Page 47 of Scoring Chance

“It’s been great,” I say simply.

“I’ll bet you miss that swanky condo. And is your half-naked friend doing okay?”

My jaw tightens. I resist the bait. I check my team to see their reactions, and they just roll their eyes. Luckily, Kyle has spewed so much bullshit that they aren’t phased.

Kyle tilts his head. “Must be hard, though. Getting used to their routines, their likes and dislikes. Allergies, bedtimes, favorite snacks…”

Still not taking it.

“We’re making it work,” I say.

He smirks. “Well, let me know if you need any pointers. I have three of my own.”

The room is dead silent. Kyle shows no signs of leaving.

“Interesting that this is the first time you’ve ever had a family picture up in your office, and right on a spot where everyone can see.” He looks over his shoulder at the direct line of sight into the hall.

“I’m a proud stepdad,” I say flatly.

“This framed picture doesn’t mesh at all with all the artwork you have hanging on this wall. As someone so into aesthetics, it seems off.” He chuckles to himself. “But what do I know?”

“Not much,” I shoot back.

“And it’s funny that this is the only picture you have of them, and it looks like it was recently taken.”

I dart my eyes to Craig and Lisa and see if they’re being swayed by Kyle’s questions.

“Have you ever tried wrangling a family photo with four kids, Kyle? I can barely get my two kids to sit still for one. This is a miracle,” Lisa says.

“And I like the picture more than the douchey art,” Craig says.

I whip my head to him, and he immediately turns red.

“Cool douchey art,” he tries to explain.

Lisa and Craig’s defenses have given me a spring in my step.

“We’re good on Starbucks, Kyle. Thanks anyway.” I shoot him a wink.

Yet before Kyle can go, he’s blocked by Stan, who can never turn down a chance to chitchat with coworkers.

“Nice picture.” Stan wears a tan suit with red bowtie and that ever-curious expression stamped on his joyful face.

He steps inside without waiting for an invitation and glances at the framed photo.

“Is that the family?”

It was happening. The test. Would this work on Stan? I smiled like it didn’t hurt. “Yep. The whole crew.”

“Looks…lively.”

“That’s one word for it.”

“I can’t wait to meet them. You should bring the brood by!” Kyle suggests. Whenever people would bring their kids to work, I’d hole up in my office to avoid the shouting and eventual crying.

“They have school,” I say, hoping that’s correct.

“That reminds me.” Stan turns and, without missing a beat, says, “I’ll be coming over Tuesday night for dinner.”