“Oh, yeah?” I wasn’t really interested in Micky’s hangovers or lack thereof. I nodded my thanks for the painkiller and swallowed them dry before taking a tentative sip of the scalding coffee.

“Rumi has to drink a lot to feel sick the next day.”

“They’re the lucky ones, I guess,” I muttered around a bite of food.

“Did you have a good party?” she asked, wisely changing the subject.

“It was fun,” I confirmed. “How’s Rhett? His ears any better?”

“He’s whiny.” Emilia rolled her eyes. “But he’s been on medicine a few days, so I think he’s just soaking up the attention at this point.”

“Smart kid.”

“I left him and Micky in front of the TV watching cartoons.”

“You didn’t have to bring me breakfast.”

“I know, but I felt bad that I had to leave last night.”

I waved her off. “No big deal.”

“Are you excited that you got your patch?”

“Listen to you, spoutin’ off the lingo.”

“I’m learning,” she said with a laugh.

“Not excited.” I shrugged. “Relieved, maybe? Settled, mostly.”

“You feel settled?” she asked dubiously.

“You know, just glad. I’m here for good.”

“Was that ever in question?”

“Nope.” I took another bite, thinking. “I’m betting it’s like gettin’ married. You know you’re gonna do it, and once it’s done, you’re relieved and…content, I guess.”

“That’s a really weird analogy, but okay.”

“I know,” I said dryly. “And not a very good one—you can get out of a marriage.”

“And the Aces are for life,” she said softly.

“Right.”

Emilia sighed and leaned back on the couch before wrinkling her nose and sitting forward again. “This thing stinks.”

“It’s been in the middle of the clubhouse for the last twenty years,” I replied dryly. “Who the fuck knows what’s on it.”

“Gross,” she cried, hopping up.

“I haven’t caught anything from it yet,” I said, stuffing the last of my sandwich in my mouth. “I think you’re safe.”

“The next time you see I’m about to sit down, remind me of this conversation.” She glanced around at the other dilapidated couches.

“No way,” I joked. “I’ll remind you once you’ve been there a while.”

“Gee, thanks.”