“You have to admit, I’m getting better at the whole delegating thing.”
“That you are. I about passed out last weekend when you agreed to take the day off and let Winnie keep Izzy for us.”
Maria laughs, and Lexi waggles her eyebrows. She’s no stranger to our teasing at this point.
“Are you spending the night again, Lexi Lou?” Maria asks casually. The sound of water whooshing into the sink as she drains the pasta is my cue to get my ass into the kitchen.
I hand the baby to Lexi, who shifts back into the couch and holds her carefully while she answers, “Yes. But only if you pick the movie. Uncle Remy has bad cinematic taste.”
“Brooo,” I groan, grabbing Lexi by the shoulder and giving her a tiny shake that makes her smile. “You really gonna do me like that?”
She shrugs, ruthless as always. “You made us watch Glitter last time.”
“It’s Mariah! You can’t be mad at Mariah!” I defend.
Maria doesn’t even bother to hide her laughs in the kitchen.
I roll my eyes and groan, pretending to be put out by their criticism. “Fine. What film will the two of you be selecting tonight, then? Huh? Prove your superiority.”
With her free arm, Lexi carefully grabs the remote from the cushion next to her and pulls up Amazon Prime. An endless bounty of options fills the screen, and she starts scrolling to find the best one.
I make my way into the kitchen and start stirring the sauce while Maria puts the noodles back into the hot pot. Once we mix them both together tag-team-style, I head over to the oven to remove the garlic bread.
“If Lex is staying, that means one of us is going to have to run her Uptown in the morning. I think I can do it if my first showing is where I think it is, I just have to check the schedule,” Maria chirps, running down a plan.
“No need, babe. Tomorrow’s Saturday, remember?”
Maria lets out a little chortle, letting her head drop back. “Holy shit, how did I completely lose track of the days this week?”
I pull her into the side of my body for a shoulder squeeze and a hug. “Because you’re incredibly busy being Superwoman. But I’ve got the kids.” I raise my voice and project toward the living room on purpose so that Lexi will hear the next part. “I may even take the girls to breakfast at Lex’s favorite brunch spot.”
“Bunrise?” Lexi practically yells, her head whipping over her shoulder to look back at us. The name is a little cutesy if you ask me, but that’s New York for you.
“Can I take your shout as enthusiasm? Is that a yes vote for brunch?”
“Yes!” Lex hoots. “You’re the best, Uncle Remy!”
In an instant, her words switch my focus, and I grab my phone out of my pocket to fire off a high-priority text.
“What exactly are you doing?” Maria asks as my fingers move swiftly across the screen.
“You think I’m going to let her declare me the best uncle and not text that to my brothers?” I scoff. “No way. I have to let them know I’m atop the podium.”
Maria rolls her eyes, but she does it with a grin. “You’re children, all of you.”
I don’t deny it. Instead, I hit send.
Me: Sorry to have to break it to you losers, but I’ve been crowned favorite uncle…again. I know it’s tough for all of you, losing so much, but you have to be getting used to it at this point, right? I mean, it’s basically expected.
Ty: Like fuck, you are. Rachel and I babysat for Ryder and Roman two nights last weekend AND took Lex to the Mavericks game on Sunday. We’re totally winning.
Jude: Everyone knows I’m the fun uncle. Everyone.
Me: Sorry, nope. We’re having spaghetti tonight, AND I’m taking Lex to brunch at Bunrise tomorrow morning.
Flynn: The evidence is clear in this case. Remy wins.
Ty: That means you lose too, jackhole.
Flynn: I’m not competing with any of you fuckers. Lex and I have a relationship that’s in a category of its own.
Ignoring the rest of their bullshit banter now that I’ve been declared the distinguished winner, I set our group chat on Do Not Disturb and tuck my phone back into my pocket, just as Maria is putting the garlic bread and spaghetti in serving dishes.
Shit. Looks like I missed most of the work.
“I’ll set the table,” I offer, leaning forward to press a kiss to Maria’s cheek. She hums an uh-huh, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
“No more bragging tonight—until later,” I whisper in her ear. “But I’ll earn it, I promise.”
I discreetly squeeze her ass for good measure, earning a little squeal of shock, and get to work on setting the table. Once all of the plates and silverware and napkins are in place and the chairs are moved so we’re all facing toward the TV, Lex shouts her victory from the living room.