Lori had been through hell recently, so Jason had made it his mission to make her laugh as much as possible. He took out his phone and scrolled to some meme he knew she would like. They were both laughing when Gregory joined them.
“Where is everyone?” he asked.
“Merry Christmas, Gregory,” said Langdon.
“Oh, sorry. Merry Christmas.”
“To answer your question, they’re all still in bed.”
“Jason. You said everyone was waiting for me.”
“Did I? Must have been mistaken.”
He glared at Jason and then shuffled off to the coffeemachine. Jason couldn’t help but laugh. Today was going to be a good day. He could feel it.
They were in KC’s for their proper Christmas breakfast after Langdon had made them breakfast pastries, which he’d done from scratch. That man had many talents, as Jason was well aware. His growly big brother was not quiet in the bedroom, and Eric was more on the shy side. That everyone within a five-mile radius knew Eric was getting pounded every night by Langdon would be embarrassing. But not to Jason. He’d only ever viewed Langdon as a sibling, but he couldn’t deny how hot he was. All his friends were hot. Perhaps it was something in the stars that made sexiness gravitate towards each other. He snorted.
“What’s funny?” asked Charlie.
“Just amazed at how much hotness there is at this table.”
Charlie laughed. “And you haven’t slept with anyone. That’s what’s truly amazing.”
“Piss off,” he said, nudging Charlie’s shoulder.
“What are you two plotting?” asked Sebastian, his eyebrow raised.
“Nothing. We were just talking about taking up a pottery class.”
Charlie cracked up laughing. “Where the fuck did that come from?”
“I literally have no idea,” he said, laughing with him.
KC was bustling around. She was working on her own today, but the place wasn’t publicly open. There were three other groups who Jason recognised as long-term regulars. She had never opened on Christmas Day before, and the brothers were never usually all together. Paolo and Gregory were typically with their families. Charlie’s mum, Pam, was like a second mum to all of them and was always wherever theywere. She was the only one who acted like a mother should, and Jason was looking forward to seeing her later.
There was a loud knock on the door, and when Jason looked at who it was he thought he was going to pass out from shock. This could not be happening. What was Grant doing here? It was the first time Jason had seen him since he was lifted into that ambulance. Why had he chosen today of all days to crash into Jason’s life?
“We’re closed,” shouted KC.
“What the fuck does he want?” said Langdon.
“It’s okay, KC, you can let him in,” said Sebastian.
What was Sebastian thinking? He looked at Charlie, who squeezed his leg under the table and gave him a reassuring smile. It didn’t work. All he wanted to do was run, but between Jason and freedom was the last person he wanted to see. KC opened the door, and he walked in. Grant had always been well dressed and today was no exception. Even the Santa hat looked good on him; it was very unfair.
“Merry Christmas!” he said.
There were some grumbled responses.
“Oh no, that won’t do at all. Merry Christmas!” he said again, with more cheer.
Everyone responded this time, except for Jason, but the enthusiasm wasn’t there. It was clear Jason wasn’t the only one who didn’t want this man here.
“That will have to do. Get us a brew to go, will ya, love,” he said to KC. “Three sugars.”
She glared at him, then looked at Sebastian, who nodded.
“I come bearing gifts,” he said, pulling up a seat. “Langdon, my boy.”
