Page 102 of Love You Madly

You say that like you didn’t have a blast. My rendition of Livin’ on a Prayer was fucking legendary.

I chuckle, shaking my head as I picture Vince, microphone in hand, belting out the lyrics with all the enthusiasm in the world and none of the talent. The memory makes me smile, the tension easing a bit.

Me:

Legendary? More like nightmare fuel.

Will:

Still trying to scrub it from my brain, man.

Me:

The trauma is real.

I laugh out loud, the sound filling the quiet room. These guys always know how to lift my spirits, even when I don’t realize I need it.

Luke:

Speaking of things to forget, Heather wants to drag me to one of those paint-and-sip things this weekend. Wine, painting, and her friends–send help.

Will:

Dude, it’s not that bad. You get to drink, and the painting is just part of the background noise.

Vince:

Plus, if it makes Heather happy, that’s all that matters, right? I would much rather do something like that with Zoe than some of the other shit she insists on–specifically anything that will be a giant pain in the ass.

Luke:

Yeah, yeah. I know. She’s into it, so I’ll suffer through it. But seriously, if you don’t hear from me after Saturday, send a search party. Because I might go insane.

Me:

Are you honestly saying you’re going to go insane surrounded by the number of women that are bound to be at thatthing?

Vince:

Ha! He’s gotcha there, bro.

Luke:

Point taken.

I grin, knowing Luke’s just putting on a show. At this point, I’m pretty sure he’d do anything for Heather, even if it means pretending to enjoy an evening of wine and awkward painting. And it’s in that moment, hearing Luke talk about his plans with Heather, that I realize I’ve been holding back with the guys.

Me:

I get it, man. I’d do the same for Callie if she asked me to. Honestly, I’ve been falling hard for her. Like, harder than I ever thought I would.

Vince:

I’m looking forward to meeting her tomorrow.

Will:

Wait… Have you told anyone in the family that you’re dating a pregnant woman?

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