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“I wish the Adler issue was so easy to fix. Think I could throw a banana at that one and make it better?”
Tristan shot his eyes to the ceiling. “I don’t think it’s that easy. That guy’s a mess.”
At that time, the back door slammed shut, and it sounded as if one of the horses from the fields was stopping through the house.
“Looks like said mess has arrived.” Tristan cleared his area and took his bowl to the sink.
Adler entered the kitchen wearing cutoff sweat pant shorts, which were frazzled at the ends, Birkenstocks, and that was it. His dark, unruly hair was messed up and sticking up all over, like he just rolled out of bed, but knowing Adler, that’s how he fixed it. “What mess are you both talking about, and where were you last night?” He shot a look at Tristan. “Did you spend the night with that hot chick you’ve been seeing?” Adler opened the fridge, took out the milk, and drank right from the jug.
Tristan just smirked and rolled his eyes. He leaned against the counter and watched his cousin.
“Hey, mannerless. Please act like your parents taught you something.” Elie grabbed the milk from his hands and put it back in the fridge. “If you’re going to steal my food, drink from a cup.”
Adler’s hands went up. “Hey, freeloader there gets to eat, and I get forced out of my own refrigerator?” This was the typical go-between with Adler and his mom.
She pulled his face down to make eye contact with her son. “Just remember who the chosen one is and the responsible one is. I still wonder where I went wrong with you.” She placed a loud kiss on his cheek and patted it in.
The chosen one and the responsible one were two terms which were always directed at Tristan from sixth grade on when he moved in with the family. It was a good thing Adler had a big head and way too much attitude, or else he would have always held it against Tristan, but instead, it made them closer. Adler always made sure Tristan was with him because he could do anything as long as Tristan was there to keep him straight and out of trouble.
Adler laid his arms around his mother’s shoulders. “Oh, Momma, he may be the chosen one, but I’m your gift from God. Just remember that.” He gave her a loud kiss on her cheek. “I love you, Momma.”
She shook her head. “Love you too, stinker, but…” She walked away and leaned on the counter next to Tristan. This is how they usually showed a united front. When they agreed on something and needed to stand up together to Adler. “… It would be so nice if you would stop bringing random girls home. When are you going to realize you are a prize for one person and not a cheap gift for many?”
Adler grabbed a Pop-Tart from the pantry and turned to Tristan. “Really? You told her I had someone over?”
“I was here when she got up. I had to give her a reason why I slept here and drank her milk. You know me, the truth is always the best way.”
Adler threw a piece of his breakfast at Tristan, who backed away.
“No food fights in my kitchen,” Elie yelled.
Adler popped the last bit in his mouth and held up his empty hands. “Anyway,” he said with his mouth full. “It wasn’t someone new over last night; it was that brunette from the benefit we did last week, all legs, curvy body. I’ve been seeing her for the past couple days.”
Tristan nodded. “That’s right. Wasn’t her name Becca.”
Adler pointed. “See, it’s not some random girl. You remember her.”
“Yeah, but her name’s Missy, not Becca.” Tristan slapped Adler’s finger away. “Come on, show them some respect. At least remember her name.”
Elie shook her head at her son. “One day, some girl will grab your heart. I can’t wait.”
“Whatever. How are things going with that girl you’re seeing? Has that hot friend of hers dumped her cheating boyfriend yet?”
“You’ve been seeing someone, Tristan?” Elie asked.
“Yeah, he has been. We met them when we went to the mountains. If they aren’t together, they’re talking on the phone. Seems interesting, yet he’s home every night after their dates. She’s playing hard to get.”
Tristan shot daggers at Adler and opened his mouth for a comeback. Elie held her hand up. “All right, I’ve heard enough. It sounds like she’s a strong girl who’s waiting for the right guy. You, mister.” She poked Adler in the chest. “Need to take a few pointers from Tristan. It wouldn’t hurt. You’re not getting any younger, and I’d love to be a grandma one day.”
She kissed them both on their heads. “Enjoy your day, boys. I’m going into my office. I have work to get done.”
“You know, Mom, you should stop calling us boys. We are thirty—I think that puts us in the men category.” Adler pointed at his mom.
“Men live on their own and don’t mooch off their parents.”
“Whatever, Mom. Hey, where’s Dad?” Adler asked.
“He’s already headed to the ranch. He had a big meeting and said something about you two working late. So, get your butts in gear. Love you both.”
