Page 45 of Embers in the Dark

“Out with it already, Nichols!” That comes from our captain.

“‘Uncle I’d Like to Fuck’, obviously,” River says, with a shit-eating grin.

“Jesus Christ.” I lean back against the counter with my arms crossed over my chest, and drop my head.

Clay stands and yells, “Are you fucking serious? I’m telling Mom!”

The rest of the guys start laughing, and it’s absolute madness. I look up to see the guys taking photos, as if River is on a red carpet. I see him posing, flexing his muscles, acting like this is the moment he’s been waiting for his whole life.

“Are you kidding, bro? I mean, dude, I was made for this role. This shirt is perfect. Come on! It’s epic!” River starts.

“Dude! First off, that’s just weird. Second, you’re getting married! Did you forget that?” His brother throws his arms in the air.

“Kennedy doesn’t care!” River responds.

Right then I pull my phone out and snap a photo and pull up my book club thread.

Your fiancé is a stud, Kenny!

Kenny

First off, I hate that nickname. Hard pass. Two, are you fucking kidding me?

Abs

What’s an UILF?

I’ll give you a second to put two and two together on this because it’s coming from River…

Abs

I still don’t get it #mombrain

Kenny

Uncle I’d Like to Fuck. Can we swap, Abby?

Abs

HARD PASS

Clay’s face is bright red. He’s so mad. He said he’s calling their mom. I can’t stop laughing. BEST DAY EVER.

Kenny

Malloy, I’ll take care of it.

Kenny

Also, Malloy, change my name on your phone because I know you have me as Kenny.

Hard Pass

Kenny

I close out my phone and watch as the Nichols twins continue to verbally spar while finishing with the sandwiches.

“Does this happen a lot?” Hunter asks as he movesalong in the kitchen.

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