Bailey leaned into me. “Holden’s pissed, and Axel’s proud. Does that mean they cancel each other out?”
“What about me?” Gray protested. “I’m not thrilled.”
Bailey sighed. “Well, it was nice while it lasted.”
Holden returned with a pitcher of beer and a soda for Bailey, along with menus.
“I’ll be glad when I’m finally twenty-one,” Bailey said with a sigh.
“One more year, and we’ll celebrate with shots,” Axel said.
Holden sighed. “Something else to look forward to.”
“Don’t worry,” I chimed in. “I’ll take care of the birthday boy.”
It was nice to think we’d be together next year—and every other year after that. I wanted to see all of Bailey’s birthdays.
We all took a few minutes to put in our food orders, then shot the shit for a while.
“How about a game of pool?” Axel suggested. “You can kick my ass and show off for your boyfriend without getting a black eye.”
Everyone laughed at that.
“Oh shit,” Gray said. “Is that what happened that night?”
Bailey rolled his eyes. “It’s my birthday! You’re supposed to be nice today.”
“Which is why I’m letting you trounce me in pool,” Axel said. “Come on.”
“Come with us, Flynn.” Bailey grabbed my hand. “I don’t trust my brothers not to grill you while I’m gone.”
“Good idea,” I said with a chuckle.
Bailey played Axel, then followed with a game against Gray, beating both his brothers in quick order. Emory moved in, asking Bailey for tips.
“Hey, not cool,” Gray said. “You’re not supposed to be impressed with him, golden boy.”
Emory just grinned. “Gotta make sure I win the next time we make bets over a pool game.”
Gray’s eyes sparked with heat, making me wonder what kind of bets they played for. That could be fun—even if I’d always lose that game with Bailey.
Losing would be incredibly pleasurable if it ended with me on my knees for him.
The food arrived at the table, and we made our way back over to dig in. Shortly after, Nova, Bailey’s best friend from high school, showed up.
She gave him a card and a big hug that lingered long enough to make me wonder if maybe she wanted more than friendship. I wasn’t jealous. If Bailey were into that, it would have happened long ago. But I could relate to the longing in her eyes as she pulled away.
“I miss you,” she said, giving his shoulder a push. “You never text anymore!”
“Sorry,” he said. “You’re busy with school, though.”
“Not too busy for you.” She plopped down in an extra chair and leaned in to talk to him. “But I know you’re busy with school too.”
“Not that busy,” he admitted, casting a guilty look toward Holden.
“We should talk about that,” Holden said. “About what you want to do.”
“What I want to do?” Bailey asked, surprised.
