Page 75 of Love On and Off Set

“Well, I’m not miserable…” Which didn’t really answer his question.

He smiled and pinched my shoulder. “I’d nearly forgotten about Troy. He and Marco had lost touch. I’d sold the house I shared with my wife and had moved here.” He blinked. “Then one day the hospital calls. I panic, thinking it’s Marco. But no, it’s Troy. He needed me. I was there for him.”

“Which I appreciate.”

Rocco cocked his head. “You’ve said. You’re a good friend, Freddie. Taking care of him in your own way. Well, then it became my turn. He came to stay with me, and he never left. I gave him chances to go. I offered to get him set up. Whatever he needed, I’d have given it to him.”

“He loves you.”

My friend blinked. “And I love him.” He glanced over his shoulder. Apparently satisfied, he yanked something from his pocket.

“Holy shit.”

“Shush.” He glanced around again. “You think it’s too soon?”

I considered. “Nope, it’s perfect.”

“Do you think asking in front of you guys is wrong?”

“It’s perfect. Especially Marco. But Andreas and I can sneak out.”

“Don’t you dare. You’re family. And I might chicken out.”

I glanced over my shoulder as Rocco shoved the ring back into his pocket.

Andreas had his hand on Marco’s shoulder, and the three guys were laughing uproariously.

This wasn’t the first time Marco and Andreas had touched. In fact…yep, they’d moved their stools closer together. And—

Shit.

Troy opened the sliding glass door. “Hey, I’ve got the kebobs ready.” He winked. “Good thing you’re not on a date because I did extra onions.”

“Yum.” Rocco took the tray. “I love onions.”

“Good thing I do, too.” Troy nodded. More smiles from my friend to his…future husband? Well, if he said yes. And I was one-hundred-and-twenty-five percent certain he would. Otherwise yes, I’d have insisted Andreas and I leave. Instead, I was touched to be included in this happy moment.

More laughter came through the open screen door.

I shot a look back to the kitchen.

Troy placed a hand on my shoulder. “Cool the jealousy—”

“I’m not—”

“Oh, you so are.” Rocco grinned. “Marco’s harmless. And straight. And not hitting on your, uh, ex.”

I wasn’t persuaded Marco was harmless—or straight—but his dad and his best friend seemed convinced, so who was I to argue? “Definitely my ex.”

Troy accepted the plate of meat that Rocco handed him. He regarded me. “Yeah, we’ll see.”

His words trailed me as Andreas and I walked down the hill several hours later. Well, I trudged, and he practically flew.

“That was so cool.”

“Uh-huh.” Because what else could I say?

“To watch the proposal. Did you see Troy? I thought he was going to cry. And then Marco did—insisting he was so happy that his dad and his best friend were going to make the most perfect couple.”