CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Simon
“Have a greatweekend.”
Simon looked up from where he was shoving his stuff into his bag. “You, too, Josh. I hope you and Charlie have a great time up at the cabin.”
Josh smirked. “If it’s anything half as good as the weekend you and Patrick had, then I’ll be coming home a happy man.”
“Yeah, well, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Simon swung the bag over his shoulder and headed toward Josh.
Josh waggled his brows. “That leaves the field pretty much open to anything, doesn’t it?”
Simon nudged him with an elbow. “Hey!”
“Just teasing.” Josh gave a mock grimace as he clutched at his ribs. “Seriously, I’m really happy things are working out so well for you. Patrick’s a great guy and you two look good together.”
Simon smiled, unsure how to respond.
They made their way outside, stopping in front of the building. The temperature had dropped slightly as the early evening approached. Josh dropped to his haunches to rummage through his backpack, pulling out a sweater and shrugging into it as he stood.
“So, any more word on the wedding?” Simon asked.
“Yes, thank God.” Josh’s smile was wide. “Andrew and Tanner will be back by the end of March, so we can go ahead and set a date. We were thinking maybe April, and I’m hoping we can agree on the exact date this weekend. Of course, it also depends on what Charlie wants to do.”
“What do you mean?”
“I want it to be special, and for him to have the day of his dreams. But weddings are about family, and Charlie’s family….” Josh’s words faded as he looked into the distance.
“Charlie doesn’t see his parents, does he?”
Josh focused back on Simon, his eyes filled with sorrow, his voice heavy. “No.”
“I’m sorry, Josh. I know it’s hard for Charlie, and special occasions are always a reminder of who isn’t in your life.” Simon squeezed Josh’s biceps. “But you know what? Itwillbe a special day. I know that because I know how important this is to you, and you’llmake it special for Charlie. Special occasions are also a reminder of whoisin your life. Charlie has you, plus he has all of us. We’re his friends but we’re also his family. Right?”
This time Josh’s smile was genuine. “You’re right. Sorry to dump all this on you.”
“Hey, what are friends for?” Simon winked, glad to see Josh lighten up. He should be happy knowing he’d be spending the weekend with his fiancé and planning his wedding, not dwelling on crappy parents who didn’t have the first idea of how to love their children unconditionally.
“I mean it, Simon,” Josh said. “We’re lucky to count you amongst our friends.” He pulled Simon in for an awkward hug. Simon tugged at the bag slung over his shoulder to keep it from slipping, and gave Josh a pat on the back. Josh finally let him go and bent to pick up his backpack. “So what are you guys up to this weekend?” he asked as he stood.
“We’re having dinner in. I’m cooking. Just got to swing by the store on my way home.”
Josh laughed. “Sounds very domesticated.”
Simon flushed slightly at the thought. He liked the idea of a quiet night in, but it was Friday night. Maybe they should be heading out to a bar or a club? But what the hell, he wanted to stay home and share a quiet meal, and he knew that Patrick was happy to do that, too. So instead of making an excuse like he’d initially wanted to do at Josh’s teasing, he let his happiness shine through and grinned like a fool. “It is, isn’t it?”
“Happy is a good look on you, Simon.” Josh patted his arm. “See you on Monday.”
“Yeah, see you next week. And have a great time.”
Simon was still smiling as he walked the block to his car and then headed to the store. He couldn’t believe he’d so casually dropped the L word yesterday at the boxing session, but he needed to make it up to Patrick and tell him properly when they were alone. Tonight’s dinner would be the ideal opportunity. Maybe he’d cook that chicken dish Patrick had liked so much last time, or perhaps the pork chops his grandmother used to make. Except he couldn’t remember the recipe.
He pulled into the parking lot outside the store and grabbed a shopping cart. He dialed Megan’s number as he entered the brightly lit store and started navigating the aisles.
She answered on the first ring. “Hey, little brother.”
“Hey, Megs. How are you doing?”
