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Before a nuclear explosion went off in Alex’s head, Madison placed both hands on his chest, gently guiding him away from the precipice of parenting mistake number one: overreacting.
“He could take Paco’s room,” she quickly suggested.
With nothing but their silent understanding and parental telepathy, Alex gave in. “I suppose so.”
She turned back to AJ. “There’s an amazing room at the top of the stairs. From one side you can see Central Park, while the other showcases a mesmerizing skyline at night.”
With a soft smile and a stern nod, she nudged Alex to show him the way.
When Madison silently mouthed, “You’ve got this,” his expression melted. He took her in his arms and gave her a tender kiss.
“Get a room,” AJ whined, disgusted.
They laughed and broke from their PDA.
Alex fired back, “You get a room.” Smiling wide, he motioned for the stairs.
They ascended the stairs like giants, taking two at a time. Their gaits, identical.
Alex led the way, his voice eager and excited. “And Madison’s right,” he said. “This room is absolutely amazing. You’ve got your own bathroom, and you’re conveniently located across the hall from the library. Down that way is the gym, if you’re interested...”
Her smile quickly vanished as she watched after them. AJ had no suitcases or bags. Other than his backpack, which couldn’t hold much.
Honey-do item number one…
Clothes.
CHAPTER12
ALEX
“Why do I have to do this?” AJ asked, aimlessly scanning the expanse of wonderland known as the mall.
“Because Madison’s right. You need clothes,” Alex answered, thebecause I said sowas implied.
Paco slapped a card in AJ’s hand and pushed him forward. “Go forth, young man, and make a dent in Alex’s credit card. No pain, no gain.”
Reluctantly, AJ hurried through the mall, store after store. Unlike Madison, Jordan, and Paco, it was evident that the kid hated shopping.
“It’s like he’s an alien.”
“Or a chip off the old block,” Alex mused, thrilled. Until an hour had come and gone, without AJ selecting a single thing.
Instead, AJ was observant and analytical, studying the outfits worn by other kids his age. He took keen interest in the arcade…as well as every girl he encountered.
Alex diverted AJ’s attention as a woman in sky-high heels and a micro-mini sauntered past. “So, AJ, do you usually wear a uniform?” he asked, casually engaging in small talk.
After all, Alex was a former operative. His skills in the art of interrogation and extraction—unparalleled.
AJ skimmed his hand along some graphic tees. “Maybe.”
Paco muttered under his breath, “He swings. He misses,” as he mimicked the sounds of a sad trombone. “Wha-wha-whaa. Access denied.”
Alex playfully held up aMy Little Ponyshirt to Paco’s chest, as if checking the size. “Cut me some slack. You had him for a month. I’ve only had him for a day.”
“Whatever.” Paco grabbed the shirt from Alex’s hand and returned it to the rack.
“Not your style?”
