Page 14 of His Big Pipe

“Final answer?” Gavin asks, grinning.

“Final answer,” we say in unison.

There’s a moment of suspense before Gavin announces, “Correct! Talia and Sully win!”

There’s a round of applause and playful groans of defeat from the others. Talia and I share a triumphant look, and bump fists.

“Good game, everyone,” Maddie says, beaming. “And congratulations to the winning team.”

Talia nudges me with her elbow, her eyes sparkling. “Told you we make a great team.”

“Yeah,” I say, my voice softening. “We really do.”

Later, I step out onto the back porch, needing a moment to clear my head. The cool night air feels good, a welcome contrast to the warmth inside.

I hear the door creak open behind me and turn to see Nick and Gavin stepping out. They exchange a look, and I know immediately that they’re up to something.

“What?” I ask, leaning against the porch railing.

Nick smirks. “We were wondering about you and Talia.”

Gavin nods, a grin spreading across his face. “You like her, don’t you?”

“What is this high school?” I feel my cheeks heat up, but I try to play it cool. “Sure, she’s…nice.”

Nick rolls his eyes. “Nice? Come on, man. We can see it. You’ve got it bad for her.”

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “So, what am I supposed to do about it?”

Gavin steps closer, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “Tell her. She’s really great and kinda perfect for you, Sully. We all see it.”

I shake my head, feeling a knot of anxiety in my chest. “You guys know I’ve never… What if I screw it up?”

Nick’s expression softens, and he squeezes my shoulder. “You’ve got to trust that she’ll understand. If she’s the right woman, she’ll get it.”

Gavin nods in agreement. “Just be honest with her. You’re a good man, Sully. She’d be lucky to have you.”

I let their words sink in. They’re right—I can’t let my insecurities hold me back. Talia’s worth the risk.

“I guess I just need to find the right moment,” I say, more to myself than to them.

Nick grins. “That’s the spirit. And if you need any advice, you know where to find us.”

Gavin chuckles. “Yeah, just don’t wait too long. A woman like Talia won’t stay single forever.”

I nod, feeling a mix of determination and nervousness. “Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.”

They both clap me on the back, and we stand there for a moment, the silence filled with unspoken support. It’s moments like these that remind me why I value these friendships so much.

“Dead arm!” Gavin yells, punching me in the arm, as he and Gavin head back inside.

“Damnit!” I grab my arm, pain throbbing in my bicep. “Asshole,” I grumble as they leave chuckling.

Why am I friends with them again?

The house is quiet now after everyone has left, the lively energy from earlier fading into a peaceful hum. Talia and I clean up the remnants of a successful dinner amid the background noise of clinking dishes and running water.

“That was fun,” Talia says, her voice soft and content. She hands me a towel to dry the dishes.

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