Behind me I hear D-Low say, “I should have brought a date.”
And Shep, “If they hook up in front of us, it’ll be the most action I’ve seen in months.”
“Oh. I’m buzzing.” Hannah leans to the side and pulls her phone out of her front pocket. “It’s Wren.”
“Let me answer.” I beckon toward the phone and Hannah gives it over with a grin. As soon as I accept the video call, Wren’s face fills the screen, and she smiles back at me.
“Big brother!”
“Hey, little sis. How’s it going?”
“Good.” She looks behind me. “Where are you guys?”
I turn so Hannah’s in the frame too.
“Nick and Ruby’s engagement party,” Hannah answers her.
“Aww. Fun. Tell them I said congrats and send me pics of the ring.”
Hannah gasps. “Oh my god. I didn’t see the ring.”
She grabs her phone and hops down from the counter, making a beeline for Ruby to, my best guess, scope out Ruby’s engagement ring.
I lean against the counter and open my beer.
“You two seem good,” Shep says.
“Yeah, we are. Hannah’s the best.”
“And sometimes into public hookups apparently.” D-Low quirks one brow.
“I have no idea where you’d get an idea like that.” I hide my smile as I take a long drink.
D-Low sighs. “Fine, fine, don’t tell us. But just so you know, Shep could use the play-by-play. He’s in a desert.”
“Fuck off.” Shep flips him off with one hand.
“How are things with you guys?” I ask.
“Good. Great.” D-Low shrugs, nothing further to add.
“You?” I look to Shep.
“Pretty good.” His brow furrows. “My mom is having surgery tomorrow so I’m a little worried about that, but otherwise, no complaints.”
“Surgery. Is everything okay?”
“I think so, but it’s hard to know being so far away. She has a tendency to leave out important details so I won’t worry. Which obviously doesn’t work very well.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“Nah, but thanks for asking. I appreciate it.”
“Of course. I’m here. Anything you need.”
He tips his chin in thanks. “What about your parents? Still no contact?”
I’ve always been honest with the guys about my relationship with my family. Honest but not all that forthcoming. They know I don’t talk to them, but I haven’t provided a lot of other details.
