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“You don’t mind sharing food?” Lake asked.

“I’d love to share food with you,” Jesse replied. “For many more meals.”

“Okay,” Lake said. “For many more meals. Tomorrow too, right?”

“Yes, tomorrow too.” Jesse picked up the cloth napkin rolled around the silverware. “Now you need to eat. I don’t want you stressing out about getting back to work.”

“Yeah.” Lake picked up his own silverware.

“While we eat, you can tell me who’s working for the aliens and who’s in danger of being abducted.”

Lake groaned.

“I would be working with the aliens, wouldn’t I?” Jesse asked.

Lake nodded. “You would. Sorry?”

Jesse shrugged. “I guess it makes sense.”

“That’s all anyone is talking about.” Lake took a bite, and his entire face lit up. “This is so good!”

“I’m glad you like it,” Jesse said, pleased.

“But we’ve separated most of the club into two groups. The alien abductions and those that must be watched.”

“At least Dom’s not there. He would be having a field day with this.”

Lake giggled. “The group chat is already going wild. I have no idea who told him but when I grabbed my phone before heading up here, he stated he was making a spreadsheet.”

This time it was Jesse who groaned.

“Dom included the entire coffee shop, security team, and some of the dealers.”

It shouldn’t amuse him as much as it did. The entire conversation was ridiculous, and Jesse was enjoying every minute of it. If he learned anything from spending time with Jesse and their friend group, it was that they needed more ridiculous in their lives.

“Well, if I’m working for the aliens, then I insist that Remi, Eric, and Dane also get judged.”

Lake nodded. “Remi and Dane are with you. Eric’s one of us.”

“One of you,” Jesse scoffed.

“Me, Ezra, and Brandon.” Lake smirked. “You get Dom.”

“No!” Jesse said, horrified. “I refuse!”

Lake shook his head. “We took a vote.”

“No! Make another category,” Jesse demanded.

“What category?” Lake asked. He was trying to hide his grin. Lake wasn’t doing a good job of it, but he was trying.

“The…the…” Jesse snapped his fingers. “The ones the aliens return!”

Lake laughed so hard he shook the table as he held onto it.

Jesse felt like he was the richest man in the world, and it had nothing to do with the amount of money he had. Seeing Lake’s entire face light up in glee was worth every doubt that Jesse pushed down.

Chapter Four