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“I’m not going to have to do any crazy shit, am I?”

“I don’t think so.” Keeley suppresses her next laugh, but she’s practically bursting at the seams.

LUKE BENNETT: The HABS

ZANE FITZPATRICK: What the actual fuck is HABS?

EASTON WILDER: Whatever is it I want out

LUKE BENNETT: Aww don’t worry, East, we won’t talk about our sex lives on this chat. I imagine that would get awkward

ZANE FITZPATRICK: Sorry, East, but that was funny

REED COOMBS: You can’t invite Mr. D’Angelo into the group and then be a dick about it. Some of us are still his players. My apologies, sir

SALVATORE: You don’t have to call me sir, Reed. I was at your bachelor party, remember?

REED COOMBS: Right. We’ve moved past that. Sorry, I get into work mode during the season

UNKNOWN: I’m just catching up. Salvatore, it’s nice to have you here. But back to an earlier question, which I’m almost afraid to ask… What’s HABS?

“Who’s this?” I ask Keeley, showing her my phone.

“That’s probably Dylan. He’s on the chat too.”

“How do you know all of this? Do you know what HABS means?”

Keeley snorts and I frown.

LUKE BENNETT: I thought it was obvious. Husbands and boyfriends of strong women

What?Keeley’s soft laughter gets louder, and I shake my head with a chuckle. I’ll endure whatever this is if it makes herthathappy.

ZANE FITZPATRICK: Wow

EASTON WILDER: How the fuck was that obvious? I’m out, guys

EASTON WILDER LEFT THE GROUP

LUKE BENNETT ADDED EASTON WILDER TO THE GROUP

LUKE BENNETT: After all these years, you’re still pulling that stunt and expecting us to just let it happen?

SALVATORE: I’m confused

“Do I really want to be a part of this?”

“Absolutely. You heard Luke. You’re one of them now.”

REED COOMBS: That feeling never goes away, Sal. When you open this chat, you never know what you’re going to get. Welcome

SALVATORE: Okay.

ZANE FITZPATRICK: HABS is growing on me

REED COOMBS: Me too

EASTON WILDER: Why are we friends?