Page 31 of Embers Glow After the Fire

Eli softly excuses himself and sneaks down into the basement through the sliders.

“I think you're wearing the poor boy out Phoenix.” Matthew teases.

Phoenix peeks over lowered sunglasses on his nose. “He’s fun.” He smirks.

“He’s young.” Robbie adds.

Phoenix leans back on his hands. “And full of—”

“Phoenix!” Robbie snorts.

He kicks his bronzed legs and beams with pride.

Dennis floats by the table carrying an aluminum tray stacked with burger patties and props them onto the side shelf of the grill while he switches the flames on. “Rob, love—will you get the salads out of the fridge?”

“Yesss—” Robbie lifts himself of the chair and drags himself toward the kitchen.

“I’ll help.” Brendon follows.

“Thanks, babe.” He spreads the heavy stainless steel doors open and hauls out bowl after bowl of bright-colored Tupperware. “I’ll get you that gift box and wrapping paper later.”

“Thank you.” Brendon stacks bowls three high on the counter and heaves them into his arms. “He cooks for an army.” He chuckles.

“Alway has.” Robbie rolls his eyes. “We’ll be sending you home with plenty of leftovers to stock that new fridge. Dennis has already been packing a stash for you in the freezer.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Yes I do! We’ll never use it up and Denny needs to start taking better care of himself.”

“He okay?”

“He will be. I'll make sure of it. I’m not letting that man go anywhere.” Robbie gathers a collection of condiments into his arms and scoops up two bags of potato chips with his free hand, leading the way back to the patio. “Are you excited about your new place?”

“You’re getting a new place?” Matthew asks.

“Yes. I'm moving in as soon as we get back.” Brendon sets the bowls on the table. “It's just a little studio above a garage, but I really lucked out on the deal.”

“Congrats.” Matthew smiles behind mirrored sunglasses.

Brendon catches himself blushing in the reflection. “We need spoons.” He ducks back into the kitchen to raid the drawers for utensils.

“Third drawer on the left.” Robbie calls in.

“Thank you!” He returns to the group and plops serving spoons on top of each salad bowl.

“Mmm—smells amazing Dennis.” Perry hangs his reading glasses from his shirt collar and takes a seat at the table.

The smoky aroma of flame-broiled beef and veggie patties floats around them as they dine on the classic barbeque spread Dennis put together.

***

The bonfire crackles and sparks fly at the center of the group, seated in a ring of Adirondack chairs facing the stone pit. The dark indigo sky is aglow with a scattering of stars and the tops of the trees sway against the swirl of a soft breeze.

“Dinner was spectacular Den.” Perry sips from an amber glass bottle of craft beer.

Dennis’ lips widen in a broad grin. “Thanks Perr.”

The chirp of crickets and occasional call of wilderness creatures fill the quiet as the group stare into the flames. Dennis tosses a fresh log onto the pit from the pile at his side. Its dry bark snaps and pops, releasing a singed pine pitch aroma.

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