They make me laugh. I woke up today, the coffee was ready. The paper had already been stolen and dissected, sections spread from the kitchen to the living room to the den. August was in the den with the life and times. Lochlan in the living room with the headlines and PJ had the sports section but was folding it up backwards and he got to me before my toes touched the floor at the bottom of the steps and I looked up at him and muttered a morning greeting that had nothing good within it.
Hallo. There is snow, Padraig.
It won't last, princess.
Did you see how much snow there is?
Yes. I drove over.
I'm moving. Where should we go?
Stop complaining and come eat. Want to run?
No. I won't get anywhere today.
Treadmill?
No.
You're such a little bitch in the mornings. Have some coffee.
Offer me Ben and I'l be nice.
I would if I could just to shut you up.
Ouch, PJ.
I didn't mean it.
Hug?
Sure. Come here.
I could feel his chin pressing against my forehead. PJ hugs so hard when he's in the mood. He wasn't asking me something, I could tell.
What is it, Peej?
Hmm? Nothing?
Liar.
Fine. Did he call?
You already know the answer, one of these turkeys probably filled you in already.
You okay?
Do I get to pick if I am or not?
Always.
I'm actually fine, just don't bring it up.
You brought him up.
He lives in the front of my mind like a giant billboard. A flashing one. In Times Square even. LEDs and everything. Viral. Pick something.
Give him some time.
You guys need to give Ben some time.
We are.
Some of you are.
You're the first priority here. Ben can look after himself.
Ha. Of course he can't. We're the children, aren't we?
Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?
Did you see how much snow there is?
He paused then, realizing the conversation was going to be a loop and changed tactics instead.
You want some coffee?
I would love some coffee.
What do you want to do today, then?
Wallow.
Sorry, you're not allowed. I have a plan.
Oh, God.
Yes, be afraid.
Is this going to be like that time we burned down the campsite?
Nope, better.
The hazmat-suit weekend?
Even better.
I give up. Tell me.
You're going to help us finish your kitchen.
You mean like with tools? And wood...and...tools?
Yes. It will keep you busy and you'll learn something.
I'll have you know I helped build muscle cars before I could drive.
No, Bridget. You sat on the table in your short little skirt and polished chrome and looked adorable. Like a living pin-up poster in a mechanic's garage. Teenage heaven.
Why can't I do that while you finish the kitchen?
Because you need something to keep you busy, that's why. And we're not teenagers anymore.
I turned and eyed Lochlan and he was smiling.
Is this your idea, pretty boy?
Serves you right, princess.
You do realize this won't make me like you MORE. Probably the opposite.
I'll risk it.
You're risking all kinds of things lately.
Some things are worth taking risks for.
And some aren't. Remember that when I saw your fingers off.
