Page 73

Charmer’s mouth fell open. “That’s why I said hypothetically, fuckin’ idiot.”

Prince slid into the booth next to Charmer, and sunk into the worn vinyl cushion like he was very tired. A small smile seemed to be on his lips constantly, and I decided pretty early on that it was one of pleasant contentment.

It always ticked up a little more as he cast his gaze over the room bustling with laughter and chatter. It was the same kind of look my mother got on her face whenever all of her kids were in one place and getting along.

Ashe reached a leg out, kicking Prince in the shin and bringing his attention to the table.

“What’re you ruminating on over there?” Ashe tipped his chin up.

“What? Can’t a man fucking think around here?”

Ashe shook his head. “We’d all much prefer if you didn’t. It usually means you’re thinking of something for us to do.”

“Yeah,” Charmer scoffed. “None of your grand plans tonight, Prez. For the love of god.”

Prince offered them a laugh and a nod, but then went back into himself, eyes glazing over.

Bull stood to take the empty glasses to the bar for a refill, shaking the entire table as he did. Ashe reached out quickly and caught the cups that wobbled and nearly ended up on the floor, letting out a hiss as he did.

Bull mumbled an embarrassed ‘sorry’as he left, focusing on the glasses in hand and walking much slower than a person usually would to the bar.

“Do ya think you could fit the bike in for a look this week?” Charmer nudged Freddie in the arm, who was only half paying attention.

“What’d you do to it?” Freddie replied after a few beats of silence. His voice was rougher and deeper than I expected from his boyish features, and it didn’t match his face at all.

“Nothing!” Charmer snapped back. “She’s just running a little rich, I think.”

Freddie put his head in his hands, looking like he was about to snap. He took a few moments to mumble expletives under his breath before taking a deep breath and turning back to Charmer.

“Did you clean the carby like I told youlast timeyou whined about this problem?”

“No, that’s what I payyoufor.”

Another few beats passed before Freddie bothered replying again.

“Just buy a fucking modern bike with no carby,” he hissed in a frustrated whisper, as if he were speaking to himself, hands pressed together like he was praying.

“Come on Freddie,” Ashe jutted out his bottom lip. “Charmer will pay you just how you like it.” He motioned a handjob.

“Two handed this time,” Charmer continued, giving an even more enthusiastic air-handjob with both hands and a twisting motion.

Freddie stared blankly ahead.

“You want me to pull apart that fucking bike again, you’ll besuckingmy dick. No more wristys.”

“Deal,” Charmer held out a hand quickly, and I chuckled and shook my head. Freddie looked like the thought of working on Charmer’s bike had broken him, and he kept his hands pressed together in front of his mouth.

“I can’t wait to lose my virginity,” Charmer pushed, leaning his head against Freddie’s shoulder when he refused to shake his hand.

Freddie quickly shoved him away, still swearing under his breath.

“Remember to breathe through your nose.” I lifted my drink in a toast to Charmer.

Ashe choked a little on his drink, spluttering through his laugh. Bull bashed him on the back, trying to clear the airway, but I think the force just made him cough more.

I shook my head, throwing a thumb over my shoulder towards Ashe. “Fuckin’ amateur,” I rolled my eyes in Freddie’s direction.

I got a hint of a smile out of him and felt like I had won some sort of game.