I hunkered down in front of him. “He probably will, sweetness, and unfortunately, we can’t really stop him from doing it, because he’s an adult. He’s a lot like your uncle in that he gets angry sometimes and swears. We need to forgive him for that, but that doesn’t mean you get to swear, you got me?”
“Yeah, Auntie, I got you.”
“Do you want to show me the pinball machines?”
“It’s Teddy’s turn,” he said, “so we might not be able to play right now.”
“That’s okay,” I said. “Show me anyway.”
He took my hand and walked me over to the pinball machines where a giant man in his forties was absolutely murdering the buttons that controlled the flippers and jumping up and down.
I pulled Felix closer, but he tugged on my hand. “That’s Wyatt’s brother. He’s very nice, Auntie. Don’t be shy.”
I nodded and we continued to the small group forming around Teddy.
“Great job, Teddy!” a young man said, slapping the big man on his back.
“Shotgun,” Teddy squeaked as he jumped up and down, clapping his hands and I realized he might have some challenges.
“Right, sorry, bud. Great job, Shotgun.”
Teddy looked over my head and grinned big. “Stoney! I beat my score.”
“You did? That’s great, bud,” Stoney said, strolling toward us with a smile.
Teddy ran over to him and hugged him, and Stoney slapped him on the back returning the hug. I was quickly realizing I had judged Stoney and his club way too harshly. There was way more to these men than I’d given them credit for, and I was a little embarrassed by my rush to judgment.
“It’s your turn, Felix,” Teddy said, and the young man who’d been encouraging Teddy earlier, pulled a step stool over.
“Thanks, Orion,” Felix said, stepping up to play.
“I’m gonna get a beer,” Stoney said. “Want anything?”
I shook my head. “No. I’m good, thanks.”
Orion stepped over to me and smiled. “I’m Orion. My wife’s around here somewhere.”
“Sabrina. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Your kid’s pretty awesome,” he said.
“Agreed.” I chuckled. “I think I’ll keep him for a really long time.”
A gorgeous brunette wrapped her arms around Orion from behind, holding a beer in one hand. “Beer, my liege.”
“Thank you, wench.” Orion chuckled, taking the bottle. “Baby, this is Felix’s aunt, Sabrina. Sabrina, my wife Raquel.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” I said.
“You too.”
“Orion!” a young voice bellowed.
Orion turned with a grin and knelt down as a boy about Felix’s age made a run for him, almost knocking him over.
“You’re gettin’ big, bud. Soon, I won’t be able to keep from fallin’ on my butt.”
The kid laughed and eyed the pinball machine.
