Richard glares at us as he grabs a handful of napkins. “This is sabotage! Someone shook my fucking beer.”
Jeremy, failing miserably at looking innocent, leans back with a smug grin. “Don’t blame the beer. Blame your inability to open it like a normal person.”
“Next time, drink the good shit, and it won’t happen,” Evan mumbles.
As the laughter dies down, my phone lights up beside me. A grin tugs my lips before I can catch myself. I reach for the phone as Harvey leans over, peering at the screen like an overgrown teenager.
“Wifey?” he asks, grinning like the Cheshire Cat.
The rest of the table joins in, chiming, “Wifey’s calling!” in unison.
I grab my phone and stand, rolling my eyes as I head out of the den. “I’ll deal with you idiots when I get back.”
In the quiet of Jeremy’s living room, I answer. “Hey.”
“Hi,” Karley’s soft voice comes through. “Sorry, are you busy?”
“Not for you. What’s up?”
“My group canceled, so I’m home. Do you want me to cook you dinner?”
“How about I bring something home instead?” I suggest, as poker suddenly seems less important.
She sighs with something that sounds like half-relief. “That sounds amazing.”
“What do you feel like?”
“Whatever.”
I smile. “Okay, I just need a few. I’m at Jeremy’s.”
“You don’t need to leave. I can order delivery.”
“No,” I say firmly. “I’ll pick it up. I need you.”
I’ve never been the type to admit needing anyone, but with Karley, it’s true. I brace myself for the inevitable teasing from the guys, but at this moment, I find I don’t care.
There’s a pause on the line, and then a quiet, “I need you too.”
Her words hit me hard as I say goodbye and hang up. She’s still hesitant in the relationship, but when she opens up, it feels like a big step forward. It’s going to take a long time to earn her trust.
Movement in the corner of my eye catches my attention. Jeremy’s fiancée, Nova, enters the room with a warm smile.
“Hi, Oliver. Sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear.”
“It’s okay,” I reply, gesturing for her to join me. “I’m going to have to face those idiots in there soon. It might be nice to talk to someone sane first.”
She sits across from me. “So... you have a girl at home?”
A stupid grin spreads across my face. “Yeah.”
Her smile grows. “Is it serious?”
I tread carefully, knowing they all don’t know about the marriage and gallery. I can't risk it getting out. “At first, it wasn’t...”
Nova raises an eyebrow, leaning in with playful curiosity. “At first, it wasn’t... but?”
Chuckling, I scratch the back of my neck. “But now, it’s... complicated. Good complicated.”
