I let out afuck thislaugh. “I just know I don’t want them. When Tiff told me she was expecting my baby during our fight, I wished the ground would swallow me up. Even the idea of having kids makes me break into hives.”
“Wait, what, baby?” Eli looks at me with round eyes.
“Yeah, she only wanted to make me stay with her, so she lied about the pregnancy without knowing I’d chosen not to have kids.”
“Oh man, that’s fucked up.” Ollie shakes his head. “I don’t get why someone would lie about a baby.”
“I’m just glad I’m no longer together with her. Dodged a bullet there.”
“Definitely.”
Eli closes the menu in front of him. “So, should we order something before continuing this discussion? Sorry, but I’m starving and need food.”
We order a set menu for four people, even if it’s just us three, as we can always take leftovers home. Eli orders us all two beers each. It was a smart move as Ollie downs his first drink in one massive gulp after the waitress brings it to him. It’s rare for him to be this upset, so we keep him entertained with stupid stories from our childhood for the rest of the evening.
“You remember the time Eli tried to do that trick he saw on TV for the first time, and instead of spinning his skateboard right, he overspun it and fell,” I say as I add another helping of palak paneer to my plate.
Eli groans and hides his face in his hands. “Why did you have to remind me that time I broke my fucking wrist while skateboarding?”
I smirk. “It made Ollie smile for ten seconds, so it was worth all your memories, painful or not.”
My friends shake their heads, and I hear Eli mutteringdickheadunder his breath. Ollie must have heard it as he snorts and covers his nose and mouth after. That makes us all laugh, and I’m happy to see something other than worry on Little Poet Boy’s face. Like Eli and I, he has had enough to worry about to last the rest of his lifetime. There's no need for more. At least for tonight. Tomorrow is another story.
16
JAX
Currently playing: Could Have Been Me by The Struts
Whenever I try to get Soph alone to talk, someone else needs something. I know Soph told me that it was a one-time thing, but I need to know if she feels the way I do. I want those damn lips around meagainwhile she sucks me dry to the last drop. Jesus, I can feel myself hardening just thinking about it. It's the ultimate Sophia Kennedy fantasy.
Keeping my face calm while thinking about naked old ladies and spelling tests to control my overexcited dick, I try to focus on work. But damn if it isn’t hard—both focusing and my dick.
We’ve spent the past few months planning the party to celebrate King Tattoo turning 15. It’s finally happening this weekend, and there’s a lot left to discuss. The first thing King did when he had the idea for the party was to contact his old high school friend for the planning, catering, and decorations. The friend’s company has offices around the country and could help us at each location. It has allowed us not to stress every detail.
My team is in our shop's front room, laughing at Dom’s latest dating experience. It’s funny that he even tries to date, since he obviously has feelings for Nelly. But those two always insist they are just friends. Whatever, not my circus, not my monkeys.
I walk into the room, coffee in hand, but they continue talking and laughing like I’m not even there. My eyes drink in Soph as they land on her—she’s wearing those damn black heels today and I struggle keeping my focus on our meeting. I clear my throat, arching an eyebrow as the chatter quiets and everyone focuses on me.
“Thanks for coming in today, I know some of you aren’t working, so I appreciate this. Let’s get started as we need to discuss plans for the party this Saturday.”
Rogue is the first one to speak. “Don’t we need that party planner lad here to help us?”
“I talked with them, and everything is clear on their part. I just thought we could go through the itinerary they sent over, just in case. If you have any questions, I will try my best to answer those.”
My team looks excited, and Nelly squeals. “Oh my, I’m so freaking excited. I’ve had my dress and hair planned for weeks.”
“Is that the same dress you sent a photo of to the group chat?” Spade asks.
Dom chuckles. “It is. I was her shopping assistant that day. Let me tell you, be happy you only got to experience the final product.”
Nelly pokes him, and Dom fakes being hurt.
“Kids, please behave. I don’t have time to give you timeouts today.” That comment earns me a small smile from Soph. “We’ve been permitted to drink outdoors during the event. According to the New York City Administrative Code, it's normally prohibited, but as we’re having a permitted block party, we can serve and have drinks there.”
Dom whoops, and others laugh.
“How about the food?” Rogue asks.
