Lafayette scratched his military short buzz cut. “Um, sure, man. So, is it okay if I’m dopey in love with my man? Simon is so amazing.”
Hector rolled his eyes. “Please. No more Simon. He’s giving me hives.”
“He likes Lila.”
Hector’s new girlfriend, a hot piece of crazy. Smith had met her a few times. And yeah, she was beautiful. But she put him way too in mind of an Amazon. Not like Erin, who made him want to cuddle her and care for her. To keep her safe and…
“What?” he barked when the guys kept staring at him.
“Ah, nothing, chief. Just might want to be careful with that smile. Or someone might think you’re more Hannibal Lector-happy than Mr. Rogers-happy.” Hector made the sign of the cross and slowly backed away
“Smart ass.” But the guy was funny all the same. “Sorry, okay? Cash and Reid get on my last nerve. And yeah, we’re related. Not by choice.” Which was kind of obvious, but whatever.
“So why are you smiling and happy today? Got plans to disembowel them later?” Lafayette asked. At Hector’s puzzled look, he explained, “Been watching aSawmarathon on TV. Sorry.”
“I don’t know how good Simon is for you,” Hector muttered. “Saw. Please.”
“Oh, as if that’s not better than the Housewives of Major City Can We Please Have Drama,” Lafayette said. “And don’t even pretend you don’t watch that shit. I know you.”
Hector looked shamefaced. “Keep it down, would you?”
“You guys are ridiculous.” Smith shook his head, hiding his amusement. Hector’s addiction to the same reality TV he teased Cash about was a well-known fact. “There’s nothing good on cable”
“Well, that’s true but—”
“Except for Marvel movies and comics. Not DC, because they suck. I’m talking Avengers, Dr. Strange, Spiderman…”
Hector gaped. “You— I can’t believe it. You might be human after all.”
“Hell no,” Lafayette growled and planted his large hands on his hips. The guy looked like a shorter version of Michael Jai White, rocking those arms. “You did not just diss Superman.”
“I sure the hell did. DC sucks ass.”
They got into a loud argument about the different comic book publishers, arguing the merits of Dark Horse and Image—Wild C.A.T.S. anyone? —up against the megastars Marvel and DC. Then they segued into the strongest heroes and villains when Hector held up a hand and nodded over Smith’s shoulder.
As one, they turned to see Mr. Wade, an older gentleman, standing with his grandson, who had to be the politest ten-year-old Smith had ever met.
Smith cleared his throat. “Sorry. We were on a short break and got a little carried away.”
“I’ll say.” Mr. Wade left the bottom step into the basement and glared. “How can any of you possibly be a fan of the house that created Green Lantern?” he asked Lafayette. “Hal Jordan is a douche.”
Coming from the mouth of a distinguished-looking older gentleman with a Porsche SUV in the driveway,douchemade Smith’s day. “Oh man, he so is. His big superpower is a magic ring that makes imaginary green things come to life. Lame.” Smith sneered.
Wade’s grandson, Billy, shook his head. In the tone of a college professor, he said, “Marvel isn’t so great. What about Doctor Bong?”
“That’s made up,” Hector said.
Lafayette grinned. “But funny.”
“Nah. He’s real.” Smith sighed. “I mean, he’s a real Marvel superhero. You got me there, kid.”
The boy considered Smith with new appreciation. “You know who he is?”
“Doctor Bong doesn’t really have powers. He’s a genetic engineering genius who turned animals into humanoids. That’s pretty lame in the grand scheme of things. Still, he’s better than Asbestos Lady.”
“That’s true,” Mr. Ward grinned.
“And Batman.” Smith was on a roll. And there he lost Wade.
