“I could take him,” she muttered, giving the competition a beady once-over. Kai shook his head and got to his feet.
“You want another drink?” he asked.
“Yes, please! Blue Kool-Aid, please!” she said, handing him her cup. Kai picked up his own and meandered over to the barbecue. Nolan automatically wrapped an arm around his waist, pressing a kiss to his temple.
“You good?”
“Yeah, I’m gonna run and grab some more drinks. You want anything?”
“I’m good, baby. Actually, grab me the burger buns on your way back. I think we’re about done here.”
“Oh no, Kai’s hands are going to be full. I’ll get them,” Dion interrupted. “I’ll bring out the salads at the same time.”
Kai did everything in his power not to roll his eyes, and he was pretty sure Nolan knew it because he sent him on his way with a slap on the ass.
They walked into the house in awkward silence, and Kaibeelined for the fridge, pulling out jugs of blue-raspberry Kool-Aid and fruit punch and setting them on the counter before taking out the salads that Dion needed.
“I want you to know that you were right.”
Kai froze as Dion’s haughty voice came from behind him. How was it possible for someone to sound like such a snob while admitting to being wrong?
“Oh yeah? About what?” Kai turned to lean on the counter, crossing his arms, curious to see what Dion looked like when he humbled himself.
“About Marilise being a bitch and me being a… not good friend to Katie.”
“I think I said dick,” Kai corrected.
Dion straightened up and rolled his eyes, exasperated but seemingly resigned to the fact that Kai was not going to make this easy for him.
“Yes, well, you were right.”
“Why do you do it?”
“That’s…” Dion hesitated like he didn’t know how to answer and then finished with, “None of your business.”
Kai shrugged and turned back to his task. He’d meant to just fill their glasses but since they were about to eat it probably made more sense to take the jugs out with them.
“It’s just that it’s easier to live along with them even if they can be… difficult. And as someone who doesn’t quiteconform,so to speak, I’ve had to work very hard to get where I am today.”
“Listen, man, it sounds like you have your reasons for what you do and I guess you’re right. You don’t have to justify shit to me. Just know Katie is my friend, and I will fuck with anyone who fucks with her.” Kai stared him down while Dion sized him up.
“I’m glad to hear it. Katie deserves a friend like you. And, for the record, you called me afuckingdick.”
They both smirked but relaxed. It felt like a truce and the terms had been laid out. Dion stacked the salad bowls on top of each other and topped the pile with the buns while Kai gathered up the jugs and the glasses. They were just turning the corner when the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it,” Kai said, shifting everything into his left hand while he hurried to the door. He grinned widely when he opened it and Matteo was on the other side, holding a casserole dish and a grocery bag.
“You made it! That’s awesome, man! I think we’re just about to eat.” Kai pulled him in for a bro hug.
“Perfect. I brought-seven layer dip. Made it myself.”
“Nice!” Kai answered, but Matteo’s attention caught on something behind Kai. He turned to see that Dion had come up behind him. “Oh hey, this is Dion, Nolan’s neighbour. Dion, this is my boss, Matteo.” Matteo’s gaze fixed on Dion’s face as Dion gave him a very slow once-over. It was clear that he liked what he saw, and Kai was seriously creeped out by the energy charging between the two of them.
“Nice to meet you,” Dion murmured, holding out a graceful hand. Matteo took it, raising it to his lips deliberately. The smirk that Dion gave him was pleased but sly.
“Let me help you with those,” Matteo offered, and Dion allowed him to shift the salad bowls into his arms but grabbed the buns before they tumbled. Dion turned and led the way, and Matteo followed without a backward glance at Kai, who watched them, absolutely baffled about what had just transpired. He was just about to close the door when Myles turned the corner. He was wearing jeans and a black button-down, looking a lot more casual than Kai had ever seen him, but the serious expression on his face made him feel like he wasn’t here for the barbecue.
“Hey man, everything okay?” he asked as Myles locked hands with him and slapped him on the back distractedly.
