The engaged couple was waiting for them outside when they arrived.
“Good day?”Carli asked in ASL.
“Great day,” both she and Evan responded at the same time, then laughed.
“I bought some steaks and am ready to pop them on the grill,” Blake said.“You’re hungry, I hope.Carli made a bunch of side dishes.”
Evan smiled widely.“I’m always hungry for steak, if someone else is cooking it.”
“Thank you so much.” Mercedes gave her friend a hug.“I feel terrible we didn’t bring anything to share.”
“You brought yourself.That’s all we wanted.”
Evan narrowed his eyes at his sister.“Even me?I figured I was only invited because of Mercedes.”
Carli’s mouth twitched into a grin.“True, but we’ll put up with you.Blake likes having another guy around in case Mercedes and I start talking about the wedding plans.”
Evan tipped his chin at Blake who nodded.“Good idea.”
Once in the condo, Blake got the grill going outside on the balcony.They all joined him and enjoyed the gorgeous weather.
“How’s the roommate situation going?”Blake asked once he’d put the steaks on.
Mercedes glanced at Evan, and they both shrugged.“So far so good.”
Carli laughed.“I’m surprised you haven’t killed him yet with how much of a slob he is.Thank God he shared a room with Brian and not me.”
“Not yet, though there are times I get very close.”She winked at him.He could be a slob but thankfully managed to keep it under control.
Evan’s eyes glimmered with mischief.“At least I don’t hang my underwear on the shower rod for all to see.”
“All?”Mercedes glared at him.“You mean the two of us.Maybe you don’t hang your shorts everywhere, but you do leave your facial hair in the sink when you shave.”
Carly scrubbed her fingers over her brother’s cheek.“Wait.You actually shave?”
Evan pushed her hand away.“Every now and then.Can’t let it get too heavy, especially in the summer.”
Blake flipped the steaks, then signaled for Carli.“Want to get the side dishes out and on the table?”
“I can do that.Mercedes, why don’t you help me?We can talk about wedding stuff away from the men.”
Evan looked at Blake.“Thank God.Do you have to listen to her discuss it all the time?”
Mercedes didn’t see Blake’s answers because they headed to the kitchen.They spent the next ten minutes putting dishes and utensils on the table, filling glasses with iced tea, and pulling a variety of salads from the fridge.
“Is it really going okay with my brother?You don’t have to sugarcoat it.”
Mercedes stuck a serving spoon in a bowl of orzo salad.“It really is.He may not be anywhere as neat as you, but he makes an attempt, and if he forgets, I simply remind him and he takes care of his mess.”
“Good,” she signed, then added salt and pepper to the table.“I was kind of surprised when you suggested he move in, but he seems a lot happier than when he was living with Adam.”
Frowning, Mercedes said, “I was never very fond of Adam.I can’t lie.I found him to be rude at times.”
Carli nodded.“I agree but never said anything because he and Evan are friends.Not as good now as when they were younger, but I put up with him for Evan’s sake.Has Adam been around much?”
“Not at all.Haven’t seen him once, except DNO, and I don’t think Evan has mentioned him since he’s moved in.I’m not complaining.”
Blake strode in with a huge plate of steaks, Evan closing the slider behind them.They all settled into the chairs in the dining room and passed the bowls around until all plates were full.They began to eat and stayed quiet for a few minutes.
