Page 73 of Storm Bound
“It should be illegal talking about sex with my brother,” he said.
“No one is forcing you to talk about your brother’s sex life,” Kyle said.
Charlie huffed and walked off.
“Come on, Adam. Let’s get this dinner over with,” he said.
Kyle looked at me with a cheeky smile and winked when I passed by him to follow Charlie.
“You have to tone it down, babe,” Andy murmured behind me.
“I was just kidding.”
“I know. But read the room.”
“I did. I did.”
“I know.”
I bit down a smile and caught up with Charlie who’d gone all the way into the house to the kitchen.
It was spacious and took up most of the back of the house with floor-to-ceiling windows that led out to the backyard. Probably a risky choice in a hurricane-prone state, but what did I know?
“We’re here, Yaya,” Charlie said, and I turned to look at Marina in the kitchen, managing three pots, a pan, and a whole lot of plates.
“What are you doing here? Take him to the dining room. He doesn’t need to see the mess in here.” Yaya shooed us off all the way from the stove.
“He’s right here.Andhas a name,” Charlie said.
“Hi, Marina. Don’t worry about the mess. You should see my mom’s kitchen during Passover. Do you need a hand?”
Charlie laughed. And so did Mel, who came up behind me.
“I didn’t know you were funny, doctor,” she said.
“I... did I…” I said looking from her to Charlie to Marina.
“Missy over there complains I’m a terrible cook, but every time I ask her to show me or to help out, she sends me off like I’m a leper,” Mel said.
“How’s that my fault? You have no talent in the kitchen,” Marina said.
“Which is why I’ve asked you to show me,” Mel grumbled.
“I’ll show you when you stop burning things in the microwave.”
Mel went red, and she made her hands into fists.
“Once! That happenedonce, five years ago, and youstillbring it up,” she yelled.
“Uhm… excuse me!” Charlie shouted. “We’ve got a guest!”
“What? If he’s going to join the family, he needs to know the crazy that comes with it,” Mel said, and I laughed.
“Did you just paint us with the same stroke, Mel? I’m sorry, Adam, but her level of crazy? Nothing to do with me,” Luke appeared from the hallway and said as he approached.
“Thanks, bro. You’re such a charmer. Dick,” Mel said, taking deep breaths.
“Language in my kitchen!” Marina exclaimed.“And get the hell out of it,”she yelled. “Adam, sweetie. Dinner will be served soon,” she said with a big smile and a calm demeanor as if she hadn’t just flipped out.
