He grins and heads to the living room and as we follow, the aroma of melted cheese and pepperoni wafts through the air making my stomach rumble. I’ve definitely built up an appetite. We settle around the coffee table, the pizza box open between us as Cam hands out paper plates and napkins he’s snagged from the kitchen, before disappearing again to return with glasses and a large bottle of water. He gives us the once over, taking in our appearance—dirty clothes and smears of adhesive.
“I assume the bathroom is now looking like the kitchen?”
“And how’s that?” Simon asks.
“Like a bomb’s gone off,” Cam says before grabbing a slice of pizza and taking a hearty bite.
“I’ll have you know that I run an orderly job site, thank you very much,” Simon replies with mock indignation.
Cam chuckles. “I hope you got some work done, instead of gas bagging all day. I can’t wait to see it.”
Simon and I exchange a quick glance.
“Sorry, man,” Simon says, “sworn to secrecy, but you’ll be reassured to know that everything is coming along nicely, andyour hubby is a quick learner. Although I’ll admit it was fun catching up on old times too.”
Cam nods, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Speaking of old times, do you remember that day in high school when we put the principal’s office phone number on the flyer pretending to be a giveaway hotline?”
I nearly choke on my pizza, the memory coming back in vivid detail. “Oh my god, yes. The principal’s office was flooded with calls from students wanting free concert tickets. I can’t believe we thought we wouldn’t be caught!”
Simon laughs as he reaches for another slice. “We were so sure we had it all figured out. But then Greg produced the pamphlets using the school printer under the guise of printing something for the student council.”
“Hey, it wasn’t my fault! How was I to know they’d check the printer log?” I say.
Simon clutches his stomach as he howls with laughter. “You could have changed the file name. I think ‘Prank Call’ was probably what gave it away.”
Cam reaches over, his hand finding mine and giving it a squeeze. “Yeah, babe, you were never destined for a life of crime.”
I huff a laugh and roll my eyes.
Cam takes a sip of his water and turns to Simon. “So, Simon, any lucky lady in your life these days? Or guy, perhaps?”
Simon chuckles, shaking his head. “Nah, man. I’m living the bachelor life, enjoying my freedom. I’m not ready to be tied down like you two lovebirds.”
“Well, I’ve gotta say, being ‘tied down’ has its perks,” Cam says, nudging my shoulder with his own. “I get this guy here.”
“Yeah. You’re so lucky to have me and my handyman skills.”
Cam laughs. “I guess I’m just a sucker for a man who knows his way around a toolbox.”
“Hey, I’m amazing with the tools,” Simon says with a wink. “Does that mean—”
“Hey! Don’t even think about it, buddy!” I wrap an arm around Cam’s shoulders and throw Simon a pointed stare. Cam leans into my embrace, placing a kiss to my cheek.
Simon groans, rolling his eyes dramatically. “Ugh, you two are sickeningly cute. I think I’m getting cavities just watching you.”
But beneath his teasing, I can see the genuine affection in his eyes. He’s happy for us, even if he’s not ready for that kind of commitment himself. And I respect that—everyone’s path is different, and Simon’s living life on his own terms. As I sit there in my disheveled work clothes, eating pizza from a paper plate, and listening to the easy banter that flows between us, I’m happy. This is where I belong—with Cam by my side, and our friends, like Simon, who have been with us through thick and thin.
“Want the last slice?” I shove the box toward Simon.
He shakes his head, stretches, and lets out a satisfied sigh. “Couldn’t eat another bit, and as much as I hate to break up this love fest, I should probably head out. Early day tomorrow.”
We climb to our feet and walk Simon to the door. “Same time tomorrow afternoon?” he asks.
I nod. “Sounds good, and thanks for all your help, man. I really appreciate you giving me your time.”
“What are friends for?” he grins. “Plus you paid me in pizza so it was a win-win. Night, guys.”
He heads down the path, and I close the door, smiling as I turn. Cam’s already a few steps away, hightailing it down the hall. It takes a second for me to realize his destination.
