Page 35 of Manny

Me

Shep, I mean it

Shep

Scouts honor. Hey, gotta run. I’ll text you after the game on Sunday

Me

We can grab some dinner after

Shep

Sounds like a plan

I’m happy to be seeing my best friend after so many months, and that I can finally introduce him to the club and all my brothers. If there’s one thing I can rely on, it’s Shep’s support.

When we end the call I smile when I see an incoming text from Stella.

Stell-Bell

How’s my favorite chef?

Me

I haven’t heard from you in ages, rumor has it you’ve been seen sniffing bacon…

Stell-Bell

If you’re referring to Cale Callaghan, that isn’t funny

I smile to myself. Nothing’s gonna happen with Cale, he’s law enforcement for one, and Stella is only nineteen, but she’s made no secret that he’s a piece of eye candy.

Me

Would I do such a thing?

Stell Bell

If he wasn’t law enforcement, I might try my chances…

Me

I mean, he’s arrested your dad before, so I’m not sure how family dinners would go in that scenario

Stell Bell

That was a misunderstanding, and also he was looking for Tag

Me

Which is probably why Tag can’t stand him

Stell Bell

He’s actually a nice guy once you get to know him

Me