Page 154 of In Plain Sight

“Fine. I accept the verdict even if I don’t agree with it,” Isaac said, heaving a dramatic sigh as he dug his wallet out of his pocket.

“Happy housewarming,” Nate said, holding out an envelope to me.

“Thanks.” I took it. “But you didn’t have to.”

“Of course we did.” He shot me a secret smile. “This is a big deal.”

I nodded, biting the inside of my lip so I didn’t start grinning like an idiot.

We’d already told Nate and Dev about our announcement, and they’d kept it secret from the rest of the guys so we could tell them when we were ready.

“Open it,” Isaac encouraged. “It’s from all of us, FYI.”

Chuckling, I pulled out a card that simply said “Congratulations.” Inside was a thick stack of cash and everyone’s signatures.

“Holy shit,” Luka exclaimed, coming up beside me, his eyes as round as saucers as he stared at the cash.

“This is too much,” I said to Nate.

“You didn’t even count it yet,” Jesse said with a grin. “How do you know it’s too much?”

I quickly riffled through the bills, and my shock intensified. They’d given us five hundred dollars.

“This is too much,” I repeated.

“It really isn’t,” Dev said. “But we knew you wouldn’t accept more.”

“Like I said, this is a big deal,” Nate added.

“Wait,” Asa said suspiciously, looking between me and Nate. “What aren’t you telling us?”

“Whatever do you mean?” Nate asked innocently.

“Nope, not buying it.” He turned his stare on Dev. “You’re in on it too.”

“In on what?” Dev glanced between me and his brother.

“Something’s afoot.” Asa pinned Luka with a look. “Am I wrong?”

Luka just grinned.

“What did I miss?” Isaac asked, shooting me a curious look.

“A lot,” Jesse teased.

Isaac laughed. “You’re not wrong.”

“How about everyone head into the living room, and Luka and I will get drinks?” I suggested. “Be proper hosts and all that jazz.”

“What does everyone want?” Luka asked. “We’ve got beer, wine, soda, and water.”

“Are there snacks?” Isaac asked when everyone was done giving their answers.

“Like we’d invite you over without snacks.” Luka gave him a little shove toward the living room.

Isaac let Jamie drag him into our living room, and the rest of the group followed.

Tucking the envelope under my arm, I held my hand out to Luka. I could see his anxiety building and wanted to help curb it before it could get too bad.

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