Page 46 of Off the Clock

Scotty

Sorry, Mom. I forgot. It got lost in the stack of chores you keep giving me.

I groaned alone to the empty rooftop.

Me

Not trying to be Mom. It’s basic roommate stuff you can knock out in a few minutes.

Scotty’s next retort came quickly.

Scotty

Says you. I’m tired, man. Camp is kicking my ass, and our first real scrimmage is today. Chores are the last thing on my mind.

I had to give the kid points for the guilt trip.

Me

Okay. We’ll do them together tonight.

The offer earned me an emoji with a tongue sticking out.

Scotty

Whatever.

Right as I pocketed my phone, Tony emerged through the roof door.

“You okay? Should have told me you were hiding out.” He gave me his patented winning smile, but I couldn’t return it.

“I’m not hiding out,” I snapped before taking a breath. I didn’t need to be an asshole to the person who’d rapidly become my best friend, if nothing else. “Technically, I’m taking a break. I was texting Scotty because the reception is better up here.”

“Ah, I’ll leave you to it then.” Tony backed away, but I held up a hand.

“No. Stay. Sorry. I didn’t mean to be an ass.”

“It’s okay. You get to be cranky sometimes, sunshine,” he said lightly as he pulled another bucket over and took a seat next to me.

“Only with you.” I kept my voice light, but it was true. With everyone else, I felt obligated to be funny, like I’d let my friends or crew down if I dropped the class clown act, but not with Tony. With him, I could be myself, bad moods included. Glancing around first, Tony put an arm around me, and I relaxed against his shoulder. “I need to stop letting Scotty’s bad moods ruin mine. We had yet more arguing about chores.”

“That’s so funny because when he’s over at Eric’s, he’s always the first to help.”

“Maybe we should move in.” I laughed, enjoying the chance to be silly. “Eric can adopt us next.”

“Well, the sneaky sleepover potential might be worth it.” Tony leered down at me. “Scotty arguing less would be the bonus.”

“I’d sleep in bunk beds in the garage if it meant fewer fights.” Sighing, I let my head fall against his shoulder, encouraging him to hold me closer.

“We can’t have that.” Tony squeezed me tightly. “And if it makes you feel better, Cosmo is the same way. Angel complains that he’ll follow John and the rest of their group to the moon, but he refuses to put a cup in the dishwasher at home.”

“John is a good example.” I wasn’t about to betray Scotty’s confidence from a few weeks back and reveal the extent of his admiration. “And so are you. Watching you with Angel and Cosmo reminds me that, someday, Scotty will grow up. You’re my brother-mentor.”

Chuckling, Tony rolled his eyes at me. “That sounds wrong, given how often I see you naked.”

“You know what I mean.” I elbowed his side. “You’re sibling goals.”

“Now, perhaps, but remember, it wasn’t always this easy. There were a lot of years when I had no clue what I was doing. Be nice to yourself.” He dropped a kiss on my forehead. “You’re doing the best you can.”

---