To my surprise, he doesn’t shut it down. What surprises me most is how he just…watches.
There’s that subtle spark in his gaze, like he’s reading deep into the situation and figuring out it’s harmless enough to let it play out.
Or maybe he’s curious to see where it all leads.
For the first time all night, he looks a little less like the watchdog hovering over everyone and a little more like a man who’s interested in joining in on the fun.
That alone is unexpected.
I’ve only seen glimpses of the man underneath that composure, flashes of humor when I say something ridiculous, or the quiet acknowledgement he shares with Cal when they fall into some old rhythm in their friendship.
But this—the faint smile on his lips, the hint of warmth in his eyes—it’s different.
“Let’s finish this off and then we can use it as a spinner.” Noelle holds up the wine bottle.
After we’re topped off, the four of us gather in front of the fireplace.
The warmth paints the room in soft gold, shadows flickering over faces that are already too relaxed from the wine.
Cal leans forward, elbows braced on his knees.
That sharp, focused look in his eyes fixates on the bottle like he’s planning a mission instead of a stupid middle-school game.
Even when he’s retired, he looks like a man who could strategize his way through any kind of impending chaos. “Alright. Since I’m the one who suggested this, I’ll start.”
I gesture lazily with my wine glass. “Lead the way, soldier.”
He grabs the empty bottle from Noelle, who’s perched cross-legged on the rug near the hearth.
There’s a flicker of amusement in his eyes as he flicks his wrist to spin the bottle.
It glides smoothly across the carpeted floor. We all watch as it slows, teeters, and finally lands.
The neck of the bottle points directly at Noelle.
She blinks, caught mid-sip, lowering her glass carefully. “Me?”
He nods once. “Truth or dare?”
Her eyes narrow slightly, the corners of her mouth lifting into that small, challenging smile I’ve already learned to look forward to. “Hm… Truth, please.”
Cal hums, the sound thoughtful.
I can practically see the gears turning in his head as he studies her, considering the options being laid out inside his head.
After a beat, he says, “Alright. What’s one thing you’ve done that your dad doesn’t know about?”
She groans. “Oh, come on.”
I can’t help grinning. “That’s cruel, man. You don’t want to ease people into this first? Round one and you’re going for the jugular?”
Cal just shrugs. “It’s a fair question.”
Noelle groans again but she’s still smiling, shaking her head slightly. “When I was in college, I got a tattoo.”
That gets all our attention.
I sit up a little straighter, grin spreading. “Really? What is it?”
