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My morning flew by and by lunch, I was starving. Ethan messaged our group to meet up for lunch.
When we’re young, we don’t consider how adulthood alters things. But as adults, we’re so caught up in life that small moments like having lunch with friends become important.
Walking into the diner, I spotted the guys immediately and, by the way Edie was standing, I could tell she wasn’t humored.
“Hey Edie, can I get a water, please?” I smiled as I took a seat.
“Since you said the magic word.” She huffed and walked away.
I thumbed towards her. “Um, who pissed her off?”
“Greg.” Gene shook his head. “That guy is worthless.”
“Hell, the only guy I think that beat him in that department was Jackson.” Ethan laughed as we all grumbled in agreement.
“So, Henry, how’s the blending going?” Dexter asked with his face in his phone.
Sitting back in my chair, I tilted my head, watching him. “What are you doing?”
“He’s spying on Elena.” Ethan coughed. “Since she’s his new assistant.”
“I’m not spying.” Dexter looked up and shook his head. “I was just checking something out.”
“Yeah.” Ethan paused before taking a drink of his coffee. “Her ass.”
We all laughed as Edie came back with my water. The bells on the door rang as a crowd of people came in. Among them were James and Chase, followed by Richard and Pete.
“Hey guys!” Gene waved them over, and they sat at the table next to us. “How’s your dad doing, Rich?”
“Fucker’s still breathing.” He snarled. “Jeremy moved back home to help Ma during the night. I do my best to be around when she calls.”
“What happened?” I looked between them.
“Cancer.” He shrugged. “He’s collecting a whole set.”
“Damn.” Ethan shook his head.
“He’s a bastard. Don’t even feel bad.” Richard sighed. “Once he’s gone, Ma won’t have to deal with his shit anymore.”
There had been rumors back in school about how abusive the Parks’ dad was. I noticed strange bruises on Rich in school, and Wally mentioned that his brother had to go to a private school due to an incident with Jeremy Parks.
Edie brought over more water and menus for the newcomers, and I waited for her to head back to the counter before I pulled out the ring box hidden in my pocket.
“So, uh, I’mma do a thing.” I flipped it open, and Ethan scowled.
“Nobody likes a show-off, Walsh.” He huffed and took a drink of his coffee.
“You sure about this, man?” Dexter eyed the ring.
Richard laughed. “Dude, he’s been pining for her since middle school.”
Pete nodded. “I remember that.”
Chase chuckled. “Man, if she makes you happy, I say tie that knot.”
James nodded in agreement. “My grammy is in the long-term care and Miranda is her favorite nurse.”
“I can see that. She’s an amazing mom.” Glancing down at the ring, I smiled. “You planning to make an honest woman outta my cousin, Ethan?” I teased.
