Page 98 of Ravenous

Letting out a gasp, Finn snatched the bag, quickly unzipping it as his mouth watered. “The bakery? Carrot cake!” He pumped a fist in the air. “Nice! Thank you so much, Uncledad, I will treasure this forever, or for the next few minutes.” Finn pulled out the plastic container, marveling at the perfect slice of heaven. Walnuts dotted the sponge, which had a generous helping of cream cheese frosting, and the ring of crunch sprinkled around the top leveled up the taste.

“Can I have a bite?”

They all turned, and Finn smiled at Ollie, patting the lounge chair, for there was more than enough room for two. “I thought you didn’t like my vegetable cake.”

“Weeeell,” Ollie singsonged, accepting the invitation and getting cozy next to him. “According to Katrin, there are no good or bad foods. However, vegetable cake is still very sus.”

Grabbing the included fork and popping the lid on the plastic carton, Finn speared a piece, making sure it had the right balance of sponge to icing, and held it out for Ollie. “You can have thefirstbite.”

“Always such a gentleman.” Giving Finn a dangerously coy once-over, Ollie opened his mouth, closing it around the fork in a way that had Finn wishing they were home, rolling around in bed.

“Well?” he asked as Ollie chewed, his forget-me-not eyes on the clouds. He didn’t answer right away, waiting until he swallowed to speak, and by that time, Owen, Liam, and Uncle Joe were all invested.

“It’s kinda good?” Ollie seemed surprised but Finn took that as a spectacular win.

“Another for my side!” He punched the air again, taking a bite for himself and humming at the taste.

“Honestly, lad you’d have to be headless to hate anything from that place. It’s like they put unicorn farts in the batter.” Joe waved his hand around, his edibles obviously kicking in. Giggling, Ollie patted Finn’s back as he choked on the cake, while Liam laughed so hard that he almost fell off the bench.

The noise drew Ellie and Quinn, who hovered by Finn’s chair.

“Clearly, fun is being had here, so we decided to come over,” Ellie stated with a nod.

“And ruin it?” Ollie quipped, curling against Finn as she tried to smack him in the shoulder. “Help! I’m being attacked!”

Lifting the cake, Finn twisted his upper body away. “Sorry, Sunshine but I think you deserve that one.”

“You young ladies showed up just in time!” Joe declared, breaking up the fight as he reached for the tote slung over the back of his chair. “Here’s one of the things I picked up at the cabin. I believe Ollie asked me for this?”

Sitting up, Ollie shuffled down the chair toward Joe, and everyone, especially Finn, craned their necks as his uncle rifled through the bag, pulling out a photo album.

Finn sucked in air, cringing. Ohno.

Flipping a few pages, Joe turned the book, handing it to Ollie. “Here’s Finn in high school, playing bass in Death Beverage.”

Ollie’s pleased shriek could be heard for miles as he grabbed the album, staring at it and making a variety of further sounds. Owen and Liam practically bowled each other over as they rushed to see the pictures, while Ellie cackled. Even Quinn cracked a smile.

Surrounded, Finn couldn’t slink away so, he covered his face with his hands. “How could you do this to me? I thought you were my Uncledad!” he whined through his fingers.

“It’s Ollie’s day, how could I let him down? Besides, you were magnificent!” Joe gushed as always, continuously proud of Finn. “I mean, look at you kicking ass up there on stage!”

Slowly, Finn lowered his arms. Although he wasn’t a rock god, the pictures weren’t as bad as he thought.

“You had long hair!” Ollie gasped, putting a hand to his chest, looking back and forth between Finn and the photo with wide adoring eyes. “It’s kinda hot.”

“It is?” Finn blinked, waiting for Ollie to laugh at him.

“Yeah!” Ollie gave him a considering look and then turned to Joe. “Can I keep one of these?”

“Sure, help yourself.” Joe gestured at the album.

“Can I have one?” Owen asked, reaching over. Finn pushed his hand away.

“Donotgive him a picture.” He pointed sternly at his uncle as Owen laughed. “I mean it.” His pocket began to buzz and he quickly checked his phone, smiling at a picture of a plate of greens with Jax’s middle finger taking up the entire left side.

Three people have sent this back tonight saying the broccoli is weird. IT’S BROCCOLINI. I hate it here.

“Is that Jax? Tell him I said hi.” Ollie looked over Finn’s shoulder, chuckling at the message. “He’s gonna throw a pan at somebody one day.”

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