Page 70 of These Pucking Boys: Part Two

“Why choose?” Jake arches a brow.

I shrug. “That’s what the genre is called. Meaning the female lead doesn’t have to choose among her many love interests.”

Lachy laughs. “That’s bloody brilliant.”

“If we dress as theWizard of Ozcharacters, what would you be?” I ask them both.

“Lachy should be the Scarecrow for obvious reasons.” Jake smirks.

“Ha ha, very funny.”

“Well... you’re blond, it makes sense. Besides, the Scarecrow is the sweetest of all three characters, so it fits you perfectly.”

“Are you saying I’m not sweet?” Jake interjects.

I look at him with a brow raised. “Do you really want me to answer that question?”

He shakes his head and smiles. “Nope.”

“You can be Tin Man... heartless.” Lachy pipes up.

“Or because of other reasons...” I mutter.

Jake leans closer and whispers in my ear, “Are you referring to my piercing, my love?”

“Maybe?”

“That leaves the Cowardly Lion to Ryan.” Lachy chuckles. “It’s kind of perfect.”

“Why? Do you think he’s not courageous?” I ask.

“No. It suits him because he’s a Leo through and through. Ryan can’t see a mirror and not preen in front of it.” Jake explains.

“Oh. Wow... then thosearethe perfect costumes, but won’t it be weird if we dress up as a group?”

“I don’t think so.” Jake throws his arm around my shoulder. “Too bad we can’t bring Winston to the party.”

I nod. “He’d be a perfect Toto.”

“We can take pictures beforehand though. Mrs. Carpenter will love it,” Jake replies.

“Look who’s excited about Halloween now?” Lachy points out.

I grin broadly. “Right?”

“I’m not.” Jake crosses his arms and frowns.

“Sure, you aren’t.” Lachy eggs him on. This entire convo is making my chest a bit lighter. I know Ryan is going through a hard time, but I hope we can cheer him up too.

Maybe I summoned him with my thoughts. He’s walking over, and the expression on his face wipes the smile from mine. All three of us stand, but it’s Jake who asks, “How was it?”

Ryan’s eyes are red and puffy, and he didn’t do a good job drying his cheeks. “I made peace with my mother.”

“That’s great. How do you feel?” I ask.

“Lighter.”

I step into his space and give him a big hug. Not surprisingly, Jake and Lachy join me, so now Ryan is in the middle of a giant embrace.

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