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“I resent that.” Trey shoves Seth.
Bennett shakes his head before asking, “What was your job before the bakery?”
“I did masonry.”
Trey leans in to peer at Bennett. “Oh, that could be helpful for the new patio you want to put in.”
I nod my head. “Yeah. I could help with that.”
Bennett rubs his chin as if he’s thinking.
“Do you watch sports?” Seth asks.
“All the major ones. Football, baseball, hockey.”
“Group meeting,” Bennett says.
Trey stands and Bennett and Seth turn their backs to me. The three guys huddle together like a football team deciding on the game winning play. All I can hear is whispered murmurs as they discuss whatever it is. Trey glances up at me with a wide smile on his face, then ducks back down to the group. I’ve never been interrogated like this before. My heart thumps like a bass drum at a rock concert. I continue to wipe my hands on my jeans, unsure of why I’m so nervous.
The guys separate and all stare at me with impassive faces. My gaze drifts between all three of them, but their eyes give nothing away. Bennett is the first one to crack. His eyes crinkle in the corners as a grin covers his face.
“Welcome to the group. You’re one of us now.” Bennett holds out his hand for me to shake. I exhale a sigh of relief before I meet him in the middle of the table with my hand. We all stand, and the rest of the guys offer handshakes and one handed back pats.
“I won't lie. That was a bit intense and a little terrifying.” I laugh.
“Oh, that was nothing. If you cross those girls, you’re in for a world of hurt,” Bennett says.
“Noted.”
Bennett and Seth make their way back to the table with the girls. Trey wraps his arm around my shoulder and stops me until the other two are out of ear shot.
“If you ever decide the love thing isn’t for you, come find me.” Trey digs into his back pocket and pulls out a business card. I flip it over and read the lettering.
SBL
Single Bros Life
Nothing is Tying Us Down
“We meet on Thursdays. And bring snacks.” With that, he wanders back to the table. I stare at the card and shake my head. Then I tuck it into my back pocket.
When I arrive back at the table, everyone’s already seated, and I take the chair next to Hollyn. Everyone is quiet for a moment, then Bennett raises his beer. “Hollyn, we’re keeping him.”
The entire table erupts in cheers as everyone raises their glass. Hollyn wraps her arms around my waist and gives me a tight hug. I can’t help the face splitting grin that takes over. Heat radiates through my chest. My mom was the only real family I had, especially after the breakup with my ex. And since she passed, I’ve had no one. But now these guys have welcomed me into their family as one of their own and I couldn’t be happier.
SIXTEEN
THE NON-DATE DATE
Van
The night before with Hollyn’s friends was one of the best nights I’ve had in a long time. When I came back to Harbor Highlands, I wasn’t expecting to stay as long as I have. I was expecting a week max. Now, I’m contemplating whether I want to leave. It shows how falling for the right person can change your entire life. As I lie in bed, I get an idea. I pull up my phone and send a text.
Van
Get ready. I’m picking you up in an hour.
Hollyn
