Page 112 of Everything's Better With You
“I swear, I saw bigfoot in the bushes,” Randy said. “I even got a picture.”
“Stop it,” Leslie said as he polished off his crab dinner. It was not the breathy, affectionate “stop it” that Joe was used to. This one had a warning behind it.
“I’m serious. Look,” Randy showed Joe his phone and he nearly spit out his salad.
“Oh my god, Randy.”
Leslie reached a long arm out and snatched his phone. His eyebrows went up at the sight of his pale ass in the bright sun moments before he leaped in the water. Joe wished he would have been able to get a copy of that picture before Leslie—
“Delete. Oh, and I’ll delete that one. Oh, and that one. What the hell, Brother Randy? Are you looking at joining the paparazzi?”
“Thank goodness for the cloud,” Randy said as he reached for hisphone. Leslie gave him a hard look and punched a bunch of buttons on Randy’s phone before handing it back to him.
“No, damn you! It’s locked! Now I’ll have to wait forever to get into it.”
“You’re lucky I didn’t mess it up so bad you’ll need to call. I know how much you looooove waiting on the phone ‘for the next available agent.’” Leslie winked at Joe and Joe squeezed his knee under the table.
Malcolm watched the happenings with an amused expression. Joe had been a little starstruck meeting him and had to hold back all of the “what was it like interviewing Rita Moreno? What was Patrick Swayze really like?” type of questions. At least until after dinner.
“If you’re finished, Brother Randy, I have news.”
The three Paytons and Malcolm all waited eagerly for Leslie to speak.
“Joe’s moving in.”
Agnes threw her arms around Joe.
Sandy pumped his fist.
Randy groaned and rolled his eyes. “Man, now we’re going to have to see the lovey-dovey shit all over the house, aren’t we?”
“Oh relax, and Merry Christmas. I bought you snowmobiles. They’re being delivered when you get back.”
“Yes!” Randy said. He stood and hugged Leslie, kissing the thinning spot on the top of his head. “Thank you, Brother Leslie.”
“And Sandy, your gift is first year’s tuition for grad school.”
Sandy dropped his fork on his plate, making a loud clang. “You’re kidding.”
“Nope. I saw your acceptance letter before I left the house. Congratulations.”
Sandy stood and Leslie rose to hug him. “I’m proud of you, Brother,” Leslie said. “You’ve done so much for me. Now it’s your turn.”
Sandy blushed and took his seat, tucking into his food. “I’m still going to be around. It’s an online program. Someone’s gotta help you with football when Randy starts up with baseball.”
Leslie pulled out a box and handed it to Agnes. “And Mom—”
Agnes put her arm around Joe. “My present is that Joe’s moving in. I finally have someoneon my side.”
Joe kissed her on the cheek. “And I want you to come to LA with me for the next taping ofDance Machine. Then we’ll go shopping.”
“I haven’t been to LA in so long.”
Joe was grateful Agnes had accepted him so easily and was looking forward to spending more time with her.
Joe smiled up at Leslie, who was still standing.
“What does Joe get for Christmas?” Randy asked.
