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“Matt,” Nick began softly.

“You ever considered, like, saying screw it and trying to date a guy for a change? Not like you’ve had much luck with women,” Matt said.

Nick’s stroking fingers stilled. “Uh...gave it a thought a time or two, yeah.”

Matt closed his eyes, letting himself relax. “Maybe you should do it. Might have better luck, who knows.”

“Yeah,” Nick whispered. “Who knows.”

“And it might stick in your great aunt’s throat, which would be a bonus.”

“You telling me I should date a guy just to piss off my great aunt?”

“No, I’m telling you to date a guy because you haven’t tried yet, and I think that’s stupid. Date a guy if you want to date a guy. Maybe there’s one out there who will make you happy.”

Nick went silent, but that was okay with Matt. He was content to soak up the warmth of Nick’s body and the sound of his breathing. Once more, he drifted off into sleep, far more comfortable than on the couch.

Just as he was about to tip into the abyss of sleep, he heard Nick murmur softly, “Yeah, I know there’s one.”

And then he knew only darkness and dreams.

NICK

Looking over the mounting spread of food, Nick raised a brow. “It looks like you’re trying to feed an army.”

His mother looked up from the stove, giving him a dirty look. “In case it slipped your notice, an entire army is waiting for this food. An army of family.”

Nick thought about teasing her for the weird phrasing but decided against it. Most of their extended family had shown up in the afternoon as promised, and his mother had been prepping dinner ever since. He never knew what she got from working herself to the bone for a single meal, but he wouldn’t argue with her. When she got going, it was better to stay out of the way unless she needed something.

She made a show of looking around him, which he thought a little unnecessary. A handful of people, including his sisters, were in the massive kitchen.

“How’s things going out there?” she asked softly, though Nick noted Maria getting closer to listen.

Nick shrugged. “He’s not hiding in a corner if that’s what you’re worried about. He’s a full-grown man, Mom. He can handle it.”

“This from the man who does whatever he can to make him feel comfortable and safe,” she muttered.

“He’s my friend. Of course I do.”

The disbelieving snort and sneer did not make him feel any better. He could practically hear the comment his mother wanted to make, namely that friendship wasn’t all that lay in Nick’s heart. Thankfully, there was more than just him, her, and Maria standing around, and she’d keep her promise to keep her mouth shut around others.

“That hall is big enough for everyone to sit at four tables, but I’d really like him to sit beside more than just you,” she continued.

“I’m sure we’ll find someone to keep him company,” he told her with a roll of his eyes.

Emily sidled closer, looking smug. “I wouldn’t worry about that. I think he’s found a new friend.”

Nick’s attention snapped to her. “What? When did that happen?”

Christ, he’d only left Matt alone for a few minutes.

Emily shrugged. “Remember Katrina?”

Nick searched his memory before recalling one of his many second cousins. “Didn’t she show up with her husband and kids earlier?”

“Mm, and her brother-in-law. Unmarried little weed of a thing,” Emily explained.

Their mother prodded her. “Don’t call him little. He’s a grown man.”