Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 43072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 215(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 215(@200wpm)___ 172(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
“I’m assuming Piper is choosing dessert?” Already knowing that girl will not ever allow snow cones to be that; this is more of a snack before dinner. The girl has the metabolism of a teenage boy. She eats breakfast then has a snack, eats lunch then another snack, dinner and then shortly after, it’s dessert.
“Shit for ice cream sundaes is at the ready.” He douses the snow cones with five different flavors.
“Alright, then, I’m going to say hello to my girls, drop Coop with them so he can swim and play. Then I’m making a fucking drink.” I’m still pissed as fuck about the situation with Hendrix. Not like I can apologize. My dog has made it impossible, and I’m sure I could have handled things a shit ton better.
“How is your day that bad? You didn’t even go into the office,” Forest asks, grabbing the two snow cones while we walk to the back porch.
“One word: Cooper,” I grunt, remembering how we happened to be at the same spot as Hendrix and Jolene earlier this week. I knew the moment shit was going down. Hendrix was grumbling about me not getting Cooper fixed, marking his territory like some Alpha caveman does. Then there was today. This time, I planned it, hoping we’d see her so I could apologize. Cooper is a fucking cockblock.
“I told you, dogs are chick magnets. If anything, you’re the issue, bro.”
“Sure, we’ll go with that. Earlier this week, he pissed all over Hendrix, and then today, he was trying to hump Jolene,” I tell him as we make our way out back. Cooper slithers in front of us, heading straight for the girls. Cammy is older, at the age of five, whereas Piper just turned three.
“Mad-Mad,” Piper runs towards me, arms up. Cammy rushes toward Forest, ready for her snow cone.
“Hey, Piper, baby. You got a kiss for your uncle?” I ask. Her speech is slightly delayed. They’ve been working with a speech therapist, but things aren’t moving as quickly as any of us would like.
“Uncle Madden, what’s hump mean?”
“Jesus Christ, Mad. I can’t get a fucking break,” Forest says loud enough for everyone to hear.
“Good job.” Krissy comes out of her chair. I’d like to say it’s to greet me, but it’s not. She’s spitting mad. I’m pretty sure it’s not from something Forest or I said. It’s for an entirely different reason, and I think I’ll be dipping out of dinner judging by the look on her face.
“Ah, it’s something Cooper likes to do when he’s excited.” I’m direct, trying to keep it vague, too. Piper chooses that time to lay a big smack on my cheek, wet hands and body saturating my once sweaty clothes.
“Okay, Daddy. I wouldn’t say those words again. Mommy will be upset.” I bend down, kissing Cammy’s cheek. “Come on, Cooper.” She snaps her fingers at my dog, and wouldn’t you know, he happily trots alongside of her. I’m pretty sure Coop would be better suited for their house, but Krissy wouldn’t have it.
“Maybe I won’t stay for dinner after all.” I look at Forest. He’s calm, cool, and collected. Krissy, on the other hand, looks like she’s about to breathe fire.
“Hang with the girls for a bit, yeah?” Forest states. I don’t respond. There’s no need. Forest may fuck up and say a word now and then that the girls probably shouldn’t hear. We all do that, so I’m guessing this is another one of their arguments that will end up with Forest sitting outside, feeding the girls and myself while Krissy sulks inside, refusing to eat with her family. It’s fucked up, whatever it is.
“Sure. Come on. Will you share your sno-cone with Uncle Mad?” I ask Piper while holding the sugary sweetness Forest passed off to me. I move to the radio, turning it up a notch in case shit gets too loud, then Pipe and I walk to where Cammy is sitting with Cooper, her feet dangling in the water. I kick my shoes off and do the same. It’s no wonder my dog loves my niece as much as he does. Piper takes a bite of hers then proceeds to give Coop one, and Cammy does the exact same thing. I’m definitely going to have to ask my own nieces for advice when it comes to my traitorous dogs.
“Want some?” Piper offers.
“No thanks. Cammy, how’s school going? Learning anything new?” I ask.
“School’s okay.” She shrugs her shoulders then goes back to her snow cone.
“You mean you aren’t smarter than your dad yet?” I crack a joke. Coop barks, wanting another taste. It gives me an idea on what I need to do to keep him on a tighter rope. I should have realized it before now. Anyone wants to be rewarded when they do a good job.