After introducing Deck to Britta, the five of us sat down to eat. Surprisingly, Johnny carried the brunt of the conversation, eager to continue engaging with Britta about their similar taste in movies and TV.
“Deck and Cori only want to watch dumb comedies,” he complained. “Like, ever since we were kids, I’d vote for Tarantino or some cool horror movie, and these two would be like, ‘Nah. Let’s watchForgetting Sarah Marshallfor the five millionth time.’”
I tsked. “You’ve never had any taste, Brother.”
“No, I’m with you, Johnny,” Marcus said. “When Cori and I were engaged, I’d suggest dramas or action movies, but she’d only ever agree to go see comedies.”
Deck’s fork clanked loudly as he dropped it on his plate. Four pairs of eyes turned to him.
“Sorry,” he stammered.
Britta observed him keenly before smiling. “Deck, has Cori not filled you in on our friend group’s sordid history?” she asked.
“Oh, stop.” I made a face at her.
She ignored me, turning to Deck. “Once upon a time, Marcus and Cori were a couple. And they got engaged. But then they broke up—”
“Marcus dumped me,” I interjected.
“Sort of,” Marcus corrected.
Britta grimaced, shutting us both up. “Anyhoo,” she continued, “they broke up but stayed good friends. Because that’s all they ever should have been. Then Marcus met me, and we got married. Cori stood up for us at our wedding and gave a very bland and boring toast at the reception. Now we’re all friends. Except Cori’s better friends with me than her ex-fiancé.” She gave Marcus a triumphant smile.
“Well, that’s mostly true,” I said. “Except it was a fantastic toast.”
“You quoted Lana Del Rey,” Britta argued.
“Like I said, fantastic toast.”
Deck chortled with the rest of us, but seemed unsure.
“So Deck,” Britta began, giving me a shit-eating grin, “Cori told us you and Johnny were close growing up, but it sounds like maybe you were all friends?”
My neck heated.
Deck shifted in his seat. “I guess it would be fair to say that. Cori used to come over to my house and babysit my sister. Plus, Johnny let Cori tag along with us a lot when we went places.”
Britta hummed, exchanging a glance with Marcus before letting the subject drop. She and Johnny carried the conversation for the rest of the meal, mostly discussing the merits ofSquid Game.
Deck exited quickly after eating, apologizing awkwardly on his way out the door, citing prior plans with his parents. After he left, Johnny admitted to running on fumes, still adjusting to his withdrawal and his new medications.
Britta pulled him into a tight hug before he went to lie down. “It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope we can do it again soon.”
“Yeah.” He scratched at his scalp. “Same. I mean that.”
Marcus snuck out on the deck to take a phone call while Britta helped me wash dishes. I thanked her for putting my brother at ease.
“Don’t worry about it,” she said. “Johnny’s a sweetheart. I totally see what you meant when you described him as charming. Let me know if there’s anything I can do for either of you to help with the situation.”
“You’re already doing it. Treating him the way you did.”
“Well, that’s too easy.” She put down the sponge and leaned against the sink, checking to make sure Marcus couldn’t hear before turning to me with a leer. “And not to change thesubject… But how about you tell me what’s up between you and that sex-on-a-stick man who ate brunch with us?”
My jaw dropped.
“Oh, come off it, Cor.” Britta laughed. “I know you. And ohmygod why the heck didn’t you mention how hot he is? That tight body and all that yummy black hair. Don’t get me wrong, Marcus is a total dime, but Deck is like that mysterious broody type who makes you want to…decipher him.”
I huffed. “I’m glad you liked him. But there is nodecipheringgoing on. How about we return to our discussion on the great solar panel installation saga of our lifetime?”
