CHAPTER 420

He gave Hayden a conspiratorial wink. “See? My mama still makes me apologize too.”

“Wow. What did you do?”

“Forgot to tell her I’m helpin’ out over here.”

“Oh.” Hayden tucked into his cereal, hiding behind the box.

“What time do we have to leave for the basketball game?” Dash asked Kane.

“’Bout two hours.”

“I’ll be ready. I have a few things to finish up in my room.” Dash left the table and his door closed behind him.

“As soon as you’re done with breakfast, you need to hop in the shower, Hayden.”

“Aw, Mom. I’m probably just gonna get sweaty at the game. I’ll shower when I get home.”

“No dice.”

“Why do you make me shower every day? It’s a waste of water,” Hayden grumbled. He shoved the cereal box aside and challenged Kane. “Do you shower once a day?”

“Nope.”

A triumphant expression crossed Hayden’s face. “See?”

Kane mock-whispered, “Sometimes I shower twice a day.”

“No fair.” Hayden picked up his bowl and drank the last of the soymilk as he walked to the sink.

Before he made it to his