Page 53 of Bleeding Hearts

“He’s right,” Bones agrees.

“We can do sober months. It will be good for us anyway. If you aren’t drinking, then neither are we. We are your safe space, Lally. You don’t have to worry when you’re with us.” Evan smiles, reaching over and taking my other hand. “It’s good to have you back.”

“I’m sorry it took so long,” I say softly. My eyes burn for some reason as I look at them. There’s no judgment, just genuine happiness that I’m here.

“You’re here now, which is all that matters, and we are all together again.” Evan grins. “Now, let’s order some food and have a good night.”

As they look over the menu, I grab ours and notice the submission information at the bottom for local artists and show it to Alice.

“You should ask if you could paint something here,” I tell her.

“They wouldn’t want me,” she scoffs.

“Says who?” I ask. “You won’t know if you don’t try. You love painting, right? It’s good experience, and the worst they can say is no.”

“I don’t know if I’m ready or good enough,” she admits.

Putting the menu down, I focus on her. “You like painting, yes?”

“I love it,” she answers shyly.

“Then try it,” I press. “For me?”

Biting her lip, she pulls her phone out and scans the code.

I lean into her, watching as she submits the application before I kiss her cheek. “Good job, baby.”

When I glance up, Alek is smiling at me, and he winks before focusing on Evan, who points at something on the menu. I watch as my best friend stares up at him adoringly, and then I glance at Skylar and Bones. Sky’s arm is wrapped around Bones, and he kisses his face repeatedly. Bones appears indifferent, but I can see the smile he’s trying to hide.

“So. Fucking. Adorable.” Skylar punctuates each word with a kiss.

Alek groans. “Get a room.”

“Look at this face. Look at this beautiful face and tell me how I can resist.” Skylar pulls Bones closer by the chin.

Turning, I grab Alice’s head and tug her closer. “Now, this is a beautiful face,” I tease and kiss her cheek as she laughs. Skylar starts kissing Bones’s face as we glare at each other, a competition ensuing while Evan and Alek laugh.

“Alright, alright!” Bones pushes Skylar away. “Enough. Let the love birds win. They are still in the honeymoon phase.”

“Wait . . . Does that mean we had a honeymoon phase?” Skylar presses his hands together hopefully. “As in we’re married?”

“Fuck.” Bones grabs the menu and focuses on it while I shake my head. Skylar practically swoons and turns to Alek, nudging him.

“You heard him, right?”

“I did.” Alek nods. “He’s as batshit as you are.”

“Right? We’re perfect for each other,” Skylar agrees seriously.

While they talk, I scan the QR code and add my order before handing it to Alice, then she passes it around. When it’s done, I go to pay, but she snatches the phone from my hand and submits her details instead, making my eyes narrow. “I can be your sugar mama,” she whispers, wiggling her eyebrows, and my annoyance lessens.

“Oh, by the way, I got two tickets to that title match at the end of the month. Bones and I were going to go, but I have to leave town for a race. Do any of you want them?” Skylar asks as we wait for food.

“I have to go with you, dumbass,” Alek scoffs, “and I’m taking Evan. We’re going to have a hotel date.”

“You mean fuck in a different bed?” I retort, and Alek turns beet red.

“What about you? You look like you would enjoy boxing,” Skylar asks me.