She interrupts. “Lo bought decaf this morning.” She shakes a pod over her head and then pops it into the machine.
Everyone is seated when we join them. There are two chairs empty between Benji and Lola. I take the seat next to Benji and let Soph sit next to her sister.
Pancakes stacked and syrup passed around, we dig in.
“Holy shit,” Jess mumbles through his first bite. “These are the best pancakes I’ve ever had.”
Mabel smiles and says, “Never doubt me, sugar.”
He’s right. They are. I’m only a few bites in and already eyeing the platter to decide if there are enough left to have another serving.
“Ev, Mabel and Lola started a baking YouTube channel. We’re gonna be guests on it tomorrow.” God, Jess looks happy.
“Oh yeah?” I look at Lola and point at my brother. “You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. I’d back out now if I were you.”
She takes a sip from her mug and shakes her head. “Not a chance. He’s already agreed to do it shirtless.”
Jess shrugs as he forks two more pancakes from the platter and drowns them in syrup. “Ev, they’re trying to get this channel off the ground and grow subscribers so they can do this thing full-time. Who am I to deny someone their dream? I’m a helper.” He winks at Lola.
Oh shit, I’ve seen that look before.
“Aunt Soph said you play drums?” Benji asks, and I’m thankful for the distraction.
“I do. You play?”
He nods while he chews.
“Cool. Maybe you can show me your kit when we’re done?”
Thirty minutes later,after Soph and I do the dishes, I’m in Benji’s bedroom showing him how to tune his drums.
“What do you like to play?” I ask.
“I really like jazz, especially post-bop and Latin.”
“Right on.” I love how confident this kid is.
“What about you? I mean, I’ve seen videos, and I know what kind of music you guys play, but what do you listen to?”
“I listen to a lot of different genres, but metal is where my loyalty lies.”
He smiles. “Aunt Soph loves metal too.”
“Just one of the many awesome things about your aunt,” I tell him.
“She’s the best,” he agrees. “When did you start playing?”
“Eleven.” I pause and think. “Maybe twelve? One of those.” It feels like a lifetime ago. “I mowed lawns all summer to save up and bought a used kit from a guy who lived down the street from us. I drove my mom insane that winter. What about you? When did you start?”
“Only a few months ago. They were a Christmas gift from Aunt Soph. She knew I wanted to learn. I’m in a band now. We meet up online every Friday.”
“Jazz?”
He nods and then prompts, “Play something.”
“Only if you play something when I’m done?”
“Sure.” He agrees so easily, no intimidation, no doubt. I have no idea what it’s like to be a parent, but Lola’s doing it right.
