Page 42 of Zero Pucks

But he understood the game better than most people.

“He and his wife are having fucking triplets, bro. Three babies. They’re moving to be closer to her parents so they don’t throw themselves into the sun when all three of them get that…crying disease. Cholera?”

“I’m pretty sure it’s not called that,” I said, though I didn’t know anything about baby crying diseases. “And shit. That sucks.”

“Yeah, but it could be worse. I put your name in, and Reid thinks it’s a great idea.”

I grimaced. “Dude, I don’t—” I didn’t get the chance to tell him I thought it wasn’t the best idea because I was not as great vertically on skates as I wanted to be, because right then, Ford walked in.

And he wasn’t alone.

I couldn’t see much in the low light, but for some reason, I knew he was with Amedeo. Maybe it was the way he was slouched. Or how the wild, dark spot above him was his hair. Or maybe I’d developed some superpower where I could just sense him.

Whatever the case, I went totally silent, and my heart began beating like a snare drum against the inside of my ribs.

“Hello? Did you just fucking leave?” Jonah almost knocked his tea over as he reached for me. I squeezed his wrist to let him know I was still there while I figured out how to unstick my tongue from the roof of my mouth.

“Ford’s here.”

“And? Why do you sound like you just took a hockey stick up the ass?”

Of course he had to say that right as Ford and Amedeo made it to the table. He—my husband, myfakehusband—looked terrified and unsure.

“Hi. I brought a friend,” Ford said cheerfully. “Tuck, I believe you know your wayward spouse.”

Jonah’s entire body lit up, and he turned toward Ford’s voice. “I’m sorry. You brought him? Are you serious?”

Amedeo swallowed thickly. “Um. I can go, if?—”

“No!” Without thinking, I leaned over and seized his wrist, tugging him down to the chair. “Sit.”

He did, his knees collapsing as if on my command. Helpless, I looked over at Ford, who shot me an amused glance and settled next to Jonah, leaning over to kiss him on the temple.

“Hi, babe.”

“Tell. Me.Everything,” Jonah breathed out.

Amedeo looked totally panicked, but before anyone could say anything, the server appeared again with another menu.

“Extra guest?”

“Sorry, I can—” Amedeo started again.

“Yes, please,” I interrupted quickly.

She set it down, then looked nervously at Jonah before saying very loudly, “Do you need help with your menu, sir?”

He flinched and immediately knew she was talking to him. “You know, Iamcurious about a couple things.”

“Of course. You, ah…you’re—” Her voice was still so fucking loud. “You’re legally blind, right?”

Jonah’s hand flew up in a stopping motion as Ford smirked. “Holy shit, be quiet! Come here. Quickly,” he told her, waving her over frantically. “I don’t have much time.”

Oh God. Here we go. I looked over at Amedeo and saw his face full of trepidation.

The server hurried behind Ford and bent closer to Jonah. “I’m here.”

“Okay,” Jonah said, leaning back and cupping the side of his mouth like he was telling a secret, “the truth is, I’millegallyblind. If I get caught, they’re going to arrest me. And if I get convicted, they’re going to force me to take my eyes back and make me see again! So keep your voice down.”

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