“Uh—Callan!”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “He’s only staying for a few days.”
“Exactly. For those few days, he’s our housemate. Everyone else is up for it. Don’t be boring, Rory.”
“Everyone else?”
Hendrix nods. “Theo and Preston, and Stefan and Quinn.” He purses his lips and looks to the side. He’s quiet for a few seconds. “Should that be Preston and Theo and Stefan and Quinn? Doms first?” He taps his lips. “What do you think?”
“I don’t. Are Stefan and Quinn home?”
They stayed at the hotel the wedding was at last night, while the rest of us got a taxi home, courtesy of Preston.
“Yup. They got back a few minutes ago. Should I fetch Stefan so he can make you some proper coffee for your hangover?”
I glare at Hendrix. “How come you don’t have a hangover?”
He shrugs. “I’m young.”
“Being young doesn’t stop you from getting a hangover.”
“Yes, it does.”
“Besides, you’re notthatmuch younger than me.”
“You’re thirty. That’s ten years. That’s half as long as I’ve been alive.”
“Thirty-one,” I mutter for no explicable reason. I’m only adding fuel to the irrepressible fire that is Hendrix.
He gapes. “Wait. What? You’ve had a birthday?”
“Yup. It happens once a year.”
“When?”
“Last month.”
He gasps. “And you didn’t tell us? I’d have made you a birthday cake.”
I snort. “No, you wouldn’t. You’re being dramatic.”
Hendrix pouts and then points at me. “Two truths and a lie. Tonight. Be here or be square.”
“No one says that anymore.”
He sniffs, turns on his heel, and marches out of the room.
I need coffee more than ever after that encounter. I’m halfway through boiling the kettle when Theo bounces into the room, knocks the kitchen door shut, and tackle-hugs me. As usual, he’s wearing a pair of black puppy ears on a headband. He also has a maroon collar around his neck.
“You look rough.” He eyes up the mug, jar of coffee granules, and the boiling kettle. “You need water, not coffee.” He takes a pint glass out of the cupboard, fills it with water, and thrusts it into my hand. “Drink.”
“Fine.”
Theo is a nurse, so he probably knows what he’s talking about. I gulp the water. He immediately takes the glass, refills it, and gives it back to me.
I sip. “Has Hendrix roped everyone into two truths and a lie?”
“Oh. Yes. He thought it would be a fun way for us to get to know your friend.”
