Nothing Like Us

chapter 22

"Justin!" Mikey yells from the other room.

"What?" I call back, still peering into the fridge for a snack.

"They're here."

I slam the fridge closed and jog towards the front to door throwing a quick "Yo we never have anything good in this house to eat." Over my shoulder at him as I pass.

"Those cabinets look like a damn grocery store." He reminds me.

"Aye..." I point at him with my other hand on the handle "Watch your mouth while the littles are here."

"Yeah," he shakes his head "Not my mouth that needs watching. You and Jeremy are the worst."

I ignore him, mostly because he's right, and pull the door open, crouching down instantly with my arms out. Jazzy crashes into me, hugs me tightly and then pulls back, swinging the skirt of her dress "Like my dress Justin?"

"I love your dress princess..." I sway my hips, mirroring her movements "Do you like mine?"

She dissolves into a fit of adorable giggles "You aren't even wearing a dress!"

"Hmm..." I look myself over "You're right. Can I borrow yours?"

Her expression turns serious "Boys don't wear dresses silly."

"Right again baby," I smile, tapping my cheek for a kiss "How'd you get so smart? Where's dad and the little dude?"

"Over there." She points towards the car "Jaxon fell asleep on the way and now he's throwing a fit because he's a baaaaaby." She says dramatically.

"Be nice Jazz." I remind her before yelling over "Aye Jaxo get your butt over here and quit being a punk."

They make their way over, dad adjusting his hat in frustration, Jaxon trailing behind him slowly, looking pissed off.

"Look! It's the man! The sizzler!" I call out "Come on lil bro! I got you something."

He immediately brightens and runs as fast as his little legs will carry him. "You need to quit with all this..." I tell him, running my fingers through his soft blonde curls "I'm the one with the good hair. Back up off my game bro."

"Who do you have to thank for that hair?" Dad asks...pulling me into a side hug.

"You're right pops..." I nod in agreement, stepping back to allow them to head in first "Remind me to call mom later to say thanks."

I bend down and whisper to Jaxon "Go look in the living room kid...something's waiting for you."

He races off with Jazzy pushing a little to get ahead of him as we follow. He's already climbing all over the chair when we enter the room.

"See that buddy? It's just like mine." I gesture towards my favorite chair "Only your size...I had it made for you. Now you can watch hockey with me like a boss."

He runs over, slams into my leg, hugs it and then runs right back over to perch himself in the chair importantly.

"Yo..." I smile, grabbing the remote to toss over to him "Find something good and we'll watch in a little bit."

Jazzy is waiting patiently beside me, looking up with a sweet, expectant look on her face "What's up baby?" I ask, teasing her "Oh no!" I pretend to be sad "I forgot to get you a surprise princess. Do you forgive me?"

She wrinkles her nose with a smile that proves she knows I didn't forget her at all "I forgive you."

"Good." I wrinkle my nose back and casually slide my hands into my pockets. "Hey!" I exclaim, pretending to be shocked "Wait, what's this?" I pull it out slowly and then dangle the tiny platinum bracelet out, swinging it back and forth a little.