I sighed. She was always my voice of reason.
At times, I felt like Henley knew me better than I knew myself.
And I knew she was right.
twenty-one
. . .
Rafe
Easton
Happy Valentine’s Day, dickheads.
Clark
Easton is in a relationship this year, and now we get Happy Valentine’s texts.
Easton
Not my only reason for texting. Tomorrow we start the league again. The Chad-Six are back. Henley will sub when anyone has to miss.
Archer
Good. She can cover for me tomorrow. I’m swamped with work.
Clark
I have a date tomorrow, so I actually can’t make it. Do we have another sub?
Axel
You have a date the day after Valentine’s Day?
Clark
Yes. I don’t take a woman out on a holiday if we aren’t in a serious relationship. It sends mixed messages. So, we’re going out tomorrow.
Axel
Smart. I’ll be at pickleball.
Rafe
I’ll be there, but I’m not dealing with your bitchy attitude if you’re going to be all competitive and intense.
Easton
Fuck you. Bring your A game, and I won’t have to be a dick. Ask Lulu if she can sub for Clark.
Clark
I bet Lulu is a beast on the court. Watch your balls. You know she likes to take you out when she can.
Archer
What’s the deal there? You basically live together, and she comes to Sunday dinners and seems like part of the family. Are you finally going to admit it’s the real deal?