Maybe just because we only met that one time, when he and his husband and wife were here on vacation, and me and Kel got a lil freaky with them.
Still, I don’t care. It was fun, and Ryan and I bonded. At the time, we couldn’t really be friends, since we were trying to lay low and hide from The Ivory. But that’s not an issue anymore so…
“Dude, how the heck are you??” I ask, pacing around the garage. “It’s totally cool that you’re calling, by the way.”
“Yea… yea, it is,” he stammers. “I’ll admit, I was worried. I read something online that said you were… dead.” He chuckles, even more awkward now.
But of course I laugh it off. “Crazy shit. It’s a long story, but no, I’m not dead. Alive and kickin’! How are Ben and Jess?”
“Great, as usual. How’s Kemper?”
“Amazing. We got married last year.”
“What?!” He whoops. “That’s amazing, congratulations!”
“Thanks.” I grin. “You guys planning any more vacations any time soon? I hear Tulum is lovely…”
He laughs. “I wish. Ethan’s like all walking and shit, so ya know.”
“Yea, not really. But hey, you guys live in New Mexico, right??”
An idea flickers. And maybe it’s cray cray, but the impulsive part of my brain is onboard before the rest of me.
“Yea… why?” Ryan asks. “Oh my God, are you gonna come visit?! Please say yes!”
“I can’t right now, we have a ton of shit going on, but I was thinking… My best friends are getting married in three months, in California. Would you guys want to come?”
Ryan’s quiet for a second, and I have to chuckle.
“To a… wedding?”
“I promise, it’s gonna besomuch fun. These guys are insane. In a fun way. Although…”
“And they’re okay with you inviting three strangers?” He snickers.
“Please,” I scoff. “I’m the best man, I can do whatever I want.”
“That’s not how that works,” he laughs. “But… yea.Hell yea, I’m down! I have to check with Ben and Jess, but I’m pretty sure we’re free. Send me the details.”
“Oh man… this is gonna be so fetch.” I beam.
“Like fromMean Girls?” He cackles.
“Sorry, my friend’s got me saying that shit. But yea, you’ll get to meet everyone! My whole dysfunctional surrogate family.”
“Dollface, stop selling,” Ryan hums, audibly excited.
And so am I.I’m buzzing right now.
“Okay, I gotta go. But tell Ben and Jess I said hi, and don’t ask,tellthem you’re all coming.”
“You got it,” he chuckles.
“And invite whoever else you want. Okay, love you byeee!”
I make a bunch of kissing noises into the phone and hang up.
“Oh my God…” I’m beaming. “Kellan!”
