“What’s happening here, Connie?”
“Tonight, it’s Jinu. K-pop boy band member by day, soul-eating demon by night.”
Landon appeared behind him, similarly dressed but with a glossy pink wig.
“This some pop culture thing I know nothing about?”
Landon grinned and flicked his hair dramatically. “I’m Romance. That’s the character’s name, but he’s got an evil streak. Well, they all do because, demons.”
“Pity you didn’t consult with us beforehand, little bro.” Adeline appeared, wearing hot pants and a long, sleek purple wig. She kissed my cheek. “We’re the stars of the show, Huntr/X.” She pointed at Rosie and Summer over by the mantelpiece, who were similarly dressed in bright wigs but with slight variations on their outfits.
“Which show?”
“K-pop Demon Hunters! We’re the demon hunters. These guys are the prey.” She flicked a thumb at her brothers.
I had so much to learn.
“You’re … let me guess. Carmy from The Bear?” My niece grinned. “Love it, Uncle J.”
At least someone recognized me. Looking around, I spotted Squid Game players, a couple of Deadpools, Rick and Chelsea from The White Lotus, and people in what looked like teddy bear costumes. I later learned they were Labubu, another pop culture sensation of which I was completely unaware. I would be a father soon, and I needed to up my game.
No sign of Francesca. I expected she would be here as she had come last year. I was trying not to get all Daddy Dom, but I needed to talk to her.
I did a walkthrough, stopping to chat with teammates and Theo, dressed as Mark from Severance. His Helly was off chatting with her bestie, Jordan Hunt, who had come as Glinda in Wicked.
My brother hugged me. “Some great blocks in that last one, J.”
“I’m sure you have notes.”
“Me? Nah. I’m not going to Monday night QB it. You’re doing it your way.”
I truly wished we could have played on the same team, but now my hope was to honor his legacy. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted someone in a schoolgirl uniform with braids, but when I turned, she was gone.
“… and he asked me for tickets, but I said he should talk to you.”
“What’s that?”
Theo frowned. “Dad. He wanted tickets to the game tomorrow for him and his cronies.”
That was why he’d left a couple of messages. There I was thinking he was calling to congratulate me on my play.
“Kind of late.”
“That’s what I said, so he called Hatch and got some that way.” Theo looked like he wanted to say something.
“Go ahead.”
“I know he’s a jerk, but he’s still your father.”
I reared back. “You’re taking his side?”
“Dude, there are no sides. So he handled it all wrong, but it was years ago. Maybe try to get along to go along. There’s Ezra and Liam to think of.”
If only they didn’t come with the baggage of Dad.
“I’m going to get a drink.”
“Sure. Knock up some Italian beef Sammies while you’re at it, will ya?”
