ryan switched the pizzas outside, then started the pizza dance inside.
