“You didn’t ask for an explanation? Maybe try and work it out?”
“Why? It didn’t matter. We weren’t in a relationship, and he was easily replaceable.” Spencer grinned, back to his normal, lighthearted self. “As you can imagine, there’s never a shortage of ready, willing, and able men at these events.”
André hated Spencer’s cavalier attitude toward sex, and over the years had hoped he’d settle down and find someone, but he’d steadfastly refused. He seemed more than content to have his one-and-dones and stick with his close circle of friends. From their first meeting, André couldn’t recall a single time Spencer had introduced them to any of the various men he always professed to be hooking up with. The most fun he ever seemed to have was bedeviling Wolf.
“Now shoo. Go play in the ocean while I set this up. André, we can use the house, right?”
“Anything you want, but make sure you check with Dottie and Freddie first.” André chuckled. “They run the place. I’m just here for the food.”
“Oh, Dottie and I became old friends while I was waiting for you. She loves me.” His bright-blue eyes twinkled.
“Of course she does. How could she resist your charms?” Chess responded drolly.
“Many have tried but few succeed.”
“Except for Wolf.”
The light dimmed in his eyes. “Well, he won’t be able to say no. Not when I tell him it’s your party. Hold on.” He picked up his phone, put it on speaker, and hit Speed Dial.
“What is it?” Wolf’s deep voice filled the air.
“Now why do you sound so annoyed?”
“Perhaps because you’re annoying.”
Chess snorted. “Spencer is here with us, Wolf. How’re you doing?”
“I’m well, but why do I feel like I’m about to be roped into something?”
“You’re always so suspicious, Wolfie.” Spencer tsked. “Not good for your blood pressure.”
“You’renot good for my blood pressure. Now, I’m busy. What is it? Did you get yourself in trouble with that mouth of yours and need a lawyer?”
“Sweetheart, no one would ever arrest me for what my mouth can do. It’s a God-given talent.”
André bit his lip and fell on top of Chess, wheezing with laughter. He did love this group of men.
“André and I have something to tell you. You were away when I told Spence and Elliot the news. We’re engaged.”
“Now, that’s the perfect reason to call. I’m thrilled for you both. Congratulations.”
“Thanks.”
Spencer cut in. “I’m calling because I’m throwing Chess and André an engagement party. This Saturday night, at André’s Hamptons estate, which is the bomb. I may never leave. It’s going to be friends and family only, so casual but elegant. Like me.”
“Casual and elegant,” Wolf repeated. “Funny, those two words aren’t what pops up in my mind when I think of you.”
“Aw, Wolfie. What else pops up when you think of me? We’ll have to delve deeper into the meaning of that.”
“Shut up and tell me the time and address. For Chess and André, I’ll be there.”
“Thank you, Wolf. That means a lot to Chess and me. I haven’t seen all of you guys in so long. I even miss you and Spencer sniping at each other.”
“Plus ça change…” Wolf responded dryly. “I’m sure you know what I mean.”
“Oh, Wolfie, I love when you speak French. It makes me all tingly.” Spencer snickered and fell back in his chair.
“You need to get that checked by a doctor. I’ll see you all Saturday. Chess and André, you know I’m very happy for you both. The first time I met you, André, I knew Chess had found the perfect person for him.” Wolf clicked off before either he or Chess could answer.
