The chaos from earlier dissolved into harmony. Gloria and Claire, mother and daughter in age but rivals in spirit, grew closer than ever. Mitchell and Cameron, after settling Lily's adoption paperwork, shared a cringe-worthy "gay kiss." Phil earned temporary approval from Jay for calming Claire during the fight. Such was this family: explosive quarrels, followed by inexplicable reconciliation.
The hero of the hour? Martin Scott, dazzling everyone by the pool with his college-era basketball tricks, leaving Luke and Manny—aspiring athletes—stunned. Hailey lurked nearby, ogling him until her sister Alex snarked: "He's blood-related, idiot. Plus, a hotshot lawyer wouldn't waste time on a boy-crazy teen like you." The sisters' bickering became the house's only lingering tension.
---
Jay, sipping whiskey, glanced between Martin and his own son: gay and underwhelming. *Why couldn't he be a bit like Martin ?* he wondered, echoing his sister's decade-old jab about his parenting failures.
Later, Martin gathered everyone for Luke and Manny's clumsy streetball show. Despite the fumbles, applause erupted—progress, not perfection, mattered.
Alone by the pool, Jay finally asked about Martin's mother. "She's well," Martin replied, surprised. "I thought you'd never mention her again."
"Her words did hurt me," Jay admitted, "but maybe she was right in her perspective. Maybe I did fail to raise my kids in someway ."
Martin chuckled. "Only love or hate makes someone hold a grudge for nine years. Should I tell her you love or hate her?"
"Both," Jay muttered, uncharacteristically allowing Martin's comforting touch. "You were always special to me. Even at eleven, you knew family better than anyone."
Guilt crept into Jay's voice: "I'm sorry I abandoned you these years."
Martin shrugged. "My parents weren't much better. Christmas meant political parties, not family."
"Then join ours," Jay declared. " Join us on sunday dinners when you can make time, even if it means ditching the *president*."
---
Inside, the family watched Jay and Martin bond. Phil whined: "How does Martin make him laugh?"
Claire kissed his head. "Dad's always liked Martin since he was young, he was a smarty pants even when we were kids."
Mitchell groaned: "That guy's a born lawyer. My closing arguments are trash compared to his!"
Gloria scowled. "If we were in Colombia, I'd shoot him."
"Why?!" the room gasped.
"He stole Manny's heart! My son thinks he's cooler than his *real dad*."
Alex sprinted in: "Mom, can I live with Martin? His roommates are geniuses! Also, Hailey needs to stop crushing on relatives!"
Hailey chased her, shrieking, as Martin and Jay reentered.
"Martin will try joining un on sunday dinners!" Jay announced.
The kids cheered, The adults? Less so.
Gloria's glare hinted murder.
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**(End of Chapter)**