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“Eggs are the same.”

“The American ones were organic.”

Gray rolled his eyes. I did too.

“Dad, don’t agree with her. It’s good food, and she’s being silly.”

“I don’t like eggs either,” said Jay. He didn’t even look up.

“Good morning, children,” I tried, gratefully accepting the tea Gray handed me. I’d taught him well. His mother had raised him even better, as he just snorted.

“You didn’t sleep in your bed,” Jasmine accused, not even looking up at me. “We brought you tea down, and you weren’t there.”

“Apologies.” I wasn’t ready to start teaching my grandchildren life lessons. Not yet.

“I told you Granddad was having a sleepover with Dylan.”

“Dylan is a stranger,” Jasmine pointed out. “And that’s bad.”

“What’s bad?” My son combed his fingers through his hair. I did too. I loved his hair. So soft.

“I slept over.” I had no better explanation to give. “He’s my friend. We were having a…playdate.”

“Can’t believe you’re being a dirty stop-out,” said Gray.

“Your choice of words!” My son sighed. “Think of the children! You’re their dad, Gray! Now you, Dad. You should…know better.”

I nodded too. I agreed. I was an absolute idiot. And my son was still not happy with me.

“I…” I started.

“You can’t just move in with someone, like, after a few weeks. It doesn’t work like that.”

I laughed. Gray did too, giving me a wink.

“Worked out well for me, didn’t it? I kind of moved in…on day one.”

“We were just…” My son sighed.

“What were you, Reuben? Roommates?”

I was teasing, but yeah. He was frustrated as anything, stomping upstairs without a word.

“Don’t tease him,” Gray said, sitting down opposite me. “He’s just got his knickers in a twist.”

“And if you start quoting song lyrics, I will…” Threats never worked with Gray.

“The hot neighbour next door…” he sang quietly as I picked up a coaster off the table and threw it at him.

“Granddad!” Jay scolded from the floor. “Behaviour!”

“Sorry.”

“I’m going to deduct one point from your behaviour chart. You don’t throw things on the floor. And you learn to control your emotions.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

“Give Granddad a red dot on the board, Jay.”