Outside, the men huddled around the grill. Pops looked back at me and smirked.
“It took you long enough to come outside,” he said.
“I don’t know what you’re implying, old man.”
He shook his head. “Sure you don’t. Everything good? Y’all had fun today?”
“Man, I spent hours being clowned by three different women. The girls wanted to go indoor zip-lining, and you know how I feel about heights after that traumatic experience.”
Kadeem laughed. “I know you aren’t still going on about that hike, Killian.”
“I almost died.”
“You’re being dramatic as hell. We weren’t even that far off the ground.”
“Tell that to my head, neck, and spine if I’d fallen headfirst. I don’t care what you say, I prefer solid ground.”
“They didn’t hassle you too bad, did they?” Mr. Easton asked.
“Sir, they almost had to walk home.”
The men laughed.
“Nah, but seriously though. They had fun, mostly at my expense. I loved seeing them so happy together.”
He nodded. “They deserve these moments. Too many have been stolen from them. I’m just glad I’m still here to witness it.”
A round of “Amens” went up around the space.
“So how has it been having a houseguest?” Collin asked.
The rest of the men looked at one another and grinned as they waited for my response.
“It’s been nice,” I answered. “After being here by myself for so long, it’s nice to come home to someone. Even better, it’s someone I care for deeply.”
“You know, my baby is convinced she’s gonna have a new auntie,” Collin said. “She’s already talking about matching Halloween costumes with you two.”
Kadeem playfully nudged me. “I don’t think Killian has enough muscles to be the Maui character.”
“He definitely doesn’t have the hair for it,” my pops jested.
“What y’all aren’t gonna do is stand in my yard insulting me. If my niece wants me to be Maui, then I’ll be Maui.”
“That’s why she’s spoiled now,” Collin said. “I don’t know what she’s gonna do when you have your own kids.”
“Run my pockets still. One of these days I’ll tell her no.”
Mr. Easton chuckled. “Son, take it from a man that’s been married a long time: You never say no.”
Then men nodded in agreement.
“It only gets worse when you have daughters,” Kadeem said. “Don’t let Kyah and Parker get to giving me those sad faces. I just hand over my bank card and accept defeat.”
“So you’re a sucker is what I’m hearing,” I joked.
“I’m a man who knows how to pick my battles.” He slapped my shoulder. “I can always take you to the beauty supply store and get you a thirty-inch body wave.”
I jerked away from him. “You’re lucky I respect my elders, or I would have choice words for you.”
