“It means that Kori needs to find herself a special friend instead of telling my son about it,” Creed says, eating a Cheerio that had been stuck to AJ’s ear.

“Oh, she has, though,” the Kid says, sounding rather gleeful at the prospect. “She’s just not doing a damn thing about it.”

“Really?” Otter says, leaning forward.

And wonder of all wonders, Kori is blushing, like she’s been caught. “No,” she sputters. “Tyson is just projecting, like he is known to do. There is absolutely nothing happening.”

“It’s her former professor,” Ty says. “Kori’s got a lady-boner for him and refuses to admit it.”

“That’s not what’s happening,” Kori says with a scowl. “You don’t get to—”

“That’s pretty much what’s happening,” another voice says. And then a man is leaning down into the frame over the back of the couch Kori is sitting on. He’s heavier, with dark hair and blue eyes, wearing what looks to be biking shorts that are leaving nothing to the imagination.

“Oh no,” Tyson breathes from somewhere behind me.

“This is going to be the greatest moment of my life,” Kori whispers fervently, eyes wide.

“Hey,” the man says. “I’m Paul. Paul Auster.”

“Oh,” I say. “Ty’s told us about you. You just got married, right? Congratulations.”

“Thanks. You Tyson’s brother? Bear? You guys are having twins?”

“Yeah. That’s us.”

“Great to meet you, and good for you. Sorry for interrupting. Just wanted you all to know that Kori is full of shit, and she’s pining for her teacher.”

“Good to meet you too.”

“Later,” he says, pulling away from the screen. I hear him hollering at something called Wheels for crapping all over Sandy’s floor, and how is he supposed to go get sweaty on a stupid bike ride with that smell in his nose?

“He seems nice,” I say.

“Oh thank god,” Ty says, sighing in relief.

“That was it?” Kori demands. “I have been waiting years for this moment, and that was it?”

“What is she talking about?” I ask Otter.

“I have no idea,” Otter says.

“You ruin things,” Kori hisses at me. “Tyson! Take me away from their faces. I no longer wish to gaze upon them! Oh, and I’m so happy for you guys. You’re going to be awesome dads. Now get out of my sight! Otter, I love you and your biceps.”

“We love you too,” Otter says. “Don’t be a stranger, okay?”

“Never,” she says, grinning wickedly.

“So wrong,” Tyson groans, lifting the laptop up off the table. “Why do you have to do that?”

“Don’t forget you’re with Izzie today,” I call after him as he leaves the kitchen.

“I know. It’s why I’m here instead of still in bed with my boyfriend like a normal person!”

“Mouthy little fucker, isn’t he?” Creed says fondly.