Page 191 of The Home Game

“I guess that’s good enough.” Matty sighed. “I gotta run to the bathroom. The drinks have hit.”

“Want some company?” Antoni waggled his eyebrows.

“Don’t tempt me,” Matty said with a grin. “But no. I’ll pee and then we’ll start making the rounds. Say goodbye to everyone. Then go home and enjoy having a nice quiet house to ourselves.”

“It’s a plan,” Antoni said, already loving the idea. He tugged at his damp costume. “I’m gonna cool off on the patio, and I’ll meet you downstairs in a few.”

“Sounds good. Love you.” Matty dropped a kiss on his lips, then left.

“Love you too,” Antoni whispered, smiling.

He took the stairs down to the basement level where the pool and the ping-pong table were, winding through the crowd.

The lights were low and music played loudly on the speakers.

August was playing golf on the simulator while wearing … a Roman gladiator costume, maybe? Nico was dressed in a toga, dancing with Birdie and Kayla who were dressed as witches.

Laughing, Antoni passed Charlie and Dustin who had gone all out as Cinderella and Prince Charming.

Though when he’d complimented Charlie earlier, he’d winked and said, “that’s Cinderfella, thank you!”

Several people stopped Antoni to talk and when he finally made it through the press of bodies, he slid the patio doors open, gratefully gulping in the cool autumn air.

It was chilly enough that it would likely frost tonight and he jerked in surprise at the sight of someone sitting on the patio furniture, staring at the crackling fire in the firepit.

Antoni pressed his hand to his chest. “Shit, you startled me.”

Dominic glanced up. “Oh, hey, Antoni. Sorry.”

“No, I just didn’t expect anyone to be out here. I came out to cool off and … sorry. I’ll leave you be.”

“Uh, actually, while you’re here, could I speak to you?”

Antoni blinked, surprised by the uncertain look on his face.

“Sure,” Antoni said slowly. “Now?”

“Yes. I won’t be long. I just want to say I’m sorry. I apologize that I haven’t been very welcoming to you. I know Matty probably told you that I was worried about—about your relationship with him.”

Antoni nodded, sinking onto a chair nearby. “Yeah, he’s said a bit. He didn’t tell me why; just said you had your reasons.”

“Reasons, yes,” Dominic said, looking down at his hands. “But it’s no excuse. I’m sorry. I’ve been a dick and I want you to know I’m glad everything worked out. Because you and the kids do make Matty happy and I want that for him.”

“I want that for him too,” Antoni said softly.

“I know that now. And I should have given you the benefit of the doubt.”

“You should have,” Antoni agreed but when Dominic winced, he pressed on. “But why don’t we start over?”

Dominic’s shoulders softened and he leaned forward and held out a hand. “Hi, I’m Dominic Olson. You can call me Dom.”

“Hi, Dom,” Antoni said, smiling. “It’s great to officially meet you.”

Dom held his hand, looking him in the eye. “Congrats on your marriage. I hope you and Matty and the kids have a long, happy life together.”

“Thank you,” Antoni whispered. “That means a lot to me.”

“Sure.” Dom ducked his head, letting go and rising to his feet. “Well, that’s all. I just wanted to set things right.”

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