“Nice try with changing the subject,” Artsaid.
“I don’t need to change the subject. I was trying to protect my friends, who have evidently been keeping secrets from thegroup.”
“Okay, I think it’s time for some truth-talking,” Wes said, catching their attention before sharing that they’d already known it was Joseph and why. “We didn’t tell you guys because we didn’t want you to feel like you had to step up on ourbehalf.”
“What makes you think we would try to do that?” Frances said with a snicker, she and Gabe laughingtogether.
“I’m kind of happy to hear that Joseph Duvall messed around with you,” Gabe added, and everyone gave him peculiar looks. “Oh, no. Just…have you seen the guy? He looks like he hasn’t gotten any in a long time, so at least we know there was one goodmoment.”
The tension eased up as they enjoyed hisjoke.
“We were just trying to help,” Gabeexplained.
“I don’t mind exacting some revenge on that asshole either,” Frances copped upto.
“Thank you both,” Art said, “but it really isn’t necessary. I would rather we all take the high road, which doesn’t involvebombs.”
“Glitter bomb!” Francesiterated.
“But definitely a bomb,” Gabefollowed.
“Do we need someone to detonate this with a robot or something?” Artasked.
Gabe laughed. “No, no. I just want to be clear that it’s meant toexplode.”
“Fair enough. Well, no explosions today, guys. But thank you. That was very thoughtful ofyou.”
“We don’t want people like that in this community,” Frances said. “Not if they’re going to hurt our friends, but I respect that this is your situation to decide how you wanthandled.”
When they headed out, Art eyed the coat closet. “You think we need to hurry and figure out what to do withthat?”
“I’ll give it to that Glitter Bomb Goodwill,” Wes said before placing his hands on Art’s shoulders and massaging. “You found a goodbunch.”
“I found some troublemakers,apparently.”
“It was a rather extreme measure they were trying to take, but ultimately, it says a lot about them that they were willing to do that for you,Art.”
“You’ve been here long enough. I certainly think they consider you a friend aswell.”
“I only happened to stumble into them because of knowing you, but I’m very glad Idid.”
“I amtoo.”
