Page 50 of Mine

“Let’s switch gears, fellas,” Luke said. “Let’s talk about something lighter… like New Year’s Eve. What y’all got lined up?”

“I know where I want to be,” Quentin said.

“Let’s make it a triple date,” Luke said.

Quentin and Derek thought it through.

“Are you bringing your nine milli because we might need them for the Rose brothers.”

They howled with laughter, unbelieving that they were on the opposite side of the totem pole. It was interesting and a little understanding of what their predecessors had once experienced.

“Man, I’m not fooling with y’all,” Luke said, waving them off.

“We have to try and make light of the situation somehow. Jordan wasn’t in attendance last night,” Quentin said, “but I plan to stop by and see him at the firm today.”

“Yeah, talk to the man, try to get him to at least give you the benefit of the doubt,” Derek said. “Invite him out not to a bar, but let’s find a place and have a serious conversation with our boys, man. We can’t let it go down like this.”

“You’re right,” Quentin added.

“You still have those tickets to the game?” Derek asked.

“Yeah, and no, I’m taking Phoebe.”

“In public?”

Quentin’s brows creased. “Yeah, in public, why wouldn’t I?”

“You know paparazzi will have a field day once you two are spotted,” Luke said.

“I know, but neither of us cares about that.”

“You’re really diving right out there, huh?”

“There’s no need to walk on the edge, my man. I plan to show Phoebe what being with a real man is like.” Quentin stretched back with a smile, laying down on the bench to lift the weights sitting on the bar.

Derek and Luke exchanged smug smiles.

“I can’t wait to see this myself,” Luke uttered, and Derek chuckled. The men left the machine area for the changing room. While they were away, Quentin rested in the notion that in his heart he understood playing games with Phoebe wasn’t on the agenda. He wanted her, every last inch and whoever he had to fight to keep her would meet him head-on, no holds barred.

---