“Bro, he’s a lawyer, not a cop,” Wilder said. “He doesn’t give a fuck if you’re not twenty-one.”
“Also,” I said, “it’s not illegal for someone under twenty-one to drink alcohol as long as it’s in a private residence, and it’s provided by a parent, guardian, or spouse who is aged over twenty-one.”
“See, lawyer,” Wilder said. “Also, great to know all those child brides can tie one on.”
“Well, they could probably use a beer more than anyone,” I said and reached over and grabbed myself a can from the cooler.
Everyone laughed, even Chase, though he looked like he’d hate himself a bit for it in the morning. I got the impression that not only did he not make friends easily, but he was proud of the fact. It was definitely harder to get a read on Cash, who didn’t talk and seemed to take most of his cues from his twin. Wilder, I figured, was exactly as open and friendly as he appeared, and once he could actually look me in the eye again, most of the awkwardness that had been hanging heavily in the air when I’d joined them on the back porch vanished.
The burgers were surprisingly tasty. They weren’t fancy—nothing about this place, this town, or these guys was—but they were good. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until I was eating, and I wolfed the burger down. Before I’d even had time to thank Danny for making it, there was a second one on my plate. It was just as nice as the first one, even though it went down slower. Chewing properly gave me plenty of time to calculate how long I’d have to spend at the gym next week to pay for tonight. Then again, I’d had a hell of a workout earlier.
Danny settled next to me on the bench and passed me another beer. I hadn’t even noticed I’d finished the first one, but I took it anyway. Was there anything better than beer and burgers on a summer evening? I mean probably, but I just couldn’t think of it right now, not with Danny’s shoulder pressed against mine as we watched the light fade.
“Who cleaned the bathroom?” Chase asked, digging through the cooler again.
“Don’t mess it up, asshole,” Wilder said, but there was no heat in the words. It reminded me of brothers shit talking one another, although not my brother and me because our mom would have grounded our asses for it. Even now, probably, and my brother was almost thirty.
“Guess that answers that question,” Chase said and Cash grinned. “I’m not gonna mess it up. I just noticed, that’s all. Twice in two weeks. Does that mean Gracie’s staying again this weekend?”
Wilder’s expression softened. “Yeah.”
Cash raised his eyebrows and looked at Chase, and Chase said, “Are you getting Lucky Charms? Gracie loves Lucky Charms.”
“Youlove Lucky Charms,” Wilder said.
“You should definitely get some,” Chase said.
Wilder flicked a piece of lettuce at him. “Youget some.”
Cash rolled his eyes, reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet, and shoved a five-dollar bill at Wilder.
“Are your legs painted on?” Wilder asked, but he took the bill off Cash and tucked it into the pocket of his jeans. “Fine, Jesus. I’ll get some Lucky Charms.”
Cash grinned and tucked his wallet away.
I sipped my beer and let their gentle bickering entertain me. Danny watched too, smiling, and warmth built in my chest as I glanced at him. Had I told him how hot he was? But, more than that, had I told him how much I admired what he had here? These guys weren’t just roommates; they were a little family. The world was sometimes just such an irredeemably shitty place, but here they were, and they’d made this.
“Another beer?” Danny asked, and it occurred to me that I’d already had two. Which probably explained my sudden burst of feelings. Yeah, I recognized this from my college days. I was probably only another beer away from hugging them all while yelling tearfully,I love you guys!
“Uh, I might have a soda,” I said, or at least I tried to say it but managed to slur the words. “Holy shit. That beer’s strong.”
“I mean, yeah,” Chase said. “We like to get some bang for our buck.”
“I usually drink lite,” I said.
“Inthiseconomy?” Danny asked with a grin. Then he shrugged. “Have another one if you want. You can crash here overnight so you don’t have to drive.”
“He can crash if he keeps his pants on,” Wilder said, shooting me a look. “And you guys better not have made a mess on that couch.”
“What? Why did Miller have his pants off?” Chase asked. Cash leaned forward as well, and they shot me identical curious looks.
“The couch is clean!” Danny exclaimed, laughing. “Well, mostly.”
“You guys, don’t sit on the end nearest the door,” Wilder told the twins. “Or flip the cushion first or something.”
“Okay, now you gotta tell us,” Chase said.
My face heated, and suddenly that third drink was looking really good. I cracked the can and tried to drown my embarrassment in cheap beer.
