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I cringe, then look pleadingly at Quint. He hums to himself, as if this were a big decision and he really has to think it over.

I kiss him. He melts against me, his arm tightening, drawing me closer.

Beside me, Jude mutters, “I would literally rather be thrown into the fires of Mount Doom than be stuck in this booth right now.”

I pull away and kick my brother under the table, but he just starts to chuckle. I know he has to play the grossed-out-brother card, but I also know he likes Quint and he’s really happy for us.

Someday, I hope to see him this happy. And Ari, too, for that matter.

“So?” I ask, refocusing on Quint. “What do you say,partner?”

“Hey, did you not see my kickass presentation on shark fin soup? Evidently, that stuff is delicious.”

Morgan gasps audibly. “You are barbaric.”

I meet Quint’s eye again. “Please rescue me.”

He grins. “I guess someone has to be your partner, so I might as well take one for the team.”

“How very generous of you.”

“Just trying to build up my good karma points.”

“I’m sure the universe will reward you greatly.”

“You know what?” says Quint. “I think it already has.”

We kiss again, and I can’t help but smile against him—blissfully, cosmically happy.

I swear I can feel the universe smiling back.