But Marco has no regrets.
“Ollie’s customer service was gold star. I couldn’t say no.”
“Maybe I should hire him,” I sigh. “I mean… this kid’s use of colour is impressive. Look at that attention to detail. Nice shading on the wings. For an amateur, his linework and placement are bold.”
“Barely felt the needle,” Marco teases.
We’re doing our best to keep a straight face, but I can’t.
“I’ve spent years trying to achieve this level of creative freedom. Honestly, I’m gonna have to step up my game.”
I give his knee a squeeze.
Marco squeezes back.
My heart is brimming at full capacity.
All of my favourite people in one place.
As I turn to look at him, I know three things for sure.
One, I love him.
Two, I love him.
Three, there are no guests in this room, only family.
the twenty third and a half chapter
AMOS
I’ve stolen the keys.
Gonna take my man for a spin.
“So strange to be in the passenger seat of my own car,” Marco laughs.
Passing through the Hendra intersection, he gives a dramatic sigh. A thumb hovers over his phone for a moment before he starts typing.
“Naughty clients?” I ask as we turn toward New Farm.
Marco glances up from the screen.
“Remember how I've been playing cupid between Deacon and Porter? It was goingsowell, but now somebody’s getting cold feet.”
“Trouble in paradise?”
“Something like that. Deacon’s a little too fond of the closet.”
We swerve into the parking lot.
Pressing send, he passes me the phone.
I raise an eyebrow, but he nods for me to read it.
Porter:How was dinner with the fam?
Marco:The kindest, most wonderful people ever. I adore them. You would have rated his dad's cooking a ten.
