Page 69 of Shattered Dreams

Richard

The bathroom door flew open, and three naked boys ran in, ripped the shower curtain back, and climbed into the tub with me.

I managed to get my junk covered with my washcloth. “Guys?”

“Mama said we need to shower.” Tyler offered.

“With me?” My voice cracked.

“Come to think of it, nope, just shower.” Harrison added.

“Ummm, well … do you all have a washcloth?” I glanced over my shoulder and saw each arm up with a washcloth in hand.

They’re already in here now. May as well teach a lesson.

“Okay.” I handed Harrison the bar of soap. “Rub the soap in your cloth until you see suds, then hand it back to the next brother. Eyes forward.”

“Will my butt get that hairy?” Grady leaned to the side, staring at my ass.

“We won’t know until after puberty.” I shrugged. “And even then, you could just get more hair everywhere.”

“I want my chest to be hairy like yours, Richdad.” Tyler’s voice came from the back.

“Well, here’s hoping.” I rolled my eyes and held up my washcloth. “Everyone got soap?”

“Done.”

“Got it.”

“Now what?”

“Boys!” Jo opened the door and stuck her head inside. “What the hell are you doing?”

“You said shower, Mama.” Grady’s voice sounded confused.

“I know what I said. I didn’t say with Richard.”

“You didn’t say not to.” Harrison offered.

“He don’t mind. Do ya?” Grady leaned over again.

Glancing back over my shoulder, I noted the boys lined up by age. “Well, I wasn’t expecting this. But here we are.”

“You can go, Mama.” Tyler waved back. “Richdad teached us to shower like men.”

“I know how to shower myself.” Harrison frowned. “But mama says I’m not so good at it.”

“Well, boys, let’s learn you how to be good at it then. Can’t have ya stinkin’ you’ll scare the fish away.”

“Yay!” All three cheered.

“Richie?”

“I got it, Jo.” I waved back behind me. “Tyler, set the soap down and now we’ll start with our left arms, scrub with your rag, not too hard, and then get your armpit.”

“Scrubba scrubba scrubba.” Tyler singsongs and I couldn’t stop the chuckle that bubbled up.

“That’s right. Now do your right arm.”