By the time I got to my parents’ house, three cars filled the driveway. I found the nearest curb and parked on the street. Lady and Tramp bounded out when I opened the passenger door. They took off for the porch, leashes trailing behind them.
I didn’t bother to give chase. They knew where they were going.
The front door opened, and my brother greeted my dogs with more affection than he’d ever shown me. When I trudged up the steps, he raised an eyebrow.
“You sick or something? You look like crap.”
“Long day at work, but thanks for your concern, asswipe.”
He laughed. “Sorry, man. I just call it like I see it.”
“Uncle Jamie!” Grace raced forward, dressed in shorts and a tank top. Her knees were covered in Band-Aids.
I wrapped an arm around her as she hugged my waist. “Wow, Gracie, you starting a new fashion trend?”
“Huh?”
“All those Band-Aids. That’s like… Tomboy Chic, right there.”
Her forehead creased in confusion. Her mom, Gwen, laughed. “That’s my girl. Takes after her mama.”
Grace decided my comment was a compliment. “Thanks! Can I play with the dogs in the backyard?”
“Please do. They’re too hyper. Kinda like you.”
She giggled and patted Tramp’s head. “Come on, guys! Outside!”
They heard the magic word and trotted after her. Her cousin, Joey, joined her by the door, opening it and going out after them.
Voices trailed out from the dining room, Dad’s laughter so loud it echoed through the whole house. Despite everything, I smiled. My dad was one of those guys who found joy in everything. I really admired that about him.
Gwen wrapped an arm around me as we strolled into the dining room. “You smell delicious. If only you were straight, we could run away together and you could feed me for life.”
“Hey,” Nick protested. “I’m right behind you.”
“And you never cook for me,” she shot back.
“I do other things for you,” he grumbled. “Gay guys aren’t gonna give you an hourlong back massage, are they?”
“That’s what it takes to get her in the mood?” I snickered. “Maybe youshouldrun away with me. Or better yet, find a pretty girl.” I winked.
My brother scowled. “Hilarious.”
My older sister, Ashley, paused in the act of setting the table. “Who’s running away with who?”
“No one,” Nick said, pulling his wife into his arms and kissing her soundly.
My heart ached a little. It was sweet how he got jealous even though she was just teasing. I’d never had a love like that.
Dad grinned from his place at the head of the table, still handsome despite the salt that peppered his beard these days. “You making trouble again, Jamie?”
“I can’t help it if she wants my chocolate dicks.”
“Whoa, she wants yourwhat?” Ashley asked.
“Chocolate dicks.” I wrinkled my nose. “I came straight from work, after molding three dozen of them.”
Gwen laughed. “Oh, man, and you had my mouth watering.”
