6. #2
“That doesn’t work any more, Dad. You can’t say, ‘Just wait ‘til your papa gets home.’ and expect me to be scared into submission. It doesn’t really have the same impact, seeing as how we’re not under the same roof anymore.”
“Did that ever work?” Natty asked.
“Sort of. Papa is a lot more intimidating. With just a look, he can make you start to squirm and rethink all of your recent life choices. Mom tried to perfect the look, but she always fell flat.” I chuckled before I said, “In more ways than one.”
I heard my dad sigh right before Natty chimed in to change the subject. “So, who are you supposed to work on that’s got you all riled up and ready to reconsider your career?”
“My sister wants a tattoo and told me to find something meaningful that represents the woman she’s become.”
“Didn’t you throw a toaster into the hot tub while she was in it?” Natty asked.
The client in Dad’s chair gasped as the one in Natty’s whispered, “Holy shit!”
“It wasn’t plugged in!”
“Pretending to murder one of your siblings is almost as bad as actually trying.”
“Fighting with your brothers and sisters is a lot like gift-giving.” Natty giggled before she said, “It’s the thought that counts.”
“She tried to kill me first!”
“Many times,” Dad grumbled. “I’m surprised all three of you are all still alive and well since you haven’t stopped.”
“Why does your daughter try so hard to irritate me?” I asked.
“Because you’re a smelly boy and it’s fun,” Natty retorted.
“I have a question, Dad.”
“It was a Tuesday.”
I rolled my eyes at his response because I’d heard it a million times and went ahead with my question. “I’m interested in one of Tana’s friends, but I’m not sure how to fish around with questions about her. What do you think I should do?”
“Why don’t you ask Natty since they run in the same circle?
It may be easier to get info from her rather than risk your life and confront the .
. . What I mean is, your cousin may be more agreeable than your sister.
” The client in Dad’s chair was laughing so hard that he had to pull the needle away.
He explained, “My daughter is a force to be reckoned with, and I’m not nearly man enough to do it because she scares me a little, if I’m being honest. That one over there is too dumb to be afraid.
Where did Derek and I go wrong? We’ve got one psycho, one that was obviously standing behind the door when Mimir handed out brains, and another one that’s just .
. . Ian is just . . .” Dad sighed and shook his head.
“I don’t even have the words.” By the time he was finished, we were all laughing at his forlorn expression and then laughed harder when he quickly said, “I don’t mean any of that in a bad way , really, I’m just saying that we raised three very unique children who have become very unique adults. There! That sounded better, right?”
“Yes, it did, but it doesn’t negate the fact that you just called me stupid.”
“At least you’ve got your looks,” Dad drawled with a grin.
“You just think I’m handsome because I look like Papa.”
“Possibly. He’s a very handsome man.”
Changing the subject, I asked, “Natty, what can you tell me about this new friend of yours?”
“I’m a popular woman with lots of friends,” Natty replied. When I snorted, she glared at me and asked, “Which friend are you talking about?”
“Stan.”
“Constance? You’re interested in Constance?” Natty burst out laughing before she said, “You are not her type at all.”
“What makes you say that?”
“She’s an intelligent woman, Rin.”
“That only makes her sexier.”
“Are you finally ready to give up the bubble-head bimbos?” Dad asked.
“I’ve dated some smart women!”
“You’ve dated some intelligent women, but considering they put up with your particular brand of bullshit means they’re not all that smart.
Intelligence and wisdom don’t always go hand in hand, Rin,” Natty said sagely.
“Constance is sweet and funny, but she’s also a very strong and opinionated woman.
I think that you’d constantly butt heads as a couple, and I’m not sure any of us are up for watching that particular drama unfold. ”
“I disagree. Rin needs a woman who knows her own worth and won’t let his big personality overshadow her,” Dad said with a smile aimed in my direction. “Tell me about this woman, Natty. She sounds wonderful. How old is she? Derek and I were talking the other day about . . .”
“Do not even go there!” I interrupted. “I’m not competing with my fathers for a woman, no matter how incredible she seems.”
“You think she’s incredible?”
“I have only talked to her briefly a few times, but she was funny and caring with a really quick wit. I appreciate those qualities.”
“So do Derek and I.” When I frowned at him, he said, “You know I’m just kidding, son. Your papa and I are perfectly happy with each other and don’t need a woman to make our relationship complete.”
“Tana found a bra in your bathroom last week.”
“I said we don’t need a woman to make our relationship complete, not that we don’t enjoy their company now and then.”
“How are you finding women now that we’re all out of school?” I asked snidely. “Your dating pool has to have really dwindled without all of those teachers fawning over the two of you.”
“With looks like ours, it’s not hard,” Dad said with a wink.
“That’s what she said,” Natty replied playfully.
I burst out laughing and then sobered before I said, “You and Papa do your thing, and I’ll do mine, but I’m really interested in Stan.”
“Only because she won’t give you the time of day.”
I looked over at my cousin and asked, “Why not?”
“She’s going through some shit right now, Rin, and she doesn’t need you playing with her emotions.”
“I wouldn’t do that!”
Natty tilted her head and narrowed her eyes as she stared at me before she looked over at Dad and frowned. “You know, out of all the men I know, you may understand her best.”
“Why do you say that?”
“It’s not my story to tell, but I’ve changed my mind. You could actually be a good fit for Constance.”
“Does that mean you’ll help me?”
“No. It just means I won’t actively try to keep you away from her.”
“Will you help me with my sister?”
“Also no. I like my face just the way it is, and I’m not risking it for your dumb ass.”
“Thanks, Nat. Your support has been noted.”
“I do what I can.”