He and Hector drove over to Lanie’s apartment. His sister opened the door and immediately snatched Hector from his arms. Lanie’s two big mutts, Medea and Persephone, wagged their tails in excitement. “See, Mommy told you your little cousin was coming over for a sleepover.” She deposited Hector on her living room couch where he immediately rolled onto his back, waiting for the adoration that would inevitably come. It was pathetic. This constant need of his for attention. Still. Nate had to begrudgingly admit, Hector was growing on him. Lanie, the enabler, rewarded Hector by scratching him on the tummy. “Hey there, little guy,” his sister crooned, “Aunt Lanie is going to babysit you tonight so daddy can get laid.” She glanced at Nate. “That is what this is about, right, stud?” “Get your mind out of the gutter. I’m going to help Lauren celebrate her birthday and I didn’t want to have to worry about going home to take care of Hector.
