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I scoot closer so I can squeeze his shoulder and so he can see how serious I am. “You are not alone in this, Wade. None of us are losing anyone else after this, okay? In fact, we’re going to grow new people to love too. I don’t know how many because we probably need to discuss that with Rory, but it’s not always going to hurt like this. We’re luckier than most, right? We have each other, and now we have our missing piece. We will get through this.”
“Thanks, Gray. I always appreciate your perspective.”
“Yeah, I’m highly underrated. Don’t worry about it.” We both chuckle.
“I don’t want to ruin the moment, but that was really sweet. Also, yes, Rory will definitely be a large part of, and have the final say over, how many new people we make. Thanks for that consideration.” She slides up Wade’s side and kisses him on the cheek. “And Gray is right. We’re going to get through this. You have me willingly now, sir. Buckle up.” She winks at him, and we all laugh again.
“You are all so fucking rude. We’re napping here, for fuck’s sake,” Adler mumbles as he shifts to a more seated position.
“Oh, don’t worry. I got plenty of proof of the nap you took.” I hold my phone up and wiggle it.
“Fuck you, bro.” But Adler laughs along with us.
It doesn’t take long for Hayes to join us, and we bring everyone up to speed about what Wade and I discussed.
“I can’t believe this is the fucking conversation we’re having. I never would have imagined this.” Hayes shakes his head and stares out the window.
“None of us expected anything like this, man. It doesn’t change anything though. Mal needs to be dealt with. I’m going to call Eddie and get him to come over alone. We need to tell him what we know, play the clip for him, and convince him that this is the right thing to do. It’s happening one way or another, but I want him to understand, and then I want it over.”
“We’ve all got your back on this, Wade. Go call him, and let’s get the ball rolling.” I pull Rory closer to me, so Wade can stand and call Eddie.
Rory looks troubled and is taking it out on her bottom lip, so I tug it out of her mouth.
“Hey, what’s the deal? I happen to be a big fan of that lip.”
“What? Oh, it’s nothing. Well, not nothing. I forgot about Eddie. My dad doesn’t even know he has a son.”
“In all fairness, it should be up to Eddie if he ever learns that information.”
“Yeah, you’re absolutely right. It isn’t my place to say anything. Fuck, I don’t think Eddie even wants anything to do with me at this point.” Her face falls when she says the words, but she quickly looks up at me again and puts a smile on her face.
“Give it time, Little Bird. Mal has had nothing but awful things to say about your father and family for his entire life. If he doesn’t walk away from us today, he’ll have the chance to get to know you and see what kind of person you are. Plus, you’ll have four of the best hype people around, constantly singing your praises.” I pat her leg.
“Oh yes, I’m sure that will endear me to him real quick.” She giggles again but instantly stops when Wade walks back into the room.
“Eddie is coming over alone but telling Mal that I want to go out with just him and I to blow off some steam so she doesn’t get suspicious. He’ll be here in ten minutes. I’m going to start throwing some food together because I don’t know how else to prepare for this shitshow.” He turns back around and leaves.
“We should all probably go help with that,” I mutter as I stand.
“Is Wade going to be okay?” Rory tugs on my arm and whispers to me.
“He’ll be fine. He’s processing, we’ll all grieve, but we have you, and we’ll get through it.”
She scoffs. “Having me doesn’t have anything to do with it. I almost wish my father had never even told me that part of the story.”
“No, Little Bird, don’t wish that. Even an ugly truth is better than a pretty lie. We’re glad we know. It’s sad and awful, but it gives us closure over that chapter of our lives.” She looks so worried, and I want to help ease her mind. “I love you too, you know. It’s not just Wade.” Then I lean in and kiss the fuck out of her.
She pulls away, gasping for breath a moment later. “I love you too, Gray. And if you gave a girl a moment, fuck. I was going to tell you, but I wanted to do it in my own way for each of you. Way to ruin it, asshole.” She gives me a playful shove, and I catch her hands.
“Aww, you love it, Little Bird.”
“Yeah, but I’m clearly fucked in the head.”
“Clearly.” She immediately starts to protest, so I kiss her again until her words turn to moans. “There you go. Now, dry up down there. We have to go talk to your big brother.”
I chuckle at her speechless expression and pull her into the kitchen to prepare for what’s to come.
Rory
