* * *
The night wenton normally with Callum making a few hundred dollars in tips. That was pretty standard and he was counting out the bills after hours when Verity approached him.
“Are you sure about this?” they asked cautiously.
“About what?” Callum folded the bills and shoved them into his bag.
“Jack.”
“What do you mean?”
“About marrying him, Callum,” Verity said simply.
“He told you?” Callum leaned his butt against the edge of the bar and sighed.
“He asked me to officiate.”
Callum huffed and closed his eyes then opened them with a crystal clear feeling where everything in his life made sense.
“I’ve never been more sure about anything.”
“Just checking.” Verity smiled.
“How long have you known him for?” he asked.
“College.”
“What was he like then?”
Verity rolled their eyes and laughed to themself. “A lot like he is now. He’s always been the caretaker of the group.”
“Do you think we’re doing the right thing?”
Verity cast him a sidelong glance.
“I think,” they started slowly, searching for words, “you’re who he needs.”
“That isn’t really an answer.”
“I’ve never understood the desire to get married, Callum,” Verity shared with a shrug.
“Oh.”
“Will you tell him there’s a barbeque tomorrow at Gregory’s? Two o’clock. You’re both invited.”
“Yeah, sure.” Callum recognized the change in subject and let his question go.
He hefted his messenger bag over his shoulder and locked the cash register, flicking a set of light switches that cast the bar into a dull gray glow. He squeezed past Verity and ducked under the pass, heading toward the door.
“Are you coming?” he called over his shoulder.
“No, I have some things left to tend here.”
“Okay, have a good night,” Callum said with a wave.
Verity looked at him like they wanted to say something, but they didn’t. Callum’s hand was on the front door when Verity’s voice rang through the club.
“It’s the right thing, Callum.”
