Page 60 of Lost Boy
He eyes me dubiously, giving me a disappointed dad look that’s magnified times two when my actual dad strolls over.
“Mijo.Are you both hungover?” His dark brows crease as his eyes scan us. “I hope you didn’t drive.”
I sigh internally. “No, Dad. Uber.”
“Playoffs are Monday, no?”
This time I sigh out loud. I just want my bed. “Yes, Dad. It’s fine. That’s next week, and today is today. I’m fine.”
I just said I was fine twice, but fuck, I am! I love them, but Fallon and I don’t need a double-dad-grilling right now.
“If anything else happens, the coaches will have to get involved.”
The coaches? What the hell does that mean?
Fallon is silent the whole time but stands by my side in support. He may not have basketball to worry about, but they’re not too happy with either of us.
“Go get some rest. Both of you,” Joel says with a tired sigh.
“Our bean bags were delivered this morning!” Sofie shouts in excitement as she jogs down the stairs in her unicorn pajamas and bunny rabbit slippers, curly hair bouncing with each step. We all love the ones at Joel’s place, so Dad got Sofie and me our own. It’s the softest shit I’ve ever felt, and the best thing is it’s oversized, even for me. I can’t wait to try it.
“Hey, Sofie!” I call out, and she runs over, wrapping her arms around my middle and hugging tight.
“Missed you, big bro.”
“Same.” I squeeze her tight. “So where are these bean bags at?”
“In our rooms. Mine is rainbow!”
“Sick, dude!” I reply in genuine excitement. I love to encourage everything that makes her who she is. If that’s mythical creatures and colorful shit, I’m all for it.
She releases me and surprises everyone when she does the same to Fallon. Since he’s not much taller than her, their hug is small and adorable, just like they are. My stomach flutters when he reciprocates, giving her a little squeeze before they separate.
“Missed you too,” she whispers, but I hear. It makes warmth bloom in my chest and hope sprout in my soul. Hope that he’ll be happy. And hope that we can be together. The two of us and all of us. A family.
He’ll be loved, cared for, protected, and fuckingnurtured. Everything he’s lacked for the past five years. But that changes now.
“Come on,” Sofie says with glee, tugging Fallon’s hand and grabbing mine, pulling us toward the stairs.
“Bye, Dads!”
I chuckle and follow along until we’re in her bedroom, staring at an enormous rainbow tie-dye bean bag that could probably swallow her whole.
“Watch!” She lets go of our hands and runs toward her bean bag, diving for it in a monster belly flop.
“Oof.”
A bunch of muffled giggles ring out, and she sinks into the fluff, practically consumed by the massive thing.
Sofie rolls over while Fallon and I watch the show from her doorway. “I wasn’t ready to wake up before you came home. I might just stay here a bit. Enjoy my Saturday morning. Pass me my iPad and tuck me in, please?” She flashes her eyes at me, and I cave, playing fetch with the fluffy throw blanket she keeps at the end of her bed while Fallon grabs her sparkly pink iPad. We both tuck her in like it’s the most normal thing we’ve done all weekend. And shit, maybe it is.
“Goodnight,” I say without thinking, and Sofie giggles. “I mean, good morning? Whatever. See you later, Sofie. I need a nap.”
“Enjoy your bean bag! You guys might have to wrestle for it or something. It’s really comfy.” She snuggles further into the mammoth thing and practically purrs like a kitten.
I eye Fallon, smirking. I’d wrestle him for fun, but we can share too.
We close the bedroom door, leaving her to most likely fall asleep watching random cat videos online.
