Page 97 of Just Bromantically Invested

I grin at Madden. “Madeline. I’ll see you at home.”

Then I leave, trying to calm down my nerves over being so fucking assertive while I know, deep down, this was the right call.

Now I have to hope he agrees with me.

Chapter 35

Madden

Monopoly Monday has always been a comfort to me. A guaranteed moment where I get to indulge in having a family and reminding myself that they’re all still there for me.

Tonight though … I can’t shake something.

I’ve clung to these guys like they’re all I have, but that isn’t the case. I have Penn. The way I love him goes beyond the safety net I have here. Penn feels forever, and I’ve been too busy worrying about keeping this side of my life that I’ve forgotten he’s my priority.

I play with the dice the others are waiting for me to roll before I glance up at them. They’re all already watching me, so I guess getting their attention won’t be difficult.

“I have something to say.”

There’s a beat while they wait and I say nothing.

“Are we supposed to be mind reading?” Seven asks. “Because there’s a lack of words coming our way.”

It’s not something to laugh about, but fuck. I’m not used to having boundaries around these guys. I love it like that. I’m accepted completely, and I feel the same about them.

But this is something Penn needs, and if he needs it, then so do I.

“I wanted to let you all know that I won’t be around on Tuesday nights. Like how we have Monopoly Mondays, I’m giving Tuesdays to Penn. So, like, if you guys need me … don’t.”

“Wait. What would we need you for?” Rush asks.

My eyes drift toward Xander, and I snap them away again. “No clue. I’m just putting it out there that Tuesdays are our night.”

“That’s awesome,” Seven says. “Can you roll now?”

Molly bats at his arm. “We’ll make sure we’re around on Tuesdays.”

Penn mentioned speaking to Molly, and it’s a huge relief to know that he’s got our backs and he made Penn feel so welcome. That’s a big part of why I love these guys.

“Is this about me?” Xander asks in a small voice. He’s nervously folding and unfolding a paper fifty-dollar bill.

I don’t want to answer that and make him feel bad. Protecting him is like a reflex, but then I remember Derek’s words, and maybe we all need to start treating Xander more like the grown man he is.

“Yes.” The word almost gets stuck in my throat. “Well, not completely. It goes for everyone. But he really wasn’t happy about last week, and while he understood … he shouldn’t have to. He deserves to come first as well.”

“He does, and that’s nonnegotiable.” Seven squeezes Xander’s thigh. “You’re my punk to worry about anyway.”

Xander leans into Seven, but his down expression still hasn’t shifted. Everything in me wants to comfort him, but I hold the urges in.

“Sorry,” Xander whispers.

It makes my heart hurt because this is probably what Derek was talking about with the manipulation, but there’s no way in hell Xander is doing it on purpose.

“Therapy, Z,” Seven says. “It’s not fun, but it’s helping me.”

Xander’s expression finally changes, but it’s to pull into a scowl instead. “Fuck therapy.”

There’s no use pushing it.

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