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“I don’t know. Even if we get insurance money, it’s nowhere near what it would cost to build something new and furnish it. That was everything my parents worked so hard on. That was their legacy. And in a single night it’s gone.”
“Sorry, man. If there is anything we can do,” Bennett points between him and Trey, “let us know.”
“Thanks guys. I’m tired of talking about this. What’s new with you guys?”
Trey and Bennett exchange glances before a Cheshire grin covers Trey’s face. “Well, this asshole here is thinking about getting married.”
“What? You’re asking Charlie to marry you?” I ask wide eyed.
“I think I am. I can’t imagine my life without her in it.” A starry-eyed look covers Bennett’s face.
Trey starts singing “Single Ladies” by Beyoncé while holding his left hand out and shimmying his shoulders.
Bennett slaps his hand away. “Exactly. I’m putting a ring on it so everyone will know she’s mine. I have a meeting with a jeweler next week.”
“When are you going to propose?” I ask.
“I’m thinking in the summer. She’s always talking about wanting to go sailing and I know a guy with a boat. So, I’ll take her out on the lake and ask her to be mine.”
“Aww, isn’t that some sappy shit?” Trey holds up a finger. “But the only good thing that will come out of a wedding is bridesmaids. You gotta make sure there are some hot, single bridesmaids. Ones who are all feeling insecure about not finding the one, yet all their friends have. I’ll swoop in and show them they don’t need the one but the one right now. But only for a few hours. After that, they expect breakfast and shit.”
“So, you want to exploit their feelings for your own pleasure?” I raise an eyebrow at Trey.
“There will be plenty of pleasure for everyone. Don’t worry about that. And I like to think they are using me to forget about their problems. So, I’m actually doing them a favor.”
“I’m going to take immense pleasure when you find a woman you can’t live without.” I point my beer in Trey’s direction.
“Why does everyone keep saying that? SBL forever.”
“SBL?” Bennett asks.
“Single Bros Life.” Trey reaches for his wallet and pulls out a business card. He looks at Bennett. “You don’t get one because you’re practically married.”
“Damn. I’m so sad,” Bennett deadpans.
Then he slides the card to me. “But you’re technically single.”
My gaze wanders over the embossed lettering.
SBL
Single Bros Life
Nothing is tying us down.
“We meet Thursday nights. And if you come, bring snacks. The good kind too. Fucking Darren thinks cheese whiz and crackers an are acceptable snack. We are sophisticated men. Bring some brie and fig crostini or some shit.”
I bark out at laugh. I don’t know if it’s because Trey considers himself sophisticated or that he just said brie and fig crostini, maybe both. “Thanks. I’ll think about it.”
“I’m serious. Good snacks.”
I flip the card between my fingers. Only Trey would create a singles guy club. But maybe he’s on to something because this club seems easier than dealing with this dumpster fire of emotions right now.
Twenty-Six
Drinks and charity auctions
Parisa
