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He moans again as if in pain.

“Come home to me as soon as you can,” I say.

“You can count on it.”

We eventually end the call. I throw myself back on the bed, before picking up my phone.

ME:

What are you doing tonight?

SAMUEL:

Are you back?

ME:

I am

SAMUEL:

Tristan’s Bar - the guy promised me some wine!

ME:

Perfect.

I get ready and meet Samuel at Tristan’s wine bar. Tristan greets us both with a grin and an open bottle.

“For the tickets,” Tristan says, placing the bottle on the table in front of us.

I raise an eyebrow.

“He got me tickets for the show he’s in,” Tristan admits.

“A lady?” I ask.

Tristan shakes his head, and Samuellaughs.

“His mother wanted to see it. I got her backstage passes to meet the lead,” he explains.

Tristan takes a seat and joins us. It’s not long before Quentin and Xander are pulling up a chair.

“Heard you two were out and about,” Quentin says, ordering another bottle of wine. “Where’s your other half?” he directs at me.

“Manchester,” I say, a little surprised they don’t already know this. “He’s due back tomorrow night.”

“Don’t look so surprised. Since you came on the scene, Caleb doesn’t write, he doesn’t call,” Tristan says, pretending to wipe a tear from his eyes. “He’s a changed man, and it’s all down to you.”

“A Marcus, two-point-zero,” Xander adds, laughing.

I know how much the guys rib Marcus about having settled down, although I know they all envy him for his family life. Caleb has explained their aversion to commitment and why.

“When are you putting our buddy out of his misery and moving back in?” Quentin asks, only to be thumped hard by Xander.

“Quentin,” he hisses.

“I’m just asking. It’s clear they’re mad about each other.”