“Where the hell is Eli?” Merci pulls out his phone while balancing his tray and sends a quick voice message. A few seconds later, it buzzes. “Table by the windows.”
We make our way through the crowded tables to where Eli’s sitting. He’s got a chocolate chip muffin and a half-eaten cobb salad in front of him.
Odd combination.
Eli looks up, blue eyes brightening the moment he sees me. “Hey, Ryan. So happy you're joining us.”
“Merci invited me.” I drop into the chair on Eli's left while Merci takes the one on the right.
“Oh, he texted me during your class.” Eli takes a bite of his salad. When he's done chewing, he continues. “I told him to make sure you came to lunch.”
“How else were we going to get the real scoop about you and Connor?” Merci takes a bite of his grilled cheese.
I groan and start eating. So, this was more of a chance for them to dig for information rather than wanting to hang out.
Eli puts his fork down. “We all know you two are married. My cousin-in-law is pissed off about it.”
Merci huffs. “He's such a dramatic fuckhead. Seriously, I'm going to try to kick his teeth out.”
I snort, nearly choking on my sandwich. Heard about Merci kicking Novotny in the face last semester.
Merci smirks. “See? Even Ryan thinks it's a good plan.”
I put my hands up. “No, no, no. I did not say that.”
Eli dissolves into giggles. “Don't worry. They already fought four days ago. Merci slapped the crap out of Viktor. Pulled his hair too.”
Merci sits taller, smirking. “Definitely ripped out a few strands.”
I take too large a bite of my sandwich. Sarah used to pull my hair when she was mad. Said it was the only way to get through my thick skull. I'd give anything to have my sister yank it one more time.
“Hey, Ry.”
Shit.
Warmth creeps up my neck as Kai approaches. Been avoiding him since this whole mess started. He’ll get involved if he finds out, and it's the last thing I want.
“Hey, Kai.” I put my sandwich down. “This is Merci and Eli.”
Kai rests his hands on the back of an empty chair. “Nice to meet you.”
Eli smiles widely, and Merci nods.
Kai looks back at me. “You look like hell. Everything okay?”
“Yeah, just tired.”
“Tired? Ry, you look like you've been hit by a truck. Multiple times. Someone giving you problems?”
I shake my head. “No. I'm fine.”
“Uh, huh.” He stares longer than necessary—my skin tingles. “You know I've got your back. Always have.”
My throat tightens. “I know. Thanks.”
“Hit me up later.” We dap up, quick grip and release, then he heads off.
“I didn't know you had friends.” Eli picks off a piece of his muffin and pops it into his mouth.
