Chapter 79: Josh
Chapter 77
Dad and I were gathered around the breakfast table. The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on the kitchen. Plates clinked and soft chatter filled the air.
Alan had gone out of his way to order all of my favorite breakfast items—fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and a basket of buttery croissants.
I sat down and raised an eyebrow, looking at the spread.
"You did all this?" I asked Dad.
He shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Figured you deserved it."
Before anyone could respond, Uncle Charlie strolled in with his usual swagger.
"Morning, everybody," he said, grinning as he stepped into the kitchen.
Without missing a beat, Dad gestured to a second tray he had waiting by the counter. "And here's your favorite, Charlie—extra crispy bacon, sausage links, and that cinnamon French toast you like."
Charlie blinked, clearly surprised. I looked at him, and he looked back at me. We both exchanged glances.
"Okay, Alan, what do you want?" Charlie asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Nothing," Dad said, a little awkward, before quickly changing the subject. He turned to me. "Jake, your friend Josh might come by today."