Page 151 of State of Alert

Sam was closing her phone as the twins came running out of the family kitchen, nearly crashing into her in the hallway. She hugged them both, thankful she hadn’t changed into herdress before going to the salon as the scent of maple syrup overtook her. “What’s the good word, my loves?”

“Nick said we gotta hurry up and brush our teeth or we’re gonna be late,” Alden said. “If we’re late, no recess.”

“Oh snap. Get going, then.” She kissed the top of two blond heads. “Love you to the moon.”

“And back?” Aubrey asked.

“Always.”

They ran off to finish getting ready for school.

Sam continued to the kitchen, where Scotty was scrolling on his phone while sipping from his coffee cup.

Nick used his chin to gesture to their son. “He says you okayed the coffee?”

“I didnotokay it. I was passively aggressively backed into a corner that led to himbelievingI agreed to it.”

Without looking up from his phone, Scotty said, “There was nothing passive about it.”

His parents tried, and failed, to stop the laughter that burst from them simultaneously.

“That’s not funny,” Nick said, attempting a stern tone.

“Yes, it is,” Scotty replied with a grin. “And P.S., you suck at not laughing when the kid is being fresh.”

“We’re working on that,” Nick said.

“Don’t work too hard. It cracks me up how you try to be all parental, but you’re like a couple of fourteen-year-olds on the inside.”

Sam glanced at Nick. “I’m offended by that.”

“Truth hurts,” Scotty said.

“Don’t let it get out that Dad is like a fourteen-year-old on the inside. He’s got enough troubles being the youngest president in history.”

“The secret is safe with me if I still get my morning coffee. Do we have a deal?”

“See how he does that?” Sam asked Nick.

“I see, and it’s terrifying.”

Scotty got up, rinsed his cup and plate and put them in the dishwasher. “No need to be terrified, parentals. I promise to use my negotiation skills for good rather than evil. Most of the time, anyway.”

“Gee, that’s super comforting, son,” Nick said. “Thanks for clarifying.”

“No problem. Mom, you need to do something about Juan’s roommate who’s all over the interwebs spouting off about you lying to him about his best friend being dead.”

“We’re on it, but thank you for the advice.”

“Any time. Y’all have a good day.”

“What is happening?” Sam asked Nick after Scotty left the room.

“I believe our son is growing up and is now officially smarter than me and more diabolical than you. That’s some scary stuff.”

“Why do you get to be the smart one, while I’m the diabolical one?”

“Um, do you want examples?”

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