SMOOTH

“Uncle Enzo is gonna teach you all the tricks for tormenting your old man,” my friend vowed mischievously, winking at me over Cole’s auburn curls.

A gruff clearing of a throat shattered the spell. Theo loomed over us, imposing presence called for acknowledgment. “Enough dilly-dallying. We’re here for a proper welcome and introduction,” he commented despite the warmth in his eyes as he watched the animated exchange between Cole and Enzo.

Enzo immediately straightened and stepped back, reclaiming his place in the loose formation.

Enzo respected his father, despite the complexities in their relationship. Enzo claimed to be adopted to everyone but we all knew he was the illegitimate child of Theo…just like me.

Theo on the other hand, never hid the fact that he was Enzo’s father, Enzo didn’t want to be in the shadow of a man who broke his mother’s heart.

They’d found ways to get along over the years and I am so proud of my friend for that.

Yet in the presence of what he’s spent majo