Page 65 of Twins for Three Bad Boys

“I know,” I say. “We all do.”

We slide into the booth. The vinyl is cracked, the table is scarred, and it’s perfect. Marco brings us waters with lemon, then disappears again in a flurry of motion.

Casper leans back, sighing as if he’s achieved inner peace. “This is the best place in town.”

Cyrus nods reluctantly. “It is.”

I glance between them. “Y’all always this agreeable?”

Casper grins. “Only when food is involved.”

We fall into easy talk. Casper telling me about a charter run he did last month, Cyrus complaining about a salvage haul that came in missing half its “valuable” pieces, me talking about the road and leaving out the parts that feel too close to truth.

And still, Florida sits heavy in the back of my mind.

My brother’s baby.

My dad’s questions.

The sense of not fitting anywhere except the places I visit and leave.

Casper nudges my boot under the table. “You okay?”

I blink at him. “Yeah.”

Cyrus watches me over the rim of his water. “You sure?”

I give them both my best easy smile. “Darlin’s, I’m fine. I’m just hungry.”

Marco reappears and slams down a plate of garlic knots so buttery they shine. “Eat.”

Casper grabs one immediately. Cyrus does too, but slower. I take mine and tear it open, steam rising, smell making my stomach growl.

Marco points at me. “You look thin.”

I choke a laugh. “I’m not thin.”

“You are thin,” Marco insists. “You are road thin. Like a stray cat.”

Casper snorts.

I gesture to my chest. “Marco, I’m solid.”

Marco waves his hands. “Solid sadness. Eat.”

He disappears again before I can argue.

We’re midway through the garlic knots when the bell above the door chimes.

Casper’s gaze flicks up first because Casper clocks everything that might be interesting. Cyrus’s gaze follows because he’s trained himself to notice what Casper notices.

Mine follows because I’m nosy and I like people.

Millie Brooks walks in, cheeks flushed from the cold, hair in a messy ponytail, wearing her usual bright energy like a scarf. She’s talking before the door even closes, hands moving, face animated.

And beside her…

Well.