AllFreeNovel
Share Us
While Frank heads to the sink, I grab the Tabasco. Then I douse what remains of my eggs, careful not to let any splash on my toast.
My mother wrinkles her nose. “Isn’t that a lot of hot sauce?”
Frank shuts off the water and dries his hands on the dishtowel. “He’s gotta get some spice into his life somehow.”
“Stop teasing your brother, Frank. I’m sure my Spencey is plenty spicy.”
My dad groans, and his paper rustles. “You really shouldn’t talk about our son’sspicewhile I’m still digesting my food.”
Mom reaches over to pat my hand. “Don’t listen to your father. I’m almost certain he won’t throw up at the breakfast table. You just keep on being you, Spencer.” She smiles at me.
Oh, man. I’ve gotta get out of here. Like, yesterday.
Frank comes over and takes the chair next to mine, spooning the rest of the eggs onto his plate. My mother surveys the table, her cheeks glowing. “I just love having all my boys together.”
My father sets down his paper and shoves his chair back with a squeak. “Welp, this old boy’s gotta get going.” He stands and hikes his jeans before collecting his plate and coffee mug.
“Don’t rush off, Tom,” my mother says above the clomp of his work boots. “That’s why we hired Sol. So you wouldn’t have to get to the feed store at the crack of dawn.”
Dad looks over his shoulder, mouth on a slant. “In case you haven’t noticed, dawn cracked a while ago.”
Mom sighs. “I just want you to get more sleep and have less stress.”
“I’m living the dream. Don’t you worry about me.” When Dad turns on the faucet, she snatches up her own plate and meets him at the sink. “Let me do that, Tom. Just sit for five more minutes.”
“You’re too good to me, Suzie Q.”
“And you’re too handsome. Now go sit.” She swats the seat of his jeans, and he lets out a loud, animated yelp. Then he plants a loud, wet smooch on her lips.
Did I mention it’s time to move out?
Frank looks across the table at me, talking with his mouth full. “When’s the whole camp thing starting?”
A speck of toast flies out of his mouth, landing between us. I don’t want to touch it, but I hate crumbs. Especially ones with his saliva. “Monday,” I say.
My mother shuts off the water. “I’m sorry, but three jobs is two too many, Spencer.”
“Disagree,” Frank says. “It’s just the right amount. Spencey gets paid, and I get help on the weekends.”
“And it’s only temporary.” I set my napkin next to my plate, unlike Frank, who’s got his napkin crumpled in his fist. Like an animal.
My mom comes to the table, wiping her hands down the front of her robe. “I still don’t understand what you’ll be doing there, Spencey. You’re a librarian.”
Frank answers before I can. “They need a man to stay in the boys’ cabin overnight to monitor the kids and the counselors.” He cocks an eyebrow. “I guess Spencer’s the closest thing to a man they could come up with.”
“Oh, Frankie. Knock it off. Your brother is plenty manly.”
“That’s it.” My dad shakes his head. “My cue to leave.” He kisses my mom goodbye again, even though he already kissed her. Then he waves at Frank and me. “Adios, fellas. Try not to be here when I get home.”
My mother waves then turns back to me. “Are you sure you haven’t bitten off more than you can chew?”
I fork up my last bite of eggs. “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.”
Frank snorts. “I see we’re still playing fast and loose with the definition ofman.” He tosses his napkin at me, and I bat it away.
“I swear you’re worse than the kids at the library.”
“Right. Becauseyou’reso mature.” He scoffs as I pick the napkin up and set it on the table. “So. You found any girls to date you yet?” he asks.
