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Jay broke the hug. “You guys playing? How much?”
“Two hundred,” Anthony said.
“Sweet. Who’s winning?”
“Me,” Chris said, looking shaken as he sat back down. His eyes were glued to his cards like they held an escape route.
“Nice,” Jay said. He couldn’t for the life of him get that big smile off his face. “Mind if I make myself something to drink before jumping in?”
“Sure,” Anthony said and sat back down. “Make me and Chris something while you’re at it.”
Chris shook his head. “I’ve had enough.”
“C’mon, man—it’s our big reunion,” Anthony said.
Chris took a deep breath, eyes still looking at his cards. “Fine,” he mumbled.
Jay clapped his hands. “Now we’re talking. I’ll make you boys something with an extra kick. E, come help me out.”
I was relieved to have a chance to do something other than standing like a doofus, especially if it meant staying clear ofthe angry glare I knew Chris would be sending my way. In the kitchen, Jay checked out the alcohol bottles like he hadn’t been the one who told me exactly what to buy.
“I almost pissed my pants,” I said quietly, aware of the silence from the living room where Anthony and Chris were still unable to verbally communicate.
“But you didn’t,” Jay said. “I’m so fucking happy, man, I could give you a wet one.”
“I’ll pass. What now?”
“You know what now. It’s all going according to plan.”
“Is it?”
“Well, I’m here, and Chris hasn’t run away screaming.”
“Small miracles,” I muttered.
“Small or big, I’ll take them. And Anthony seemed to be doing fine.”
“He wasn’t until you came.”
“He must’ve worried I wouldn’t show up and it would just be the three of you acting like you’re still friends.”
“Wearestill friends.”
Jay gave me a sympathetic look that got under my skin. Yeah, I was being naive, but having the four of us under the same roof felt like a scattered puzzle that had finally been put back together. I wasn’t keen on seeing the pieces fly around again so quickly.
I cleared my throat. “Let’s put that plan of yours on hold for now and try to have a normal evening. Later, you and Chris can go speak in another room.”
Jay frowned. “That sounds like a horrible idea.”
I said a bit louder, “I think that we should call it off.”
“Nope. Too late.” he started pouring alcohol into paper cups.
“It’s not too late because nothing has happened yet.” I took a breath to compose myself. “Listen, what he did to you was horrible, but he’s not evil.”
“He sure is.”
“I don’t accept it. I know him.”
