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I laughed and added a banana to the lineup. “Try that. I read somewhere that potassium helps a hangover. And you don’t really want to take ibuprofen on an empty stomach.”
He nodded and downed the OJ. “Need help burying the bodies?” He meant Drew and Aithan.
I smirked. “Man, with one sentence you just proved what a good and bad friend you are.” He grinned and started on the banana as I added, “They survived the onslaught.”
“So just asleep, huh?”
“Yeah. You want a ride home?”
“Nah. I already got a car coming in thirty minutes. Kinda figured Aith would be useless.”
“I take it you guys haven’t been that blotto in a long time?”
He ran his hand over his short hair. “Shit, no. Only once or twice since college.” He peered up at me. “I don’t remember it hurting this much the next day.”
I laughed. “That’s why I made you fools eat.”
“Glad you did. You take good care of us chodes, even when we don’t deserve it.”
“Mmm.” I’d made oatmeal with honey, almonds, and blueberries for the three of them and dished up a bowl for Tobias. “Eat more. And drink water.” I filled a glass from the fridge filter and added that to the table, then got myself a glass.
“You eating?” he asked.
“Already did. And went for a run.” It was almost ten o’clock. “Did you sleep okay?”
He nodded. “Like a drunk on a park bench after a two-day bender.” I laughed, and he added, “Hell, I smelled like one too when I woke, so thanks for the clean towels and the shower. I couldn’t stand myself.”
“You’re welcome. Thanks for sparing me the horror.” I turned back to the simmering oatmeal and he kept eating.
“Do me a favor?” Tobias said. The hangover helper was doing its job, and he looked a lot better as he finished his oatmeal.
“Sure.”
“Don’t tell Candy.”
“That you spent the night?”
He pulled a face. “Nah, girl, that ain’t a problem for her. Don’t tell her I got shit-faced. I’ll never hear the end of it. Don’t need to give all my sisters more fuel to burn my ass.”
I laughed again. “That’s fair. Mum’s the word. You stayed because the weather was shitty.”
“You’re gold, Zel.” He gave me that sunshine smile, then gulped his water.
“Fuuuck,” Drew muttered from the stairs. “Can someone turn off the sun?”
“Cry me a river.” I pointed at the table. “Sit. I’ll feed and rehydrate you.”
“Do as she says,” Tobias said. “She’s a witch.”
“A good witch or a bad witch?” Drew found his glasses case on the breakfast bar and donned his sunglasses, then slumped in a chair at the table.
“The kind that feeds you to fatten you up before shoving you in the oven,” Tobias replied.
I threw a dishtowel at him. “Looks like my potions restored your tongue.” I served up oatmeal and added banana slices to it for Drew.
Tobias’s phone buzzed. “My ride’s almost here. Gonna wait outside.” He stood and carried his dishes to the sink, then gave me a hug from behind. “Thanks again, Z. You’re a good friend.” He kissed my cheek, slapped Drew on the back — earning a grunt and a grumble — and trotted down the stairs. “I’ll throw the bottom lock, girl,” he called behind him and the door slammed shut.
Drew flinched at the sound.
