Chapter 27

"Did I mention how grateful I am Christmas is over for another year?" Paul asked as they picked at leftover cookies and snacks.

Michael laughed. "Only like six dozen times, Pops. By the way, thanks again for the phone."

"Just don't go nuts running up the bill bullshitting with your harem of girlfriends."

"What harem? I'm only seeing Mia."

Leif let out a loud belch. "Good stuff."

"Eww, Leif!" Naomi made a face.

"What? Why fart and waste it when you can burp and taste it?"

"You are gross." Kira shook her head.

"Like father, like son," Paul replied.

"Shut up," Brian smacked him as Paul laughed. "Hey, Mimi, can you get me another beer?"

"Last time I checked, your legs weren't broken," Mariah answered.

"Jesus Christ," Brian muttered, getting up. "I had to marry a smart ass."

"And where are the girls?" she added.

"In the basement playing with the house that we men stood up all night putting together while you girls got your beauty sleep." He grabbed a beer and went back to the sofa.

"All one hundred and fifty pieces of it," Paul added. "And Mac's down there with them."

"Here I thought you loved putting things together," Montana grinned, patting his leg.

"Yeah, but as of this year, I'm retiring. That thing was hell."

"You're telling me," Leif agreed. "I had to read the directions to Dad and he still had to tear the thing apart a few times to put it together right. And don't get me started on how he nearly sliced off a finger on one of the pieces and sent blood all over."

"So I'm not mechanically inclined," Brian said. "So sue me."

"You can say that again," Mariah nodded. "We're talking about a person that isn't safe near sharp objects, heat, or fire."

"How is your finger anyway?" Paul asked.

Brian held up his index finger, heavily bandaged. "Wonderful. At least I didn't bleed to death. I think from here I'm making a New Year's resolution not to put things together."

"Good idea," Kira nodded. "Then we won't have to worry about any fatalities."

The phone rang. "I got it, guys," Michael spoke up. "It's probably Mia anyway. We're planning on going to the New Year's fireworks with some of the kids from school."

He then answered it and with a look of disgust, went to the basement door. "Hey, Mac! Pick up the phone down there! It's your fag boyfriend!"

"Michael Preston!" Montana scolded. "What have I told you about that?"

"Well, it's true," Michael shrugged, going back to his spot in front of the TV.

"Dude, really," Leif said. "My little sisters are down there and they'll be asking more stupid questions later."

"No question is ever stupid, boy," Brian reminded him.

"Kent's a nice guy," Kira said. "He's good to Mac. So what if he might like guys too?"

Michael shuddered. "Ewww."

"Anyway, what's for dinner?" Brian asked.

"Good God, you boys have been pigging out on snacks and cookies nearly all day and now you want to know what's for dinner?" Montana gave him an incredulous look.

"Typical men, Mami," Naomi giggled. "Vacuum cleaners with teeth."

"You say that like it's a bad thing," Leif teased.

"Maybe it is," she teased back, "or maybe it isn't."

"In answer to the question, it's leftovers," Mariah spoke up. "I know that's nothing exciting, but it's a sin to let all this go to waste."

"Turkey and ham sandwiches," Michael nodded. "I can deal with that."

"Along with potato pancakes and fried yams," Mariah added.

"Yes!"

"There's also plenty of pie left," Montana replied, "though I have a feeling those will be killed off by the end of the evening."

"Speaking of festivities," Paul asked, "any ideas for New Year's?"

"I guess just the usual thing," Brian shrugged. "Most of the kids will be gone anyway."

"Fantastic, I get to watch you cheat at Scrabble again before the ball drops and I get to molest my wife."

"Eww, Pops, stop! I don't need that vision in my head!" Michael cried.

"I do not cheat," Brian protested.

"No offense, Dad, but you do," Leif said. "Mom's seen it too."

"Hey, you're my son; you're supposed to stick up for me."

Leif shook his head, grinning. "You also said it yourself, Dad; life's too short for bullshit. Be blatant, be honest, be real, live how you want and don't care what anyone thinks."

Brian grinned back at him with pride. "Kind of nice to know you listened to something, boy. Now make it your New Year's resolution to put words into action. And for the last time, I do not cheat at Scrabble."