Page 101 of Bourbon Truths
“Madeline, why don’t you get plates and napkins as well?”
“Sure thing,” Madeline said, scurrying off to the kitchen once more.
“I’m sorry about that,” Linda apologized to me.
“Totally fine,” I said, taking a drink of my chocolate milk. Chunks of chocolate hit my tongue, and I about spit it back in my glass from the surprise of having a chunky chocolate milk, but I swallowed, despite my stomach revolting.
“Told you to look out,” Linda chuckled as she grabbed a spoon from the tray and stirred her drink, breaking up the chunks.
“I’m going to need that spoon after you,” I said, wiping the thick layer of chocolate off my mouth.
Linda laughed and handed it over. I quickly stirred my drink and Jett’s before Madeline returned. I didn’t want her to feel insulted that she didn’t do a good job.
“Do you like your drink, Mr. Kace?”
“Very chocolatey,” I complimented.
“I knew you would like chocolate.” She smiled that toothless grin at me.
Madeline handed out plates and napkins and then opened the box of pastries. She divvied those out as well, giving us each one. She continued to kneel down on her chair and started to dig into her breakfast. With one bite, she had powdered sugar all over her face.
She was too cute with her morning hair that rivaled Albert Einstein’s, her powder-covered face, and her oversized shirt. How could anyone else raise their hand to this precious little girl? The mere thought had my stomach buckling. Marshall Duncan was exactly where he belonged, six feet under.
“These are good,” Madeline said before she picked up her glass of milk with both hands and took a big gulp. When she put her glass back down, she formed a chocolate and powdered sugar paste ring around her mouth. “I’m excited to hit the mats today,” Madeline said in between bites, using one of my terms.
Linda shook her head and shrugged her shoulders at me, as if to say, girls will be girls.
I chuckled and said, “Yeah, you going to throw down today?”
“I’ve been practicing my jabs.” She closed her hand into a fist and punched the air while saying, “Pow, pow!”
“Honey, remember, we talked about how you don’t have to make sound effects while punching,” Linda said with a motherly smile.
“But it’s so much cooler with saying ‘pow,’ Mom. People take you more seriously if you make a noise. If you just jab the air, people will think you’re crazy, but if you say ‘pow pow’ while doing it, they will be sure not to mess with you. Isn’t that right, Mr. Kace?”
“They’ll definitely back away.” I laughed.
“See, Mom? Boxing is my second nature. Put me in the ring, and I will do some damage.”
“You won’t be going in a ring,” Linda said protectively.
“Ah, come on. Have you seen my footwork? No one can catch me.”
Visions of Madeline bouncing around me in the Haze Room clouded my brain, making me smile.
“We will consider it when you’re older,” Linda answered.
“Sounds like a plan.” Madeline looked around. “Why am I the only one eating?” She pushed her hair aside, leaving powder in her wake. With a ring of chocolate on her face and powder all over her, she was one adorable hot mess.
“Sorry,” I said, smiling and taking a giant bite. “Beignets are my favorite breakfast.”
“They’re my second,” Madeline said, reaching for another. “I love French toast.”
“So do I,” Jett chimed in. “Bananas Foster French toast is my favorite.”
“That’s good,” Madeline nodded. “But I like peanut butter and Fruity Pebbles on mine. Oh, and marshmallows.”
Both Jett and I looked up at Linda, who was resting her head in her hand. She laughed and said, “Remember, Madeline, that’s our French toast surprise that we keep between us.”
