"Why do you insist on dragging me to these things?" Sam was whining. She knew she was whining. Quite frankly, she didn't care that she was whining.

John laughed, looping his arm though the crook of hers and tugging her forward. "I know you secretly love it so much." He winked at Chloe, who giggled in return.

Sam sighed, looking at both of them in turn. Throwing up her arms, she said, "You're a terrible influence, you know."

Although she was looking at John, it was Chloe who replied, giggling. "Thank you." John ruffled her hair, smiling such that anyone would think him the proud father.

Sighing once more, Sam rolled her eyes. "Okay, okay. I give up."

Somehow she managed to restrain herself when John nodded. "Yeah, you always do."

"Shut up, Grant," she growled, all the while knowing it would have no affect.

John kissed her on the cheek, complete with a loud smacking noise. "Yes, dear."

"Never would have thought you a yes man," Sam said, her surprise not entirely feigned.

"Yes, well," John said, his face serious and professional. He waited a beat, glancing both left, then right. In an overly hushed whisper he said, "It's only for Grace, usually. Nasty stuff, blackmail."

If the sparkle in his eyes hadn't given him away, the way the corner of his mouth had begun to twitch would have. He rarely could pull a poker face with her.

"Yes, dear," she dead-panned with contrived sensitivity. She patted his cheek with her hand. "You are entirely too abused."

His grin no longer hidden, John nodded. "Don't I know it."

Several people pushed past them and Sam heard cheering from nearby. "If you're going to drag me here," she said, with a slightly evil grin, "then you have to explain the rules to me." She paused, tugging both John and Chloe's hands. "Again."

John's grin faltered just a bit, but didn't entirely fade. "Aw, Sam. How many times does it take?"

She smiled, feeling almost a feral as she must have looked -- if John's expression was anything to go by. Sam would have sworn John almost backed away. "How ever many games we go to."

"Aww, Mom." Chloe shook her head as they walked toward the stands. "It's just football."

"Arena football."

"Same thing," Chloe insisted. "Football."

"Yes, dear," both Sam and John said simultaneously.

John laughed, "Enough stalling." He gave Sam a gentle push toward the stairs. "Or it'll be over before we get inside."

"Really?"

"You wish. Go."

"Just remember, John," Sam said, glancing over her shoulder. "The ballet is next week. And we have tickets."

"But why do you insist on dragging me?"

Sam smiled innocently at the whine in his voice. "Oh, it's simple really."

"Yeah?"

She nodded. "Revenge." Sam saw Chloe grin, and her own smile merely widened. "Formal dress by the way."

John's melodramatic groan was a sweet reward. She was well aware that he knew she would enjoy the opportunity for revenge. Entering the stands Sam added, "Just nod and say 'Yes, dear'."

John rolled his eyes. "Yes, dear."

end

fin