“He’s a little rough around the edges for me.”
“Well then, it’s a good thing he doesn’t like dick.” I laugh, feeling like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders after having this talk with Roger.
“He’d totally be a top if he did, and that would be a problem.”
“I’ll never understand gay men.”
“I’ll never understand women, so we’re even.” He laughs. “Now what is all this mess?” He waves his hand around the kitchen, which doesn’t look all that much cleaner since I had the flour bomb.
“I’m making a special cupcake for Tate.”
“You’re a goner, kid,” he says, and I totally agree.
6
Angelo
“Why are the kids off school today?” Pop asks as he walks into the bar around noon.
“It’s spring break, Pop.”
“For fuck’s sake. How long do these kids need?” He runs his hand down the side of his head, smoothing his salt-and-pepper hair. “When I was a kid…”
“Did they have school that long ago?” I get in a jab whenever possible because he’s earned as much.
“I’m pretty sure they used stone tablets back then,” Lucio chimes in, yanking my father’s chain.
“You two can fuck right off.”
“What are Tate and Brax doing?” I ask, not hearing a peep from upstairs.
Usually, when they’re quiet, it means they’re sleeping or getting into trouble. The older they get, the more damage they create.
“Brax is playing dinosaurs in the kitchen, and Tate is showing your mother how to use her iPad.”
“Sweet baby Jesus,” Lucio mutters. “It’s been years, and she still has no freaking clue how to use that damn thing.”
“Ma still listens to music on vinyl.”
Lucio and I laugh.
Pop gives us the side-eye. “Music sounds better on a record,” he says, coming to her defense.
“For sure.” Lucio elbows me. “I hate that we stopped using the 8-tracks. That was where it was at.”
“So, what’s up with the chick next door?” Pop ticks his head toward the adjoining wall. “Your mother had a lot to say about her last night, but then again, she has a lot to say about everyone.”
“There’s nothing up with the chick next door.”
My tone’s a little defensive. I can hear it in my voice. I’m not fooling anyone either.
Lucio levels me with his gaze. “Don’t be an asshole, and stop lying to us and yourself.”
“I’ve met the woman twice. That does not constitute anything going on.”
Lucio crosses his arms. “Do you like her?”
I shrug as I busy myself cleaning the bar top before we officially open the doors for business. “I don’t know.”
