Fly pushed his feet back into his shoes. “Totally forgot it in the trunk. Oreos and chips, too”
“Mint or peanut butter?” Suraj called out.
“Both! I know you, Surry.” Fly grinned and stepped back onto the porch.
Tyler turned to face Brett. “We're all staying the night.”
“It's only nine in the morning,” Brett grunted.
“Right, we're staying the day and the night,” Country said, plopping down on the couch. “This lighting from your window would make a good video.”
Sean shook his head.
“What about Emma and Kelty? Jess and Rashi?” Brett asked. He knew how much of a sacrifice their wives and girlfriends made during the season, and he doubted they were thrilled about these guys spending the weekend at his place.
Sean rubbed the scruff on his chin. “Kelty's the one who suggested it.”
Brett leveled his eyes at Sean. “You're the one who planned this?”
Sean's cheeks coloured. “The food was Tyler’s idea.”
Tyler reached out and grabbed Brett’s shoulder, pulling him into a rough hug.
“What game are we playing first on this old ass console of yours?” Suraj asked.
Brett and Tyler looked up and said in unison, “Not Halo.”
ChapterTwenty-Six
By five o'clock,Brett’s apartment looked more like a bachelor pad than his old university dorm. Dirty plates, cups, and rolled-up socks were strewn across the living room, floating in the sea of sleeping bags.
Brett sat with his teammates around the table, revelling in the smell of smoke and barbecue sauce as they dug into smoked chicken, ribs, and brisket.
“Y'all are out of your minds if you think Smokin' Saddle's got anything on Big Al's.” Country wiped the sauce from his chin with a napkin.
"Big Al's?!" Suraj scoffed, shaking his head. "That place is all hype. Are you tasting this sauce right now?”
Sean dropped a clean rib bone on his paper plate. "I've cooked better ribs than Big Al’s on my grill at home."
Suraj grinned. “Thank you.”
Country shook his head. “I can’t help it if you city boys have poor taste. They smoke their meat over cherrywood. That changes the game.”
Fly reached for another cornbread muffin. "My favourite is still Ember Trails at the Stampede. Their sauce alone is legendary.”
Brett’s chest compressed. That’s where he’d eaten with Penny the night they went to the Stampede with Tony and Leanne. Their sauce had been good, and the pickles possibly better.
Fly sighed. “Jess got me a smoker for Christmas. Can't wait to try it out."
Tyler laughed. “It’s already July, and you haven’t tried it yet?”
“There are barriers to entry.”
“That’s what your momma said last night.” Suraj put up a hand, and only Country was kind enough not to leave him hanging.
Fly tsked. “How are you one of two married guys on the team, and you’re the one making ‘your momma’ jokes?”
“Your momma jokes don’t age. I refuse to be shamed by you, Gramps.”
