Page 166 of Tarek

“We went from stripper loving, orgy attending, alcohol loving drunks….to dads. Talking about baby food. What’s next, diapers and shit?”

Rhet slaps the table. “Speaking of diapers, don’t buy the red box ones. Get the brand “Cheekies diaper. They are the best.”

I chuckle knowing damn well that Rhet is doing this to irritate Cole. “Yeah, thanks for that. I will tell Penny.”

Cole leans back in his chair and chuckles. “Don’t get me wrong, I am happy for you both.”

“But?” Dax pushes his glasses up and waits.

Cole exhales, rubbing his jaw. “But I don’t like change. I will have to accept it. But I am not a fan.”

The table gets quiet, and we all stare at Cole.

“Why the fuck are you guys looking at me like that?” Cole asks.

Dax starts, “Aww, Cole we will still be your lil friends.”

I holler laughing at Dax.

Rhet joins in. “We will still hold your hand when you get kicked out of clubs.”

Jasper rubs his shoulder. “I will still be at your side stuffing bills down strippers’ underwear.”

Cole folds his arms. “I can’t stand you dumb fucks.”

I reach across the table and tap it. “It’s okay. We will still be your best friends.”

“Forever and ever,” Rhet chimes in.

“And ever and ever and—” Dax is cut off.

“I can’t stand you guys. T, tell me there is real food in the back. Let’s play some poker.”

I signal Janaka to bring in the food. Dax takes the cards out his pocket and begins to deal. “So, how is this brother and father thing going?”

Obliviously I told them what happened, but I didn’t give them Penny’s story that stays between us.

“They are good, I guess. Archer was here yesterday with Roxy. Dad is Dad.” I comment.

“What’s bothering you?” Dax asks.

What was bothering me? Should I say, I feel like Penny is still not giving all of herself to me, and I am trying to be patient.

“Fatherhood is freaking me out. I just want to be…perfect.”

Rhet laughs out loud. “You’re not. Three months Gia rolled out of the bed and fell to the floor. I wasn’t looking. I had a mini heart attack.”

Jasper grins. “Does Zee know?”

Rhet nods. “Yeah. I called her. But my point is you’re going to make mistakes. But as long as you fix them, learn and apologize you will be fine.”

“The fuck, now Rhet is a daddy guru?” Cole grunts.

“Call me Jo Frost,” Rhet comments.

“Who?” we all ask.

Shame makes Rhet’s cheek red. “Super-nanny? No one knows her…. where is the fucking food?”

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