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I raise my hand, point at Cass and mouth, “That one’s for you.”

Treyvon runs up as we’re leaving the field and slaps me on the rear. “Good one, QB. Let’s get her another one before the day’s over.”

Feel the Thunder

Treyvon: Okay. Okay. That’s what I’m saying! We slayed!

Me: For once I’ve got no complaints about your text thread name change, Trey.

Declan: Good game, men.

Me: We earned this win.

Treyvon: Speaking of cuteness … Did y’all see our QB pointing to Cass’s box after every touchdown?

Declan: If you missed it, I think they caught it on the Jumbotron at least three times.

Me: Not cute.

Linc: It doesn’t get cuter.

Jaxon: Right? You’ve got baby bunnies, babies in general, and then our own Cold Turkey pointing to his girl after a TD.

Me: Let’s go with … cool. Or handsome. Or awesome.

Treyvon: Cutie pie.

Linc: I just want to squeeze your cheeks.

Me: You and my cheeks will not be within squeezing distance for the foreseeable future.

Declan: I’ll squeeze them for you, Linc.

Jaxon: Should we get him another apron?

Treyvon: I’m down. Cutie pie?

Jaxon: I’m pulling up the website now. Putting in the order.

Me: Payback’s a bear, gentlemen.

Linc: Okay. Whatever you say, cutie pie.

Chapter 24

Cass

The best part about going away is coming home.

~ Hanya Yanagihara, A Little Life

I tuck my legs under me and take a long sip of Daisy’s favorite cinnamon tea. We’re gathered at Moss and Maple for our book club meeting.

Daisy passes me the plate of maple cookies and says, “It was so sweet of Marcus and Declan to show up with that group of Thunder guys for the renovation projects.”

My friends chime in with a chorus of praise for Marcus and the other players.

“It was sweet,” I agree.