Page 94

Charlie huffs but dutifully heads over to where Esther is sitting with a pile of brightly wrapped gifts at her feet. Robert gives Roy a thumbs-up for averting crisis number one of the evening.

“Here you go, honey,” Esther says, handing Charlie a small package wrapped in gold paper. She beams at him like he’s five years old again and just saved Christmas.

As Charlie tears into it with more enthusiasm than necessary, Robert moves over to join Esther and gives her another package, wrapped in silver foil. She opens it delicately to reveal an intricate glass vase.

She holds it up for everyone to see. “This is lovely!”

“You can display all those dead flowers that Dad gets you in there,” Roy quips, earning another head shake from Esther.

Harrison shifts against me, turning his head slightly so he can watch the proceedings without leaving the comfort of our beanbag perch. I take advantage of this new angle to plant a quick kiss on his cheek.

“Are you always this affectionate?” he teases, though there’s no real complaintin his voice.

“Only when I’m awake,” I reply.

He laughs softly and leans into me again as we watch Charlie pass a gift over to Esther. This one is larger, wrapped in bright red paper with an enormous bow perched on top like an afterthought.

“This must be from you boys,” Esther guesses with delight as she rips open the paper and reveals our contribution: a popcorn maker.

“You said you liked ours when you visited,” Charlie explains bashfully.

“It’s wonderful!” Esther gushes, hugging both him and the machine.

The night wears on, and before long, the party devolves into a karaoke free-for-all. A small machine gets hooked up to an ancient TV, and I’m pretty sure the sound system is on its last legs because the audio quality leaves something to be desired. But everyone’s enthusiasm more than makes up for it.

We’ve heard everything from Coach Bryant’s off-key rendition of “Sweet Caroline” to Esther and Robert’s adorable duet of “Islands in the Stream.” Even Javi and Joe Bryce have joined in the fun, currently serenading us with “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” while the rest of the team acts as their background vocals.

As their duet comes to an end, I can’t help but notice the sudden closeness between Javi and Joe Bryce. The way Javi slings an arm around Joe’s shoulders, pulling him close. How Joe leans into the touch, a lazy grin spreading across his face. There’s a comfort there that goes beyond mere friendship. I should know; I’ve seen it between Charlie, Harrison, and me.

Intrigued, I wave them over to where Harrison and I are still lounging on the beanbag. They amble toward us, Javi’s hand slipping down to rest at the small of Joe’s back.

“Hey, great performance,” I say as they approach. “You two have really gotten close this season.”

Joe chuckles, exchanging a glance with Javi. “Yeah, you could say that. We’re buds, now.”

“Just buds?” I probe gently. “Because from where I’m sitting, it looks like there might be something more going on.”

Javi grins, completely at ease. “Nah, man. We’re both straight as arrows. But you know, sometimes a guy needs a little…stress relief. And who better to help out than your best bro?”

Joe nods sagely. “Exactly. I mean, have you seen this dude’s ass?” He reaches down and gives Javi’s ample rear a resounding slap. “That thing is a work of art. How could I resist?”

Javi yelps, swatting at Joe’s hand, but he’s laughing. “Watch it, Bryce. Don’t make me take you over my knee.”

“Don’t threaten me with a good time, Martinez,” Joe retorts with a wink.

Harrison and I exchange smirks. It’s clear that while Javi and Joe might not be romantically involved, there’s definitely a unique bond forming.

“Well, hey, no judgment here,” I assure them. “If it works for you guys, then more power to you.”

“Damn straight,” Javi says. Then, catching himself, he chuckles. “Or, you know, not straight. Ah, you get what I mean.”

As they wander off to grab some drinks, I nestle my chin on Harrison’s shoulder, hugging him close. “Takes all kinds, I guess,” I murmur.

Harrison hums in agreement. “I think it’s kind of sweet. That they can be that open and comfortable with each other without it being a big deal.”

“Agreed. Maybe there’s a lesson in there for the rest of us.”

We lapse into a contemplative silence, content to simply observe the warm chaos of the party unfolding around us. Esther is fussing over the popcorn maker, insisting on preparing a fresh batch for everyone to enjoy. Robert hovers nearby, ready to help, while Charlie takes it upon himself to be the next crooner of the night. And if his song choice is any indication, he’s going to need a lung transplant when he finishes.