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"Locky's going to tell Noah, Chester, Chase, and Harmony at work on Friday because they're on night shift and can't make it to dinner. Then we'll tell everyone else at our place that evening."
Bishop's eyes sparkle. "I cannot wait."
* * *
"P-p-plans for the week-k-end?" Jeremy asks after we've demolished a dozen pizzas.
The dining room isn't tiny by any means, but like always, we had to grab the spare chairs from the basement and there's not a lot of room to move. But the gang is here, and that's all that matters.
"Work." Fulton's the first to answer, with a dramatic eye roll, which Gus laughs off.
Fulton's not wearing his signature animal T-shirt tonight, or if he is, I can't see it since he's wearing a sweater. Which isn't that odd in itself. It's cold out, even if it is quite warm in the house.
But whatisodd is that, as I look around the table at Fulton, Bishop, Gus, Tate, Tyler, Daly, Monty, and Jeremy, they'reallwearing sweaters. Every single one of them. The only two people who aren't are Locky and me. Did we miss the memo? Are sweaters what the cool people are wearing these days?
"If it makes you feel any better, I'm working as well," Gus says to Fulton.
Fulton pretends to think about it. "Actually, that does make me feel better. You can buy me coffee."
Gus chuckles. "Deal. But it'll have to be tomorrow since I'm off Sunday. I have a friend from Australia visiting."
"Ooh!" Tyler lights up and points his fork at Locky. "Do you know him?"
Locky lets out an amused grin. "I don't even know the guy's name. Do you think all Aussies know each other?"
"Well, yeah."
Locky's still grinning as he asks Tyler, "How many people do you reckon live in Australia, mate?"
"I don't know," Tyler answers. "Like, fifteen."
"Million?" Locky checks.
"No… Just fifteen."
The table erupts in laughter. Tyler looks genuinely confused so Daly whispers something into his ear, prompting Tyler to say, "I wasn't that far off. Twenty-something million still isn't a lot."
"But it's more than fifteen," I point out, and everyone laughs again.
"Didn't think you'd be able to top yourBoston is in Canadaremark at Christmas," Tate says, wiping his eyes. "But I think we have a new winner."
Locky uses the occasion to quiz the guys about their knowledge of Australia. Most of the responses include beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and exotic animals such as koalas and kangaroos. Daly shudders as he points out that a lot of the exotic animals can actually kill you. Monty brings up the Sydney Opera House, which prompts Jeremy to add another feature from the city—the bronzed lifeguards from the TV showBondi Rescue.
I throw in hot guys with amazing accents, which makes Locky blush.
When Bishop mentions reverse seasons, Tyler bursts out laughing. No one else joins in. He plants his hands on the table and eyes everyone. "What? Come on. Reverse seasons. You guys really think I'm that dumb?"
"No one thinks you're dumb, mate, but it's true," Locky says. "Seasons are reversed in Australia. We have Christmas in Summer and the coldest months of the year are between June and September."
"Nice try." Tyler sits up and folds his arms over his chest. "But I amnotfalling for it."
We all look at each other. I grin at Daly. He's in for a fun chat when they get home.
"Anyway, tell us about this friend," Fulton says, bringing the conversation back to Gus's original point.
Conversations with these guys go off topic all the time. Haven't found the right opening to bring up what Locky and I want to tell them over dinner.
But we'll get there…eventually.
