Page 95 of Levi

“Of course,” she says. “Obviously, too much fucking affects my brain.”

I chuckle.

“Your place is a mess, little brother!” Linc yells as he approaches my bedroom. “I guess the cleaning lady didn't––” He just discovered the trail of clothing, and God knows what else we left in the hallway. “Holy shit, you’re not alone!”

“Daddy, that’s a bad word,” my little nephew scolds.

“Sorry, buddy,” my brother apologizes. “You’re right.”

“Linc, please go downstairs,” I shout. “I’ll come join you in a minute.”

“I’m sorry about that,” my brother blurts out. “Don’t take too long, I have to take Micah to school.”

“You didn’t have to come over,” I remind him.

“You were MIA. It’s unlike you. You should’ve warned me, that way I wouldn’t have showed up unannounced,” Linc pipes up. “Sue me for caring.”

I rub my hands over my face. “Just wait for me downstairs.”

“Got it!” my brother says.

“Come on, champ, Uncle Levi has to conceal the evidence.” The amusement in Linc’s voice is unmistakable.

“What does that mean, Daddy?” Micah asks.

“You’ll understand when you’re an adult.”

That’s his response?

I shake my head.

“Hi, Uncle Levi!” my little nephew shouts.

“Hi, Micah!” I shout back. “I’ll be right out.”

“Okay!” he yells. “Daddy bought you muffins from your favorite bakery. He says I can’t have one until you do. Ireally, reallywant one, Uncle Levi. Can you hurry?”

I try hard not to laugh.

“You were supposed to keep that between us, buddy,” my brother reprimands, his tone teasing.

“Oh,” Micah says. “Forget I said anything, Uncle Levi.”

This time, I can’t hold back my laughter.

Linc clears his throat. “My kid and I will wait downstairs.”

“I didn’t mean what I said, Uncle Levi. You don’t have to hurry.”

“I’ll be right out, Micah,” I shout, putting the little guy out of his misery.

“Yay!” Micah exclaims.

“It’s a family affair?” Jules whisper shouts.

I move my attention to her.

She looks positively terrified.