It hurts like hell, but I’ll keep that to myself because the last thing I want is Grant guiltily moping about or hovering. He should enjoy himself like everyone else. That man needs a little fun in his life.
“It couldn’t be better.”
“Good. You know where you went wrong, right?”
“I do, and it won’t happen again.”
“See to it that it doesn’t. Kieran is $100.00 richer because of you.”
“That’s what happens when you bet against Big Bro,” Kieran commented.
“Calm down, Kiss Ass.”
Everyone snickered, including Nori, who, despite not signing up for a lecture, was still tuned in by lip-reading.
“You all know what I’m about to say.”
“Don’t go out there and show your ass,” we all recited lazily.
“He stole that from me,” Mom chimed in.
“Where it came from does not matter,” Dad continued, “but how you all represent your family does. Dare I say the Bakers and Powells are pillars of the community, and your actions and behaviors can negatively impact the legacy that Anthony and I curated? Iexpectyou all to celebrate Daisy and Nori’s pending union responsibly, and Iexpectyou all here by 9:00 AM tomorrow, fresh-faced, hydrated, and prepared to get these two love birds of prey married.”
“You’re not funny, Dad,” Daisy drawled, folding her arms over her chest.
Dad traversed to Grant at the front of the line and paused before him. “Grant.”
“Dad,” he replied, standing a little straighter.
“You’re not responsible for everyone tonight. Relax and have fun.”
Grant’s shoulders sagged in relief. “I will.”
Dad nodded and proceeded down the line. “Casey, wrap it up, and no married women.”
“Always, Dad,” he responded with a taunting smirk.
“No drag racing, Kiyah.”
“Drag racing? What’s that?” I asked sarcastically.
“Ask your Supra.” My mouth popped open, and he snapped his fingers repeatedly. “That’s right. You can’t because it’s totaled.” My siblings childishly oohed from his burn as he continued down the line. “Daisy, keep your hands to yourself. Nori—”
He paused when he noticed she wasn’t wearing her hearing aids. “Where are your hearing aids, child?” he spoke as he signed. She shrugged. He looked at Daisy, and she shook her head furiously.
“Don’t even look at me because I had nothing to do with it.”
“Right.” He glanced down at Nori’s fanny pack. “I admire your fanny pack. Granddad would be proud that you are exercising your 2nd amendment right.” My knees grew weak because that shit was too funny, and I had to hold onto Casey for support. Nori grinned widely in Dad’s face and thanked him for the compliment. “Ronan… well… none of that He-Man bullshit, all right?”
“I prefer Thor.”
“No fighting if you can avoid it,” Dad said, sighing before stopping in front of the youngest of the group.
“Kieran?”
“Yes, Father?”
“Don’t come back.”