Aj followed behind while digging in his pockets for the keys. “I hope that’s a compliment.” He replied chuckling.

Spencer turned and looked him over head to toe. He was only a couple of inches taller than Ashley with a little more muscle and fat mass. “Believe me it’s a compliment.” She thought a moment. “How are you guy related?”

“Cousins.” He answered with a thoughtful expression. “But we grew up together and Dad always treated us like brother and sister.”

“Dad?”

“Pops.” He clarified. “He adopted me when I was six, after my parents died, and I grew up with Ashley on a bus with the band.”

Spencer was surprised at how easily Aj talked about Pops. There wasn’t any anger or hate in his tone like Ashley’s held, only gratitude. “So you like Pops?” She asked failing to hide the shock in her tone.

Aj chuckled. “He’s my Dad. Of course I like him. Well love him.”

“Why doesn’t Ashley feel the same way?” She asked with hesitation. Her mind told her this was none of her business but she couldn’t help asking about Pops and Ashley. They both have major issues with each other and she found it strange that Aj didn’t seem to have any problems with Pops. 

All Aj’s cheerfulness faded as he thought about Spencer’s question. “Me and Ashley had different lives. Dad never really pressured me into doing things I didn’t want to do, I guess it was because I wasn’t really his kid or maybe it was because I was too old to be the kid he wanted.” His voice faltered slightly as he continued. “I was the lucky one, I guess. Ashley was two when Dad adopted me. Before Pops I was living with my aunt from my Mom’s side of the family and her husband. But I didn’t like them. My real Dad and Pops were close so Pops took me in after he stopped by for a visit and saw how miserable I was. The first couple of weeks were a blast. I met lots of people and saw lots of things, including Ashley’s care.” He frowned. “I don’t think Dad saw her more than a couple of times a month when she was a baby.” Aj saw the outraged look on Spencer’s face and quickly added, “But she was well taken care of by nannies and stuff.” He visibly relaxed when Spencer did but they were both still kind of tense. “Anyway, life on the road started getting boring and I wanted to go to school. Pops sent me to Grandma’s and I started elementary and continued on and finished high school. But I spent every summer with Dad and Ashley on the road.” Aj stopped talking and turned his head toward the opening door.