Page 133 of Three Pucks and a Baby

“Thanks for stating the obvious.”

He shrugged. “Just being supportive.”

“And I appreciate that. More than you’ll ever know.” At Grayson’s knowing look, I swallowed hard. “How the fuck can I possibly tell my parents that I’m fucking a guy?”

Grayson’s expression filled with sadness. “Dude, the minute they find out about the four of us, it’s over with them. It won’t matter that you’re in love with Bennett.” He shook his head sadly. “You’ve already broken the Novak cardinal rule of perfection.”

Although it hurt like a motherfucker, I knew it was right. I could try stalling and telling my parents about my relationship with the others, but it would eventually come out. You can’t bury a secret like that forever.

Vivian rubbed wide circles along my back. “You might be losing them, but look at what you’re gaining. Two people who intimately love you along with one who platonically loves you. Not only that, you’re gaining my family.

“And mine,” Grayson added.

With a shake of my head, I argued, “I think the two of you forgot that you haven’t told your parents about our relationship yet.”

“Then it’ll be just the four of us,” Grayson replied.

Vivian nodded. “We’re enough. Aren’t we?”

I smiled. “We sure as hell are.”

But as I said the word “we”, I realized that we were not all here. “Is Bennie at The Dive tonight?” I asked. When Vivian nodded, I said, “I’ll see you guys later.”

“Oh no. Do you actually think we’d let you do this by yourself?” Vivian questioned.

“Well, yes.”

She shook her head. “You need us.”

Crossing my arms over my chest, I countered, “I need the two of you to tell him how I feel?”

Grayson and Vivian nodded. “You need us for moral support.”

With a roll of my eyes, I replied, “Fine. Get in the car.”

When we arrivedat The Dive, it was packed. We had to squeeze our way in the front door. When we finally reached the hostess stand, Vivian inquired about a booth.

“I’m sorry, but it’s standing room only for the rest of the night,” the hostess replied.

“I don’t like you being on your feet in a crowd,” I said.

Vivian rolled her eyes. “I don’t need packing in bubble tape.” When I looked at Grayson, maybe to convince her to leave, Vivian shook her head. “I’m not going anywhere until I see you and Bennett's makeup.

“Uh, speaking of Bennett,” Grayson said, pointing to the center of the room.

With his shirt unbuttoned to his waist, he stood on one of the tables beltingThe Seven Wondersby Fleetwood Mac. A possessive rage flowed through me at the sight of the coeds surrounding the table vying for Bennett’s attention with their jacked-up cleavage.

“Is he drunk?” Vivian questioned.

“It’s a distinct possibility,” I replied.

Jerking her chin at him, Vivian said, “Go get him down and talk to him.”

“In the middle of the song?”

“Yes. Or at least catch him before the next one.”

“Whatever,” I muttered as I started easing my way through the crowd.

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