Sebastian arched a brow. He wasn’t above a challenge. “I can make you a collagen shake—”
“No, no, no,” she said. “Just water and a few crackers, please.”
“Ben?” Sebastian asked.
“I’ll have a banana.”
He passed out water and food, glad for the chance to give her something, even something small.
They stood around the island, snacking, talking. The whole time, Sebastian could sense Ben’s suspicion.
Leah looked between them with interest. “How long have you two been friends?”
“Nineteen years,” Sebastian answered.
“I’m envious. I wish I’d had a friendship like yours.”
“How come you didn’t?” Sebastian asked.
“I made some good friends back when I was around the same age that you were when you became friends. But then we all went separate directions when we were eighteen. One of them lives in California. One in Florida. One in New York. I’ve kept in touch with most of them, but less and less as the years passed.” She adjusted her barrette. “I’m convinced that you two are the gold standard in male friendships.”
It didn’t feel like that at the moment, since he was certain Ben wanted to punch him and he’d like to punch Ben back.
“Nah,” Ben said good-naturedly. “We’re not the gold standard. We’re just two normal guys.”
“Who were rescued from earthquake rubble by a supernatural act of God?” she asked dryly.
Ben released an amused whistle.
“What do you like best about each other?” she asked.
“I like that Ben’s loyal,” Sebastian said.
“Sebastian’s determined. More than any other person I know, he gets things done.”
“Okay. So what drives you crazy about the other?”
Ben lifted his eyebrows. “You really want to stir that pot?”
“I do. What drives you crazy about Sebastian?”
“He’s opinionated, and he’ll fight for his side, even when he’s wrong.”
“That’s true,” Sebastian told her.
“What drives you crazy about Ben?” She broke a cracker in half and popped a piece into her mouth.
“Instead of confronting me, he’ll sometimes stay quiet about the things I do that bother him.”
“Also true,” Ben said.
She ate the rest of the cracker.
“Have you demoted us from the gold standard?” Sebastian asked.
“Not in the least.”
“I realize that I haven’t known you as long as I’ve known Sebastian,” Ben said to her. “But you do have a friend in me, Leah.”
