“We’re going to follow our dads,” Oskar announced.
“Why’s that a problem?” I asked.
“We can’t be a biker and an ice hockey player,” Lars stated.
“Why not?”
The boys exchanged confused glances.
“Look up Tye, Carmine, and Harley Michaelson. Then come and talk to me,” I said as Jesper caught my attention again. “What now, kid?”
“I have to play with theflammekastereach week,” Jesper stated.
“If your aunt agrees.”
“No. You listen to me,” Jesper began, and I sent him a glare. Whatever he’d been about to say subsided, and Laila giggled.
“Wow, never seen that before,” she teased, and Jesper turned a glare on her.
“Why do they get a new Pops and we don’t?” Jesper demanded, turning to Jody. Jody looked like a startled rabbit as she bit her lip.
“You’ve only got to ask,” I answered for her.
“What?” Jesper rudely asked.
“Manners, you little shit! And you only have to ask to call me Pops. I can’t replace your dads, and I’d never try to. But I can be Pops,” I said.
“Isn’t that another name for dad?” Jesper pushed.
“Jesus, kid, don’t call me Pops then, nobody’s making you,” I responded, and Jesper shook his head.
“Fine, you’re Pops, if you’re going to be a baby about it!” he declared and slid off his chair and disappeared.
I gazed around the table, confused. “What just happened?”
“I think you met a younger version of yourself,” Jody announced sweetly and squealed as I grabbed a tea towel and slapped her butt with it.
“Gross,” Oskar muttered as Lars gagged.
“Your mom has a great ass,” I said, and they all gaped at me in horror, all but Laila, who collapsed laughing. Jody grinned and continued cooking breakfast.
Jody
I opened the door and stared at the three people standing there. “What the fuck do you want?” I snapped.
“Babe?” Magic called, no doubt hearing the hate in my voice. I’d not been quiet. Luckily, the children were out back with Alice, Diesel, Bunny, and Pyro and their kids. We’d been having an afternoon together and were going to grill later.
“I’m okay,” I replied as Magic appeared. He stared at my parents and sister in disgust.
“How the fuck do you have the gall to show your face around here?” Magic snarled, stepping to my side.
Mom and Dad looked horrified, but Mimi checked Magic out. A glint surfaced in her eyes, and I recognised it. Mimi looked rough. There was no denying the years had been cruel to her. At first glance, people would say Mimi was the older sister. Her hair was lank, greasy and greyer than mine. (I dyed, sue me) Her eyes had deep bags under them and deeply ingrained lines. Her beauty was gone, and she appeared almost haggish. Even her toned body was rake-thin and unattractive.
“We need to talk,” Dad said, and I shook my head.
“Nah. Not after your asshole son kidnapped my boy, we don’t,” I snapped.
“Jody, give us the consideration—”
