Page 27 of Ancient Obsession

“You’re welcome. I’ve also got Demmy and Jugs. Do you want me to invite anyone else?”

“When are Mom, Dad, and Grant coming in?” Dave asked.

“Not until the day before the wedding. And you’re welcome for that.”

“Thank you. Are they staying with you?”

“Actually, you can thank me for this, too. I talked them all into getting an Airbnb— Mom, Dad, Grant, Brady, and Roman.”

“Their families aren’t coming?”

“No. I guess since I had the first gay wedding in the family, they’ve decided it’s not as special anymore and you’re only getting your brothers.”

“They were all just in town a few months ago for grandma’s funeral,” Dave said. “They’re probably saving up airline miles for family vacations.”

“If that makes you sleep better at night, that’s cool. I still think me breaking the mold has something to do with it.”

“I’m sure it does, big brother.”

“That sounded suspiciously placating.”

“Did it?”

“Look, I called you in an official best man capacity, and you’re acting all jerky and stuff.”

Dave snorted. “Jerky and stuff?”

“Shut up. Hey, I just walked into Margie’s and there are a bunch of kids here.”

“Kind of early for lunch, isn’t it?”

“It’s never too early for lunch. Besides, Jugs and I just finished hauling a…” Cody paused before saying, “Gosh darn boa constrictor out from under someone’s shed.”

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

“You hate snakes.”

“Nice of you to remember.”

“Well, as your favorite brother, it’s kind of my job. Are you eating alone?”

“I am. Why? Did you let Ollie crawl out from under your desk and stop gobbling your knob?”

“I take it the kids have left?”

“You take it correctly. Should I order you something?”

“Yeah, a hot roast beef sandwich on sourdough with muenster cheese and a cup of lemon rice soup.”

“One vegetarian special, coming right up.”

“You’re not funny.”

“Oh, but I am. Drive fast, I’m bored.”

The call ended. Dave snickered as he got up and left his home office.