Page 86 of Just A Little Fling

Cool, cool. I’ll send you my address. We’ll take care of lunch.

Nico

Are you sure? Because it was my idea and you’re doing the work.

Owen

Nah, it’s all good. Does noon work for everyone?

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

LEVI

Owen

Want to come over on Saturday? We’re having a few people over for lunch, and we never get to hang out anymore.

Levi

Yeah, I’d love to. Can I bring anything?

Owen

Just yourself, and YAY!

Are you okay with it being a playdate, too? If you’re not okay, we’ll all stay big. Really want to see you.

Levi

Playdate is fine, and I’ll see you there.

Owen

Double yay, and see you then

* * *

I pulled up outside Owen and Barrett’s house, but then I just sat in my car for a while. Other cars were already in the driveway and on the street, so I knew I’d have to go in at some point, but I dreaded it.

My bright spot today was seeing Nico when he came over for his morning spanking. Between the dark circles under his eyes and the strain along his mouth, I was worried about him. He’d said he wanted out, and I was doing my goddamn best to respect it. But as far as I could tell, he wasn’t spending wild nights with anyone.

The blessing and curse of being Nico’s landlord is that I could keep tabs on his comings and goings. With the weather being nice, I’d been working in the yard a lot in the evenings, and he was coming home from work at his regular time. The only difference I’d seen was the bulging of his bag when he was bringing home extra work, but he wasn’t leaving to go out and nobody was coming over. I wasn’t sure how this freedom was better, but I hoped he got something out of it.

“Hey, Levi,” Owen said when he tapped on my window. I wasn’t expecting anyone and nearly jumped out of my skin. I moved to open my door, but he stopped me and indicated to roll down the window instead. “Oh, I was worried I wouldn’t catch you before you got out of your car. Our neighbor is a stickler about where people park on the street. Would you mind parking just around the corner over there? Those neighbors don’t care at all.”

“No problem.” I followed Owen’s attention to my front seat and the bag there. “You said I didn’t need to bring anything, but it seemed rude not to contribute. Anyway, hope you like carrot cake.” It was beyond dumb, but I knew it was Nico’s favorite. He wouldn’t be here, but I could pretend for a second that I was buying it for him. Unfortunately, manifesting wasn’t the same as conjuring.

Once properly moved and parked around the corner, I checked my watch. I’d been here when he first moved in a few months ago, but I hadn’t spent much time here since then. Barrett had been his best friend since college and I knew Owen from our hometown, so we’d been friendly through the years. I was happily surprised but not shocked when they finally got together. But Owen was practically giddy these days and Barrett was all smiles. Happiness looked good on them.

The door was open when I got to the porch, and I heard voices inside, so I walked in without knocking. I followed the noise into the kitchen, where I found Owen and Barrett unwrapping containers. The bags on the counter said Stone and Vine. Yay for us because their food was delicious.

“Hey, I let myself in.” Barrett and Owen both turned when I spoke.

“Yeah, of course. Welcome,” Barrett said. He kissed Owen on the temple and then handed him a bag. “Sweetheart, can you please put that on the table for me?” Owen nodded and headed to the table with the paper plates and napkins in hand. Barrett turned back to me and said, “We’re doing it casual today.”

“If you’re feeding me something I didn’t have to cook myself, then I’m keeping my mouth shut about what it’s served on.”

“It’s been a while since you’ve stopped by. How are things at the firm?” Well, shit, this was awkward. I guess I’d forgotten to tell Owen about me being fired.

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