Page 79 of These Pucking Boys

Sadness drops onto my shoulders. At the beginning of the semester, Louis’s mom told me she had separated from her husband, and he was making things difficult. Divorces are hard, especially on children, but when it’s not amicable, it’s ten times worse.

“I do what I can to help,” I reply.

From the corner of my eye, I sense Ryan watching me.

“And I appreciate it. Folks don’t value what teachers do for their kids. But I do. I was happy to shave off the cost of labor for you.”

My eyes prickle as gratitude overwhelms me. I’m not usually a crybaby, but I’ve been more sensitive to gestures of kindness these past few days. Maybe I’m not as healed emotionally as I thought. “Thank you.”

I pay the bill, then head to my car.

Ryan follows me. “Nice guy. I’ll make sure to send business his way.”

“Yeah, I didn’t expect that.”

“What are you doing for the rest of the day? Maybe we can hang out after I come back from the gym.”

My heart beats a little faster. I’d love to spend more time with Ryan. And after our conversation in the car, I feel more connected to him than before. If only I didn’t have a million things to do today.

“Maybe we can have lunch together?”

He smiles broadly. “Sounds good. It’s my turn to show off my cooking skills.”

“It’s a date then.”

RYAN

For the first time since I moved in with the guys, I wish I lived alone. When I get home from the gym and the grocery store, I find Lachy sprawled on the couch, watching TV. I completely forgot about him and Jake when I made plans with June.

“Hey, what are you doing today?” I set the grocery bags on the kitchen counter.

“Nothing.”

Fucking great.

“You should go outside and enjoy the weather. It’s a perfect day for golfing.”

“There’s no bloody chance of me doing anything physical today. I’m beat.”

“You’re just going to sit on the couch all day?”

“Yep.” He changes the channel.

I put things away, trying to keep my irritation at bay. It’s my damn fault for not planning better. “Where’s Jake?”

“Haven’t seen him yet. I reckon he didn’t sleep much last night.”

I doubt asking Lachy and Jake to leave the apartment for a few hours so I can have June to myself will work. They’ll not only stay, but they’ll also tease me later, because we’re grown men who act like teens. I resign myself that they’ll be around when June comes over.

“June was up early.”

Immediately, Lachy looks over his shoulder. “You saw her?”

“Yeah. Bumped into her on my way to the gym and ended up giving her a ride to the garage so she could pick up her car.”

“I wonder what she’s doing today.”

“She’s coming over for lunch.” I try to sound as nonchalant as possible, but Lachy narrows his eyes.

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