But Russ. Russ was the real costume winner tonight. He was wearing red plaid pants with a snug mustard-colored T-shirt and zip-up ankle boots.
Russ introduced Kinsley to his son, Zach, and to Sydney, and finally to the teenager, Sydney’s younger sister, Nikki.
Russ cleared his throat and folded his arms across his broad chest. “Before anyone says anything about my clothes, remember I have the power to arrest you.”
The group laughed, and when it died down, Nikki stepped forward.
“No fair.” She lifted her chin and aimed it at Russ. “I’ll never have a chance like this again to make fun of you the way this extreme outfit deserves.”
Russ knuckled the teenager’s shoulder. “Sorry, kiddo. I know you’re right, but cut me some slack. I only did this for your sister.” He leaned closer to Nikki and cupped a hand by his mouth. “You know she’s crazy hormonal, and you can’t say no to her these days without putting your life on the line.”
The teenager gave a solemn nod. “This baby can’t come soon enough.”
“Hey, now,” Sydney said. “It’s not like I’m not standing here. I heard everything you said.”
Kinsley waited for Sydney to get mad, but she just rolled her eyes and laughed. “I know you’re right, but let’s not air our dirty laundry with everyone.”
“Uh, Sydney.” Zach looked up at her and scratched his cheek. “Are you having this pregnancy brain thing again? ’Cause we didn’t bring any laundry.”
The others burst out in laughter.
Zach looked from person to person, but then he shook his head. “Must be one of those things Dad says I’ll understand when I’m grown up. Is Jessie here yet?”
“Already inside,” Dev said, working to stem his laughter.
“Come on, kid.” Sydney rested her hand on Zach’s shoulder. “I’ll take you to get skates, and we’ll find Jessie.”
Zach bolted for the door.
“Listen to Nikki,” Russ called after him.
“Don’t worry,” Nikki said. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”
Russ fist bumped with Nikki, then looked at Kinsley. “He’s pumped about tonight, in case you couldn’t tell. Nikki not so much, but what can you expect from a seventeen-year-old who’s forced to come to an oldies bash on a Friday night?”
“With her sister, no less.” Sydney pointed at Russ. “I won’t be skating, but I had to come along to see this guy do it. I just can’t imagine him as a carefree teenager, wheeling around this rink.”
“Me either,” Jada said. “But Reid’s telling everyone you were the best skater of the Maddox brothers.”
Russ puffed up his chest. “He’s right about that, but then, when you put the three of us together, I’m pretty much the best of anything.”
Sydney punched his shoulder. “And modest, too.”
Kinsley laughed. “When’s the baby due?”
“In a week. Hopefully he won’t come while Russ is wearing skates. I can just see him panic and fall. I don’t need an injured father-to-be.”
Russ rolled his eyes. “I didn’t panic when Zach was born. I won’t panic for Jacob.”
“You’ve named him,” Kinsley said.
“Out of self-defense.” Sydney smiled fondly at her husband. “This one was calling him Bubba, and I was afraid it was going to stick.” She laughed.
“Well, have a good time,” Kinsley said. “I can’t wait to see Russ on skates.”
“Then you’ll have a long wait.” Russ narrowed his gaze. “I might’ve been the best of the best back in the day, but I’m smart enough to know people have cameras on their phones, and a picture of a roller skating sheriff in red plaid pants doesn’t instill confidence, so it’s not gonna happen.”
“We’ll see about that.” Sydney tugged him toward the door. Russ looked over his shoulder.
