Page 61 of B is for Beg

Gabe:Don’t be sorry, baby boy. I’m glad you’ve told us.

Calvin:You can call me My King instead.

I smother a laugh behind my hand so I don’t wake Lexi.

Calvin:Or God. Either will do.

Gabe:You’re serious, aren’t you?

I can imagine Gabe typing that while sighing.

Calvin:Too much?

Gabe:Too much.

Blake:When it’s just the three of us, I promise to use your honorifics and respond to my pet names.

Gabe:That’s perfect. What was next?

Blake:There’s more?

Calvin:Suck it up, princess.

Blake:I suck and swallow.

Calvin:You just made me spit my coffee out.

Blake:Sorry.

Gabe:No, you’re not.

I smirk. I’m definitely not sorry.

Calvin:You have to be on time for everything.

Gabe:Not just coming to see us.

Blake:Everything?

Gabe:Yes. Appointment at the doctor? Be on time. Photo shoot? Be on time. Picking up your niece? Be on time.

Blake:I’m never late for Lexi.

Calvin:It’s just everyone else you’re tardy for?

Blake:I’m not very organised.

Gabe:You’re going to have to be. And you’ll tell us whenever you’re late for something.

Blake:That’s an honour system thing, right? You won’t really know one way or the other.

Calvin:Are you saying you’d lie to us?

Blake:No, of course not, Sir.

Calvin:Correct answer.

The kind of relationship we’re embarking on has to be based on trust. I can’t lie to them about anything, no matter how trivial it might seem at the time. If I’m late for something, I’ll let them know. They’ll punish me, which, let’s face it, will probably be a lot of fun. Being on time for everything won’t be easy. I half debate opting out of that rule but decide not to. Maybe it’s the motivation I need to up my game and be more reliable and responsible.