“Because part one of the playbook is this: wear an uncomfortable shirt out with friends. It’s the first challenge, and you’re going to want to thank me, I already know,” he said, winking as he paused for a dramatic reveal. “I took care of it for all of us.”
He tossed me a T-shirt, but it was rolled up and tied off with a rubber band.
“Is this mine?”
“Sure is. No returns. No take backs. We’re going to pregame here, make the rest of the list, and then everyone iswearing one of these shirts to go out. If you refuse, then you’re cut off. It’s in the playbook, so its law.”
“Obviously.” I grinned, a blip of excitement weaving its way down my stomach. This sounded fun. “Where is everyone?”
“Porch.” Callum eyed Dean, his expression changing from playful to curious. “You want to join us, Romano? I bought two extra shirts just in case you and Luca come along. He is obviously the Grumpy Cat one. But yours… join us in the back if you’re down.”
Callum held out his arm and wiggled his brows. “Ready, Mack Attack?”
“Do I have a choice?” I looped my arm through his and glanced at Dean over my shoulder. He watched us with a strange, distant expression. It seemed like he was sad, almost, but that made no sense. Maybe it was the longing in his eyes or the way the light hit his face, but I nodded. “Are you coming?”
He gripped the back of his neck, his jaw working before he shrugged. “Sure.”
“Dude, yes, let’s go!” Callum almost tossed me to the side. “I’ve been waiting for this, bro. I’ve missed you. Can we hug?”
“No.”
“You need to stop hanging out with Luca. He’s rubbing off on you.”
“I don’t know… I’ve seen Luca give more hugs since he’s been with Lolo.” I grinned, my heart swelling as Callum pulled Dean into a hug. Dean shoved him off immediately.
“Head to the back, Mack. I’ll grab some beers and join you in a second. I want to get my man here his shirt.”
A bubble of anticipation formed in my gut, not quite nerves or excitement. I asked Dean to hang, and he did. That felt cool, big even. With a smile still on my face, I walked outside to see Lo, Vee, and Ale sitting in lawn chairs with beers around theirfeet and packages lying in the middle in a perfect circle. “Well, this seems culty.”
“Mallinson!” Ale stood and pulled me in for a hug. “This is going to be amazing. Did Callum tell you where he found this idea?”
“The shirts? No.” I sat next to Lo, hitting her thigh as a greeting. She grinned back. “Why do you look suspicious?”
“Because I know what’s in there, and I can’t wait to watch everyone’s faces.” She covered her mouth with her hand, but her eyes lit up.
“I hate that you got a sneak preview.” Vee rolled her eyes. “Freaking Callum.”
“He’s the one who saw the video on social media and shared it with me. So, it made sense to collaborate on this.” Lo’s gaze moved over my shoulder, toward the house. Surprise covered her face, but then she seemed pleased. “Oh my god.”
I whipped around, and sure enough, Dean wore a shirt that was the body of Shrek. Green chest, a brown vest. It fit him like a glove, so at first glance, it seemed likehim.
He pressed his lips together for a beat before turning around. “Okay, check me out. Get your comments over with now.”
We all burst out laughing. He looked so ridiculous, but he somehow could still pull it off.
“I’ll be your Fiona, Romano,” Vee said, winking at him as he joined us. Callum practically beamed at the group, his face lighting up like a proud parent. “I’ll peel back your layers.”
Dean laughed. “O’Toole, there better be weird-as-fuck shirts in there. I can’t do this alone.”
“Don’t worry, party people.” Callum unbuttoned his flannel, revealing a bright blue T-shirt of a cat sitting on top of a tiger’s head while swimming in the ocean. It was… ridiculous.
“How the hell did you find these? Like… what?” Lo laughed so hard her eyes watered.
“I have my ways. Now, there are four shirts in there for you. I bought Luca the Grumpy Cat shirt, but of course, he’s not hanging with us tonight.”
“He’s reached his people limit for the week,” Lo added.
“Each of you grab one of the packages. It doesn’t matter who has what because they’re all the same level of ridiculous. Once we have them on them, we go out and show them off.”
