Page 127 of Cash

Roderick returned to prop himself against the bar, relaxing like a big jungle cat who was just taking a quick breather but was still ready to pounce at any second.

“Isn’t it awesome?” Jimmy gushed. “We got married not far from here actually, and I kept telling Rod how much I loved it. So, he surprised me with this place for Valentine’s Day last year.”

“Wow.” Brick whistled. “That’s a really awesome Valentine’s Day present.”

Roderick allowed himself a small pleased smile.

“Sorry for crashing in like this.” Jimmy scratched the back of his head. “I won a big case back home, and Rod wanted to come down here to celebrate. He won’t admit it, but he is also super incredibly nosey and wanted to meet the guy that got Jules so twitterpated.”

“Lies and slander,” Roderick drawled.

Brick wasn’t totally sure what twitterpated meant—wasn’t that from Bambi or something?—but he was pretty sure it was a good thing. “Well, I want you both to know that I’m pretty crazy about Jules too.” He smiled at Jules, and he knew his affection for this man was written all over his face. “He’s incredible.”

Jules snorted and shook his head.

“Why, Jules Price.” Jimmy grinned. “I think you might be blushing.”

“You’re seein’ shit, Twig.”

“Twitterpated is a good look on you,” Roderick said with another small smile. “And you are most definitely blushing.”

“Shut up,” Jules griped. “Unless you want me to start tellin’ stories about how nervous you was to get hitched to Jimmy over there.”

“I do not get nervous,” Roderick argued.

“I definitely wanna hear these stories,” Jimmy said. “Like, in excruciating detail, please.”

“How about we tell them about the case you won instead? I think that’s far more interesting.”

“Nah, I don’t know. Twig seems like he’s onto somethin’ good here.” Jules chuckled heartily. “Could be fun to take a stroll down ol’ memory lane.”

Brick saw the way Roderick scowled, and he had an idea to score some quick brownie points. “Hey, you said you won a case, Jimmy? You’re a lawyer?”

“Oh! Right! Yeah.” Jimmy beamed. “I’m a defense lawyer.”

Roderick nodded approvingly in Brick’s direction, clearly grateful for the change in subject.

Jules laughed under his breath and leaned in to murmur in Brick’s ear, “I see what ya’ did there.”

Brick acted like he didn’t hear a thing, smiling sweetly as he asked Jimmy, “So, what happened with the case?”

“My client had been wrongfully accused of murdering his brother,” Jimmy replied, oblivious to the fact he’d been distracted so purposefully. “We found out that the arresting officer had planted my client’s fingerprints on the murder weapon to slam dunk the conviction, but we were able to get the case thrown out. It was amazing. Wow, just freakin’ amazing. He’s a free man now.”

“Congratulations! That’s awesome.”

“Thank you! I’m really, really happy. Not all of them work out so well, you know? Just feels good to be able to help.” Jimmy’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Oh! Have you guys been down to Cold Nut’s Creamery? Crazy name, I know, but they have the best freakin’ ice cream.”

“Yeah! We’ve been going there almost every day actually.” Brick chuckled. “Their matcha bungeoppang is incredible.”

“Oh my God! Yes!” Jimmy grinned. “That’s my favorite!”

“Brick can cook those little fishies, you know.” Jules slung his arm around Brick’s shoulders. “He’s fuckin’ amazing.”

“I bet they’re even better homemade,” Jimmy said with a wistful sigh.

“Next time, I’ll pack my pan,” Brick joked. “But you know, if you guys want, I’d be happy to cook for you.”

“Really?” Jimmy’s eyes widened.

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