Chapter 38: Gramma Joanna
Kyle ducked behind a small shed, holding his paintball gun close. He had been chasing Roldy, but he lost him. He had to find him. This was a personal vendetta. There was no way anyone else was gonna get Roldy. He had told the other three to leave him be.
Kyle had made it a point to be on the opposite team as Roldy. Miles and Jared were team captains. Miles had taken Leora, Kyle, and Lucas on his team. Jared took the guys. They had declared their team name Team OG and Miles decided on Team Twin Power. Kyle had rolled his eyes, but as the day went on he realized just how fitting the name was.
Roldy bit the bullet and took the pink gear. He felt bad that Noah was hurt because of him. They argued a little over who actually lost. Roldy smartly pointed out that Kyle was going to target him anyways and won the argument. Kyle didn't care, it made finding Roldy that much easier.
After a few rounds of total warfare, the teams were tied with five wins each. things had gotten ugly pretty fast. Matt seemed to have it out for Leora and Lucas, since they were new to the group. Leora then turned it on Matt making him her target. They went back and forth eliminating each other. Matt was still confident that he was the better player with four to four kills on each other.
They were playing one last tiebreaker round. Kyle had taken charge of the team. He gave them all assignments and where to go. Miles had complained about being captain, but Leora shushed him. Once the five minute strategy time was up they headed to spawn with the others. There was one rule this round. It was a no holds grudge match. They were given 30 seconds to scatter rather than the usual 45 seconds they allowed.
Kyle leaned back on the shed trying to catch his breath. He heard a voice from within the shed. He tensed, but relaxed as he heard Roldy talking on his walkie talkie to the guys.
"Guys he's hot on my tail," Roldy panted, as he tried to whisper.
"Good lead him into the field," Jared said through the walkie talkie.
"Yeah, we will get him there and then it will be easy pickings from there," Matt said cockily.
Thinking quickly he grabbed his walkie talkie. Last minute hangs to the plans. He knew what to do. There was no way he could lose. As long as everyone followed his next set of instructions.
"Guys." He whispered. He quickly devised a counter attack and gave the team instructions on what to do. He told Miles and Lucas to come from the back end of the field past the broken down cars. He told Leora to go up and catch them off guard.
"You're evil." Lucas said.
"I thought I was the team captain," Miles said.
"Just do as I say," Kyle said.
"You're gonna sacrifice yourself?" Leora asked.
"They are totally underestimating us," Kyle said.
"I got your back," Leora said.
Kyle quickly made sure he had enough rounds left to destroy Roldy. He heard movement to the right. He lifted his gun as Roldy rounded the corner. Roldy jumped back and started running the opposite direction.
Kyle started chasing him. He knew this was a trap, but he hoped his trap would work. He just hoped Leora was able to get into place.
Kyle followed Roldy straight out into the field. He started pelting him with paintballs. Roldy fell to the ground with a thud. Kyle managed to catch up to him. He grinned down at him.
"That's the eighth time I've got you," Kyle declared.
"Yeah, you have become a bit predictable," Roldy said.
"What?" Kyle asked. Suddenly he was being pelted by paintballs from all directions. He crouched down covering his head. The fire ceased. He looked up as Noah and Jared approached them. He looked around for Matt.
"We knew you were going for Ro again," Noah said as he ran up to them.
"Yes and was it totally worth it!" Kyle declared as he sat down on the ground.
"Look who I found, trying to corner us," Matt said as he walked up with a defeated Lucas.
"Two down, two to go," Matt said.
"Where's Miles," Jared asked.
"He booked it, once he saw me," Matt replied.
"He's probably meeting with Leora up the hill," Jared said.
"Bold of you to presume up means uphill," Kyle said from his spot on the ground.
"What?" Jared asked, confused.
"See, I knew this was a trap, and I set myself and Lucas up as bait," Kyle said.
"What?" Lucas asked, shocked.
"Sorry Lu, you are the weakest link and I'm probably the second best player on the team so I took the L so the team could win, plus I got to pelt Roldy with paintballs. It was a win for me," Kyle said.
"Second best?" Jared asked.
"You are seriously underestimating my team," Kyle said.
"Explain yourself sir," Noah demanded.
"Well I knew Roldy could hear me cause I could hear him. I knew it was a trap, so I set my own trap," Kyle said.
"Which we figured out," Matt said.
"So I would have you believe, but Miles and Leora are still out there," Kyle replied.
"It's three on two. We can take em," Matt said.
"Go ahead and try," Kyle said.
"Kyle, they're really good," Lucas said.
"Trust the process Lu," Kyle said simply.
"He's screwing with us, he's playing mind games," Noah said.
"Besides you're dead, you shouldn't be talking," Matt said glaring at Kyle. Kyle zipped a finger over his lips.
"I gotta agree with Noah. He's messing with us," Jared said.
"There is only one way to find out," Kyle said, pointing up the hill unable to fight the urge to talk. He was stalling, this had to work. They could not lose to Matt. They would never live this one down.
The three started arguing about whether or not Kyle was messing with them. It only made sense that he was trying to get into their heads. Matt was convinced Leora was uphill and Kyle was trying to get them all messed up.
"I don't know," Matt said slowly.
"Noah? Scout?" Jared asked.
"Yes," Noah said, "I'm the fastest anyway. They can't both catch me."
Noah took off up the hill, while Jared and Matt talked strategy. Noah was the fastest on their team. He was also very shifty and could get around anybody. Kyle knew Leora would be able to take him out no problem. While he was fast, Leora was sneaky. She was a true paintball assassin, something the guys did not know about her.
Jared and Matt discussed which direction Miles had run off too and where Leora could possibly be hiding. They were cut off by a shriek from up the hill. It sounded a lot like Noah. They both took off.
Once they were out of sight Kyle looked up as Miles came running across the field from the little junkyard. Kyle grinned as he approached. This was working almost too perfectly. Matt was too distracted by his need to beat Leora.
"Lu!"
Lucas looked up as Miles ran across the field. Lucas turned to Kyle confused. He wasn't sure what was going on.
"Your sacrifice was necessary Lucas. It's all a part of the plan, Miles couldn't tell you. We needed you to believe we were outsmarted. Trust the process," Kyle laughed.
"Go hide now," Miles hissed at his brother. He pulled him up and dragged him over to the cars. He pushed him down, handing over his gun and quickly returned to take Lucas's spot and his gun.
"Ro you're dead not a word!" Miles said.
"First tell me, Is Leora uphill," Roldy asked.
"Not anymore," Leora laughed as she ran down the hill. "You're dead, shut up! I need to knock Matthew down a few pegs."
"Yes please do," Roldy said.
Leora then scaled the tree across from the group on the ground. She managed to get high enough to be out of sight, but she still had a perfect view of everything.
"Wow, impressive guys," Roldy said.
"We've done this a time or two," Kyle said.
"Matty is a dick, pelt him," Roldy said looking up at Leora. She grinned back and gave a thumbs up.
Roldy then turned away from Miles and Leora. He didn't want to give anything away.
"I think we have a double agent among us," Kyle replied.
"He's been just awful to Leora and Lucas all day. It's because they are new to the group for paintball. He's a dick. I wanna see him taken down a few pegs, that's all, don't get used to it," Roldy replied.
"Thanks Ro," Leora said from her spot above them.
Everyone settled in to wait for Jared and Matt to return. It was taking them longer to come back then Kyle had hoped for. They were nearing the end of the round. They allotted forty-five minutes per round. They had not reached that time limit yet today.
"Wonder what's taking them so long?" Miles said.
"They are probably still looking for Le," Kyle replied, "Now shh. Jared is gonna realize first. The second he realizes it's you, you gotta be ready." He said.
"I thought I was the captain of this team," Miles said.
"We impeached you, after you caused us to lose three rounds in a row, remember, it's me who will lead us to victory and you know it," Kyle said.
"Right," Miles said.
Kyle sat back as he waited. He was starting to get impatient. Waiting was the hardest part. Miles was getting super restless beside him. He knew it was going to be a dead give away if he didn't stop.
"Sorry, you know I can't sit still," Miles apologized.
"I didn't-" Kyle started.
"But you were going to," Miles replied.
"Shh…their coming," Leora hissed. She retreated back trying to stay hidden from view.
Miles hung his head and situated his gun just right across his lap. Kyle looked up the hill as Jared and Matt walked Noah down the hill. Noah was covered in paint and frowning. He quickly ran over to Roldy and sat down next to him.
"She's up there! She's gotta be. I don't know how but she got behind me and got me," Noah pouted.
Jared and Matt joined them. They both walked right past Miles and had their back to them. Kyle shook his head as Miles tried to move to get a better position.
"Oh you poor baby, maybe you're not the fastest player anymore," Roldy chuckled.
"I am too, she's just sneakier," Noah said, crossing his arms over his chest. "Oh at least you guys got Miles."
"No, we got Lucas," Jared said, turning around. It was too late. Miles opened fire on Jared, which Matt returned to him.
"You guys walked right past him," Kyle laughed.
"Totally worth it, I evened the playing field," Miles said sitting up.
"Why not just kill us both and win," Jared asked as he sat down beside Kyle with a frown.
"I was instructed to take on the weaker link and leave Matty for the boss round," Miles said.
"Boss round? You think Leora's gonna win it for you guys, she's hiding up there somewhere. All I have to do is wait five more minutes down here for the round to be over and she forfeits the round to us by hiding," Matt said.
"Famous last words."
Matt whipped around just as Leora opened fire on him. She released her entire round on him. Matt put his hands up in surrender. He took a knee as Leora cheered her victory over him.
"What was that Matty?" Leora asked grinning from ear to ear.
"How did you get past us?" Matt asked.
Kyle jumped up and ran over to the tree. Miles wasn't far behind. They both helped her down. She ran over to the group. She stopped in front of Matt and gave a dramatic bow. She held a hand out to him, helping him to his feet.
"It was easy. I sniped Noah from a tree, and I waited for you idiots to go find him, then I booked it down here. Roldy was dead so he couldn't say anything," Leora said.
"Yeah and I sacrificed Lucas and pulled the switch once you guys went to check on Noah," Miles said.
"So is the hazing over? Have I proved myself a formidable adversary?" Leora asked.
"Yes, that was awesome. How long were you up there?" Matt asked.
"I shot Noah from a tree up there and I waited until you guys ran past me. Then I booked it down here. It was all a part of the plan that Kyle came up with," Leora said.
"Twin speak, as I call it," Miles said.
"You've got skills, you are definitely invited back if you wanna join us next time," Matt said.
"What about me?" Lucas asked.
"Yeah, we can teach you how to be a killer yet," Jared laughed. Lucas cheered doing a victory dance.
—Happy Mistakes—
Lilly followed Joanna, Layla, and Erika around the mall. They had decided on a shopping trip after breakfast. Layla had introduced Erika to her cool grandma. Joanna was happy to meet her and get to know her. Lilly was getting filled in on everything she had missed since her last visit.
Eventually they stopped to rest in the food court with pizza for lunch. Joanna was getting all the hot gossip from Layla.
"Anyways Miles is dating Leora, well kind of. He can't decide between her and this mystery guy he's seeing," Layla babbled on.
That caught Lilly's attention. Mystery guy? What was she talking about. Miles was with Leora. He wouldn't two -time her, then again he did admit to being with someone right before Leora. He and Leora weren't official yet either. Was that why he was holding back on Leora?
"What mystery guy?" Joanna asked confused. "I thought he was into girls."
"He came out as pansexual recently, kind of a self discovery moment," Layla said.
"Oh," Joanna said, "so he's seeing two people?"
"Don't know, he won't say either way. He still claims to be single," Layla said.
"Yeah, we tried getting him to tell us who this guy is, but he's not talking about this one," Erika said.
"He does seem to really care about them though," Layla said.
"Yeah, and he really cares about Leora too. He doesn't want to hurt her or this guy," Erika said.
"You can't say anything to Leora," Layla said, pointing a finger at her.
"Why not? She deserves to know what's going on," Lilly said.
"Layla keeping secrets like this isn't right, but Lilly this isn't your place to tell her. Miles needs to tell her the truth and make a decision," Joanna said.
"I don't want to keep the secret but Miles blackmailed me," Layla said.
"With what?" Lilly asked, "you're such a goodie two-shoes you don't step a toe over the line."
"I am not, I can be bad," Layla retorted. Erika snorted beside her as she laughed.
"Sorry Lay, but Lilly is right," Erika said.
"You can't even lie that convincingly," Lilly teased.
"I could too," Layla said, frowning.
"It's ok sweetie, that's not necessarily a bad thing," Joanna chuckled.
"We better get back soon, I know Papi is gonna want us to help clean the house," Lilly said.
"Yeah, what are you gonna make for supper?" Layla asked.
"It's a surprise, I already gave your dads the list to go shopping for the food," Joanna said. "Erika, are you going to be joining us for supper?"
"Yeah, Layla always mooches off my parents for their cooking, it will be a nice change to eat at her house for once," Erika said.
"Yeah, but your mom is like a real Mexican and makes amazing Mexican food. I love Papi but he's like a third generation Latin-American and his cooking is not like you moms. It's lost a little as time goes on," Layla said.
"Yeah, I agree, but he also tones it down cause dad is a total white boy and can't handle heat," Lilly said.
"Which doesn't make sense cause we are from Texas and David and I love all spicy food," Joanna laughed.
"What? I thought you guys were from Minnesota," Erika said.
"We moved to Minnesota when Logan was eight. It was to be closer to David's mom who retired there. After she passed away, and Presley was born we decided to stay. Besides, we couldn't separate Kendall and Logan. That would have been a crime; those two were thick as thieves since day one," Joanna said with a fond smile.
"Yeah, they were the dynamic duo," Layla said.
"That's when Jen always called them," Joanna nodded her head. "I'm surprised I haven't seen Kendall yet." He added.
"Oh they are staying with Jared, they had a small kitchen fire that might've done some damage to the structure so they have to wait until it's inspected to go back," Layla explained.
"Ah I see," Joanna said.
"Everyone made it out ok too, James had a burn on his arm, but nothing too bad," Layla reported.
"Good, I'm glad that everyone was ok," Joanna said.
"Gramma Jo!"
Joanna looked up confused. She then smiled as she spotted a small preteen girl running up to her. She stood and caught her in a hug.
"You can't be little Jessica, you're too big," Joanna said. She looked up as Katie and Jennifer joined them.
"It's me I swear, gamma Jen said I'm growing too fast," Jessica giggled.
"Joanna, I didn't realize you were in town," Jennifer greeted her with a hug.
"Last minute kind of thing, I was gonna give you a call later once I got settled," Joanna said.
"You guys should come over for dinner, gramma Jo is cooking," Layla said excitedly.
"Oh Layla I'm sure they're busy-" Joanna said.
"Not actually, we were just finishing up our girls day since Leora bailed on us for Paintball," Katie said.
"Feel free to come, I am sure there will be enough food," Joanna said.
"Would you like an extra set of hands, also if you invited Kendall and James you're gonna have to feed an army now," Jennifer said.
"Army?" Joanna asked.
"Dad and papi went shopping, and I think they said something about Miles inviting them which means the guys will be coming too," Layla said.
"Guys?" Joanna asked.
"Kendall's band, they are practically family now at this point. I'll come help," Jennifer laughed.
"We can too! Right mom!" Jessica said.
"Yeah, Michael will love seeing you again, he was just asking when we were gonna go to Minnesota to see Gramma Jo and Abuela Sylvie," Katie said.
"That boy is such a sweet thing," Joanna gushed.
"Great it's a plan then, I'll drop Katie and Jessica off and head over," Jennifer said.
"Sounds like a plan," Joanna said, "we were about to head out too."
—Happy Mistakes—
Jake made his way over to Damien. He looked down at his phone. Kendall had sent him a text inviting him over to the Mitchell's for dinner tonight to see Joanna. She was visiting and making dinner. Jake hadn't seen her in so long and he wanted her to meet Eli. However, Damien hadn't talked to Logan since he saw him at the hospital. He knew what his answer would probably be, but he had to ask.
Damien was currently sitting on the couch with Steve. They were in the middle of a gaming session. Jake now understood Damien's gaming obsession as he watched the two play together. Steve had temporarily moved in with them. Jake didn't mind. Steve was going through a lot right now, and trying to figure things out. He didn't talk much about Camille, and Jake and Damien didn't push.
"Hey," Jake said, getting their attention. Damien looked up from the game.
"What's up?" Damien asked.
"Dad invited us to dinner," Jake said.
"Oh, I thought they were staying with Jared," Damien said, turning his attention back to the game.
"Oh yeah they are, but gramma Jo is in town and they invited us to Carlos and Logan's for dinner," Jake said.
"Oh," Damien said.
"You don't have to go if you don't want, but she hasn't met Eli yet and I haven't seen her since she came out for Lilly's graduation," Jake said.
"She didn't meet Eli then?" Steve asked, not taking his eyes off their game either.
"He wasn't born then," Jake said.
"Yeah dad, he was born at the end of September, remember?" Damien said, nudging Steve playfully.
"No apparently I don't," Steve said looking across the room at his sleeping grandson.
"I suppose we have to talk to him sooner or later. He's basically your uncle," Damien sighed pausing the game finally. He set his controller down.
"It's ok Day, I'm sure he's as upset about this as you guys are," Jake said.
"Yeah, but…he's not the one who's lost his whole sense of identity over this," Damien replied.
"I know, which is why I'm not forcing you to go. It's your choice," Jake said.
Damien looked over at Steve. He had gone silent next to him. This was still a very sore subject for them.
"This is your choice Damien, I don't know what he's told his family about this if he's told them anything at all," Steve said.
"Last time I saw him he said he wasn't going to tell anyone until we figured this all out. That was weeks ago, I just…I don't know," Damien said slowly.
"It's ok, we can just stay home tonight if you want," Jake said.
Eli chose that moment to wake up with a whine. Steve jumped up telling them he had it. He took Eli to his room to change him, giving the pair a little privacy.
Damien stood and walked over to Jake, who had retreated towards the kitchen counter. He stopped in front of him. He hung his head with a sigh.
"I know that sigh, you don't have to do this Day," Jake said.
"Well I can't avoid him forever," Damien said.
"I know, but if you're not ready to open that door, I don't wanna force you," Jake replied.
"I'm never gonna be ready," Damien said, "but we have to rip the bandaid off at some point."
"Ok, if that's what you want," Jake said slowly.
"Yeah, besides I love gramma Jo already. She's always been so nice to me when she visits," Damien said.
"She's everyone's grandma," Jake laughed.
"Yeah, but now she really is my grandma," Damien said slowly.
"Second thoughts?" Jake asked.
"No, just wondering if she knows yet," Damien said.
"If Logan promised not to say anything, then he hasn't said anything," Steve said as he walked out to the kitchen with a calm Eli. "He's a man of his word, that much I do know."
"I've been thinking lately," Damien said slowly.
"What?" Steve asked confused.
"Just all those relatives that tell me I look like you. How blind are they?" Damien said. Steve paused a moment before he started laughing, Jake quickly joined.
"Oh my god, yes," Steve said, shaking his head as he tried to control his laughter and soothe Eli, who jumped at the suddenness of his laughter.
"So, are you gonna be ok here alone?" Damien asked.
"I'm a big boy son, I can handle myself," Steve replied with a smile.
"Well ok then, let your dads know we will be there," Damien said.
Jake pulled his phone out as the door burst open. He jumped and looked past Damein. Adam entered the apartment.
"Please make yourself at home," Damien laughed as he turned around.
"Hey Day, Jake," he greeted the two with a grin.
"I'm seriously going to take your key away," Jake said glaring at his brother.
"Go ahead, like I haven't copied it already," Adam said tossing a key at Jake. "Pops wanted me to come make sure you were alive. He said you hadn't gotten back to him and I am the designated check up person I guess." He sat down on a stool next to his brother.
"Hi Steve," he greeted the older man holding his hands out for Eli.
"Hey Adam," Steve said, handing the baby over.
"I'm fine, Damien and I were just discussing it," Jake said, "I was about to text him."
"Please, you know how pops is. If we don't text back within half an hour he thinks we're dead, especially after what happened last time," Adam said, smiling down at Eli.
"What happened last time?" Damien asked confused.
"You almost died," Adam said.
"Oh yeah," Damien chuckled.
"So are you both coming or…" Adam trailed off.
"I'm coming, we've been avoiding this long enough," Damien said.
"Cool, just wondering," Adam said, turning his attention to Eli. "Gosh, you're getting so big."
"I know, he's growing to fast," Damien said.
"You need to take him away from me, he's giving me some serious baby fever right now and I do not need that," Adam said.
Steve chuckled as he scooped the baby up and walked away.
"Baby fever? Isn't Kenny still a baby," Jake asked.
"He will be one in less than a month," Adam said, "and I know we don't need another baby right now. I want to focus on Miri and Kenny and get them out of diapers and pull ups first. Besides Coop and I have been proactively trying not to have a baby. Birth control and condoms do wonders," Adam said.
"Still in a dry spell then?" Damien chuckled.
"Oh my god he won't even touch me," Adam whined.
"Dry spell?" Jake asked.
"I think Eli needs to be changed again," Steve said, making himself scarce.
"Your dads a prude huh? Sex talk scare him?" Adam laughed.
"It does for a lot of normal people but as we have established you Knights are not normal people," Damien said.
"Well, he's not wrong," Adam said as Jake gave Damien an indignant look.
"Dry spell? How long?" Jake asked, trying to get back on track.
"Like three months technically, we kind of had a moment about a month and a half ago. The only reason we had it then was because we had some giggle juice," Adam said.
"Giggle juice?" Jake asked.
"They got drunk," Damien said. Jake nodded his head.
"Yeah, and it only kind of happened, it was over before it even started really," Adam said looking down at the floor.
"What?" Damien asked.
"No foreplay, and very quick and sloppy, no fun," Adam said.
"Ah, doesn't count then," Damien replied.
"Barely," Adam agreed.
"Oh my god you two," Jake said, shaking his head.
"Do you count that thing that happened with-" Adam started.
"Point taken, please never bring that up again," Jake said.
"What?" Damien asked, confused.
"Nothing," Jake said.
"He already knows, I told him as soon as it happened," Adam said, fighting back laughter.
"Oh, are you talking about Ev-" Damien started.
"Nope," Jake slapped a hand over his mouth. "Not another word or you'll be sleeping on the couch."
"Hello, back to me and my problems here," Adam said, waving a hand.
"Have you talked to him?" Jake asked.
"All the time, he tells me he's just not interested. I respect that, I do, but like I have needs too. I have tried to ask why but he shuts me out. I'm not saying we have to do it like we used to, but like once in a while would be nice, hell he won't even touch me or help me," Adam said.
"Did something happen?" Jake asked, confused.
"No, at first I didn't really even notice we stopped having sex until that little moment we had. And when I tried again a few days later he completely shut me down and left the room," Adam said.
"Hmm, are you sure something hasn't happened?" Jake asked.
"Not to my knowledge, we've both been busy. I've got two jobs and he's either in class or at work. I don't know where he finds time to study," Adam said.
"Him and Cheri study together at the diner. They quiz each other all the time between tables and when they go on break," Damien said.
"Cheri? The little ginger?" Adam asked holding a hand up to show a short height.
"Yep, she's pre-law too," Damien said.
"I did not know that, but still we are way too busy," Adam said.
"Maybe that's the problem, when's the last time you guys even went out together sans kids?" Steve asked as he emerged from the bedroom with Eli changed into a new diaper and onesie.
Adam paused as he thought about it. "It's been awhile," he admitted.
"Tell you what, one of these nights drop off the kids and we can watch them for the night," Steve said, "I haven't seen them in forever. Take Cooper out on a date. Have fun and have no expectations."
"You're offering to watch my demons?" Adam asked.
"They can't be that bad," Steve replied.
"Miri is destruction, she leaves no corner untouched and she is teaching Kenny all her bad habits," Adam said.
"I'm sure we can handle them for one night," Steve said.
"I am still on weight restrictions, Miri is above that limit," Damien said, putting his hands up.
"Ok Jake and I can handle her," Steve said.
"Yeah, totally," Jake said, nodding his head.
"Imma hold you to that, no take backsies," Adam said pointing at Steve.
"It can't be that hard," Steve replied, waving a hand.
—Happy Mistakes—
Kendall picked at his lunch. He was sitting at a small restaurant with James and Jenny. Everyone else had left for Paintball. He hoped they were having fun. Jenny was having the time of her life playing with the waitresses. Everywhere she went she made friends.
Kendall's thoughts drifted towards the house. That was going to be a headache come Monday. They had to get an inspector and then there would be contractors and remodeling to do. He was not looking forward to that. Then again he was sure James would take over the project. He had been hinting that he wanted to do some remodeling.
"Something wrong?" James asked.
"Huh?" Kendall looked up at James.
"You're spacing out and you haven't even touched the cake you ordered," James said.
"Just thinking is all," Kendal replied, "getting everything at the house fixed is going to be a nightmare."
"Tell me about it, but I've been wanting to do renovations for a few years now," James said.
"Yeah, I suppose now would be the time to start," Kendall chuckled.
"Come on Kendall, we can open up the kitchen to the dining room and maybe even the living room. It would make it look so much bigger," James said.
"Yeah, it would," Kendall replied, nodding his head.
"Maybe getting some new windows, more natural lighting would be nice," James said thoughtfully.
"Ok and where would we be staying while all these renovations were going on?" Kendall asked.
"Well Logan and Carlos never sold their condo and Kyle practically lives with Jared. They will be graduating and you guys will be going on tour soon. I could get it done over the summer while you guys are gone," James said.
"You've thought about this," Kendall said.
"I have," James nodded his head.
"Like I can even stop you," Kendall chuckled. James smiled as he leaned over the table and kissed him.
"Thank you Kendall, you won't regret this," James said grinning.
"Oh I probably will, but it'll make you happy and keep you busy," Kendall replied. "So no work this summer? I thought you'd be busy this summer since the show would be on hiatus."
"Nah, the show keeps me busy as it is. I'll take local jobs, stay in the states," James said.
They finished their lunch. Jenny made sure to wave bye to all her new friends. The waitresses just awed at her.
"She's such a ham," Kendall said as he got her into her car seat.
"She knows she is cute," James said, smiling at his daughter. "She's gonna be a model someday. Just watch, she will be the one."
"Yeah, I can see it," Kendall chuckled. .
—Happy Mistakes—
Logan looked around his packed dining room. Joanna had been introduced to the extended Knight clan. They all called her gramma right away. She was everyone's gramma, as Layla put it. Joanna didn't mind either. She and Jen had made an amazing meal for everyone. No one was left hungry.
After the food was consumed people started to scatter. The girls ran upstairs to talk. Kyle and Miles ran to Miles' room to play video games. Everyone else settled in the living room playing with the young kids and babies. Logan stayed back to clean up, shooing his mother and Jennifer out of the room.
"Need a hand?"
Logan looked up as Kendall entered the room.
"No I got this," Logan said as he continued to clear the table.
"Somethings bothering you," Kendall said.
"I'm fine, I got this," Logan said gesturing to the table that was a mess.
"So you acting all weird and distant has nothing to do with the fact that your sister has cancer?" Kendall asked as he started helping Logan clear the table.
"What?" Logan asked, looking up at him. "You knew? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Yeah Presley told me, she said she had tried talking to you and you shit her out, which I don't blame you for, but she made me promise not to tell you," Kendall said, "then with No and Ro's wedding things got crazy."
"Kendall this isn't something you keep a secret," Logan said.
"Would it have made a difference coming from me? You never would've taken it seriously and made the decision to go visit her and try and patch things up," Kendall replied.
"So you're the reason mom came for a visit," Logan said, nodding his head, "and how do you know if I'm going or not. I haven't made up my mind yet."
"Yeah, and of course you have. You're gonna go see
your sister and make up," Kendall replied.
"I haven't told the girls yet," Logan sighed.
"Why wait, they deserve to know, even if things aren't the best with Presley, at least they'll know and who knows maybe they can forgive her. She's been clean for almost two years now," Kendall said.
"So I've heard, but I wanna go see her first. I wanna work this out between us before I get the kids involved," Logan said.
"That's fair," Kendall said.
They quickly finished clearing the table and getting the dishwasher loaded. They were putting the food away when James and Carlos entered the kitchen looking for them.
"Everything ok here?" James asked.
"Did you tell him?" Carlos asked.
"Ha, he's the reason that mom is here. He told her to come," Logan said.
"Oh, that makes more sense. I knew your dad wouldn't have put her up to this," Carlos said, nodding his head.
"Well, he just needs a nudge or two in the right direction sometimes," Kendall shrugged.
"What's going on?" James asked, confused.
"Presley has cancer, stage IV. It's bad and she might only have weeks," Logan replied.
"What? And you knew?" James asked, rounding on Kendall. "We've had our problems with her, but this isn't something you keep to yourself."
"For like two and a half weeks and Joanna swore me to secrecy," Kendall said, putting his hands up.
"Two and a half weeks? That's like a new personal best," Carlos said, impressed.
"I know right, it was so hard not to say anything, but Joanna told me she was coming out and to keep quiet. When your second mom commands you, you listen," Kendall said.
"Second? Don't you mean third," James asked.
"I meant what I said," Kendal replied.
"Really-" James started.
"Nothing against your mom James, but Joanna was my second mom long before your mom became my mother in law, and I love her, but as I am sure Joanna can tell you she's my second mom," Kendall said.
"Boys what's going on in here," Joanna asked as she and Jennifer entered the kitchen.
"Kendall's asking to sleep on the couch tonight," Carlos said.
"I gotta agree with Kendall on this one," Logan said.
"You would," James said, rolling his eyes.
"Ok what's the issue dear," Joanna asked.
Kendall grinned as he turned to them. "Who's my second mom?"
"Me/Joanna," Jennifer and Joanna said at the same time.
"See, I told you," Kendall said, nudging his husband. James just rolled his eyes again.
"Even Brooke knows that," Joanna said.
"See, you're the only one in denial," Kendall laughed.
"She does not, have you met my mother," James asked.
"Yes she does, watch," Joanna said as she pulled her phone out. She quickly dialed Brooke's number and put it on speaker.
"Hello? Jo, why are you calling so late. Did something happen," Brooke answered the phone.
"Late?" Joanna asked.
"There's a two hour time difference, remember," Kendall said.
"Kendall?" Brooke asked, confused.
"Hi Brooke, I'm here with the boys," Joanna said.
"Hi mom," James said.
"Hi Brooke," Carlos and Logan chorused together.
"Oh hello, I didn't know you were in California, I thought something had happened with Presley," Brooke said.
"Oh no, she's still kicking and fighting, but the boys need your help with something," Joanna said.
"Oh what?" Brooke asked.
"Hey Brooke, it's Kendall and I got a question and I need your honest answer," Kendall said.
"Of course," Brooke replied.
"Who's my second mom?" Kendall asked.
"Oh that's easy, Joanna of course. You and Logan are practically brothers," Brooke said chuckling.
"See! I told you," Kendall said, turning to James.
"Ok I get it," James said, putting his hands up. Everyone started laughing.
