Chapter 1

Jack came up from behind him and touched his arm. Ethan Junior, Ethan’s son from a previous marriage, was hanging onto Jack’s neck.

“Your mother is sending you to the store again,” said Jack.

Ethan rolled his eyes. “Why can’t AJ go?”

“AJ said he’s been in the car all morning driving up from Atlantic Highlands and is not getting back into the car all week.”

Ethan rolled his eyes again. “AJ sucks ass.”

“Yea, I’ll be sure to tell him that,” Jack said sarcastically. “Considering I met him like thirty seconds ago, I’m sure telling him that he sucks ass will make a great impression as the new boyfriend.”

Alan Junior, or AJ, was Ethan’s older brother of four years. He lived in Berkeley, California with his wife Rebecca and their two children Alan the Third or Al, and Thomas. They flew over two days ago to spend some time with Rebecca’s Korean family in New Jersey before driving up and spending Thanksgiving and the rest of the week with the Starlings.

“Well why can’t you go?” Ethan asked. “I literally just came from the store.”

“I’m watching the kids,” Jack said seriously.

Ethan gave him a look. “Al is eight, Tommy is four, and EJ is two. They can watch themselves.”

Jack smiled. “We’re in the middle of a very intense fantasy game.”

Ethan shook his head at his boyfriend. “You’re coming with me. I feel like I haven’t seen you since we got here.”

“You...