Page 19 of Headstrong Like Us
“Yeah.I miss being in a serious relationship. Sex is great and easy to find, but it’s nothing without the rest.”
“No shit.” I’ve never been into no-strings attached situations. It works for some people, but definitely not for me. I like having a boyfriend.
And Ilovebeing in a relationship with Maximoff.
Oscar outstretches his hand to the counters. “I can’t even find one person to toast me a fucking piece of bread, and your guy is buying you IHOP on steroids.”
“I’ll butter your bread, man,” Donnelly jokes.
I let out a laugh.
“Toast, Donnelly.” Oscar grins. “You can go butter Redford’s bread.”
I roll my eyes. “Keep me out of the 9 p.m. comedy routine. It’s not worth the dollar admission.”
They laugh.
Oscar squeezes my shoulder. “That’s right. Redford is taken.”
“For life.” Donnelly smirks, and their words crash into me with some kind of power. There won’t be a single year, a single month or day or minute where Maximoff and I aren’t together. I’ll have him as a partner for as long as we’re alive, and fuck, it overwhelms me.
I wipe my eye that wells up.
Oscar smiles at me, and I smile into a soft laugh. Yeah, to be honest, I didn’t know if I would find a love like this, but I wanted that pure, unshakable thing. And of course I want that someday for my friends.
Donnelly pops a buffet lid. “Bacon.” He shuts the lid with aclinkand opens more. “Eggs benedict. Muffins. Oh shit, we’ve got some fancy pancakes.”
Oscar and I are grinning, and we head to the counters. A “fancy pancake” to Donnelly apparently includes fruit and crumbled nuts.
We grab plates and silverware, not waiting for other people to arrive since this is a casual, relaxed affair. Anyone can come and go as they please. Plus, we’re all used to eating when we can in case we’re pulled away.
Radios are still attached to our waistbands. Even my earpiece is still in my ear, the volume higher than usual.
We’re vigilant and attuned to the fact that the new company is understaffed. Being off-duty for my birthday means “green temps” are on our clients. Except I drew the lucky straw, and Banks Moretti is on Maximoff’s detail right now.
It was the best birthday present Akara could’ve given me.
I pile piping hot scrambled eggs, bacon, and oatmeal on my plate. Plus, mixed fruit and a banana.
We settle at a booth: Oscar and Donnelly on one side, and across from them, I stretch my legs out on the seat. Leaning against the window, blinds shut, and I shake a Vitamin-C powdered mix into a water bottle.
I was with Maximoff at the aquatic center earlier, but I had a med call. Strep outbreak at the Cobalt Estate. AudreyandBen are now both on antibiotics. I’ve built up a rock-solid immune system from all my rounds at the hospital, but I still like taking some precautions.
“Best bacon.” Oscar crunches into a strip.
“Nah, the biscuits are better.” Donnelly licks jelly off his thumb.
I look between them and nerves clench my muscles.Shit, this is a weird feeling. I grind the back of my molars and shake my water bottle. I don’t get nervous that often.
See, I didn’t need to think long about who I want as my best man. Who’s going to stand beside me while I marry Maximoff. It’s a simple decision. Easy even.
The problem:askingOscar and Donnelly to be my groomsmen and telling one of them that he’s above the other for this event.
In a way, it’s outwardly admitting how much they both mean to me. I’ve never made some big dramatic deal out of our friendship. And I’m not sure how much it’ll bruise one of them knowing they’re not my best man.
I don’t want to hurt either of them.
I open my mouth.
