Page 78 of Sugar

“Well, I’m not a big, famous scientist,” Juno said.

“What are you?”

He laughed. “I’m a baker. Well, I was a baker. I had a bakery in the mall, and I made cupcakes and cookies.”

“But you quit?”

“I owned it, and I turned in my notice to vacate. The rent was getting too expensive,” Juno admitted. “I don’t plan on giving it up.”

“Good.” Adam walked to the computer, and then a low, rumbling boom sounded, and the roof began to close. “We need more cupcakes in the world.”

Juno turned his gaze up to watch the night sky slowly disappear behind white-painted metal. “Do you think Piper misses all of this? Or does he seem happier now?”

“I think Piper was ready to retire a long time ago,” Adam said. He walked around the desk and leaned on the railing toward Juno. “We didn’t know each other long, but he looked tired even back then.”

“I’m a lot happier now,” a voice called.

Juno felt a little embarrassed he’d been caught talking about Piper but not embarrassed enough to apologize for it. This was the point—getting to know each other. He turned to face the railing as Piper took the steps up two at a time, then shot a smirk at Adam before going right for Juno.

He barely had any time to react before Piper hauled him close and kissed him. “A lot happier,” he repeated against Juno’s lips.

“Get the fuck out of my lab. I haven’t had a tongue in my mouth for two months,” Adam groaned.

Piper chuckled and kept Juno wrapped in his arms as he turned to his friend. “When do you get to go visit?”

“Three and a half weeks, down to the hour,” Adam said, looking at his wrist like he had a watch there. “I can’t wait.”

“Tell Magnus I said hello,” Piper told him, leaning his head on Juno’s. His body felt heavy like he was exhausted, and Juno realized he probably was. “I’d love to have you guys over someday when you’re both free.”

“Which is likely never, if we go on statistics,” Adam said. He walked over and tugged Piper into a hug. “But I know Magnus would love to see you again.”

Piper gave him a soft pat on the cheek before extending his hand to Juno. “Come on, love.”

Love. That was new. It made his fingers and toes feel all hot and tingly, and the feeling only got worse when he took Piper’s hand and let the man drag him to the car.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

“Do me a favor and don’t get upset or freak out at me.” Phoenix sounded like himself, but also, he didn’t.

Piper sat stiffly on the bed, half listening to the shower running, the rest of his attention on his brother’s voice. Phoenix tended to speak flatly, even when there was an emergency, so he’d learned to read subtle tones in his voice. Right now, he didn’t sound like he was in distress, but the words put him on edge.

“Just say it,” Piper told him.

Phoenix took a breath. “We’re going to cancel the wedding.”

Piper blinked rapidly. “Did something happen between you two?”

“No. Mads broke his hip. Which is weird. It’s totally an old-person injury. I’d expect that call from you.”

“First of all, fuck you. I’m not old. I’m delightfully spry,” Piper said. “Second of all, shit. Is he okay?”

“He needs surgery, then physical therapy. And it’s the other leg, the one he could bear weight on, so they’re not sure he’s going to be able to walk for a really long time.” Phoenix paused. “Actually, the doctor said maybe ever, but Mads was really high when he said that, and I think he forgot. I don’t want to tell him again.”

“No need to burden him with it now.” Piper scrubbed a hand down his face. “Do you want me to come help out?”

“No. Mads and I think it’s better that you don’t. He needs time to heal, and he doesn’t want to be in pain in front of you.”

That stung a little, but Piper got it. More than he cared to admit. “Well, if you need anything, let me know. I can send some food delivery services to your place if you send me your safe takeout list.”

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