Leo came out a few minutes later to tell us lunch was ready. Today’s buffet was sponsored by the local knitting council, and we loaded up our plates.
Oz sat next to me, leaning into my shoulder. “You should let Leo know his plan is going forward.”
“Will do. It’s my day to do the dishes, so I’ll make him help me.”
Oz rubbed my back, and I leaned into his touch like that old cat of Mom’s who would never die. “Good man,” he said. “I, uh, gotta get home, get cleaned up before my shift tonight.”
“’Kay. See you later.”
He popped up so quickly that he wobbled and I had to grab him. It was awkward, the way my fingers caught the shelf of his ass and my thumb dug into his hip, but at least he didn’t fall.
“Another classic Walker save,” he said before excusing himself. He was in an awful hurry.
After lunch, I commandeered Leo to help me clear the table and do the dishes.
“Hey,” I said, hip checking him. “Dr. Gardner loved your idea to help out with woodworking projects for Lupe. It’s going to make a difference.”
“I do love to make a difference, Mr. Walker,” he said, grinning like the devil child he was.
Though I supposed he wasn’t exactly a child anymore.
“I swear, I enter any conversation with you at my own peril.”
He laughed, big and broad.
“What?” I asked, elbowing him.
“Oh, you donotwant to hear what’s rattling around in my head.”
Raising my brows, I had to ask, “Did you find a brain-mouth filter lying around, or…”
He pouted for a moment, then answered, “Beckett tells me I hafta wrangle my thoughts before spilling them everywhere. Said it might help with my Lovett situation. Besides, I’m guessing most people would rather I shut up.”
“Hey, now.” I patted his enormous shoulder. “I do want to hear what you have to say.”
Scrunching his nose, he grabbed a big platter, his expression doubtful.
“What’s your hesitation?”
He set down the platter, eyeballing me. “I’m trying to figure out how to say this nicely, but I can’t find the appropriate words, and you are my teacher, so?—”
“Spit it out.”
He let out a big, put-upon sigh. “Fine, but remember, you asked for it.”
“Leo.”
“Just fuck him already, Mr. Walker.”
“Just fuckwhoalready?” I asked, cursing myself for encouraging this line of conversation. “What are you talking about?”
“You. And Ozzie. Y’all have been circling each other for over a year, and it’s exhausting. Everybody’s placed bets on when you’ll finally get together, but they have this thing where they’re not going to tell you, even though I’ve pointed out—on multiple occasions—how clueless you two are. You especially.”
I stepped away from the sink and wiped my hands, completely taken aback. “Okay, there’s a lot to unpack here. First of all, I’m not gay. Second, y’all are betting on us? What the fuck?” I sputtered. “Sorry for the cursing.”
Leo snorted. “I think we’re beyond that, Mr. Walker.”
“Something tells me we’re beyond theMisteras well.”
