Page 235 of Pucking Around

“Of course, not,” she cries. “My early twenties were a who’s who of human trash. There was never a moment I wanted to waste my parents’ time with an introduction of some guy that was only going to be around for the length of a—”

“Doooon’t you dare finish that sentence,” I say. “Look, I know you had guys before us, but here’s the new house rule: frisbee golf rules apply to all past relationships.”

They all exchange a confused glance. “Frisbee golf rules?” she asks.

“Yeah, you know like, do I know that frisbee golf is a thing? Yeah, of course, I do. But do I want to learn a single other detail about it no matter how big or small? Hell to the fucking no. Your past relationships are frisbee golf to me, Seattle. And I will happily extend you the same courtesy.”

She snorts, rolling her eyes. “That is the stupidest—”

“Smartest idea you’ve ever had,” Caleb says over her. “I’m with Jake on this. Frisbee golf rules. Mars, you agree?”

“I’m not even pretending to listen,” he mutters, turning with the skillet in hand. “Fetch your plate, Jake.”

I snatch a plate from the island and hold it out as he slips some kind of egg scramble onto it. “Hey, thanks,” I say with a grin. “Who knew this whole sex team thing could come with so many perks? I can’t remember the last time someone made me breakfast.”

“I make you breakfast all the time,” Caleb mutters.

“Yeah, calling up the stairs to ask if I want the milk left out for cereal isnotmaking me breakfast,” I reply, digging in the drawer for a fork.

“Okay,” says Rachel, getting to her feet. “I’m gonna go brush my teeth and grab my laptop. Kulta, you’ll be ready in five?”

“Joo,” he replies, his back turned again at the stove.

“You’re leaving now?” I say, fork paused halfway to my lips.

“Mhmm. Ilmari is taking me to the airport on his way into the gym.” She leans over me to kiss my forehead. Turning she gives Cay a kiss too. Then she flits around the kitchen island, her arm slinking around Mars’ waist as they mutter something in Finnish, and she pecks him on the cheek. Poseidon follows her everywhere at this point, racing after her as she jogs for the stairs.

“So, you’re really fine with her going?” Cay mutters the moment she’s out of earshot.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” I say with a shrug. “It makes sense that she wants to tell her family about us in person. And how cool will it be to get to meet Hal Price?”

“Easy,” he mutters. “You know how weird she gets about him. When you meet him, you gotta be cool, okay? Don’t embarrass her. More importantly, don’t embarrassme.”

“Hey, I’m not the one you need to worry about,” I say defensively. “Sure, I’ve seen The Ferrymen in concert once or twice. But ask our giant Finnish friend here how many times he’s seen them live.” I turn to face him, smirking.

Mars just shrugs.

“Yeah, I’m not worried about Mars losing his cool,” Caleb replies.

“I’m not gonna lose my cool!”

“Both of you shut up,” Mars mutters, glancing towards the stairs. “We have more important matters to discuss. I’m not going to the gym. I’ll take her to the airport, then I’m coming straight back here. We have much to plan.”

“I agree,” Caleb replies. “I’ve been up since six. I have a list going already.”

“Me as well,” says Mars with a nod.

I glance between them. “Is this about Operation Coming Out Day? Because I’ve got a bunch of ideas too.”

“No, I’m talking about our plan for getting Rachel her job back,” Caleb replies.

“Same,” says Mars.

I glance between them. “Okay…yeah, that’s super important. But you know what’s evenmoreimportant? Going public with our relationship.”

“I don’t know if she’ll still want to do that if this suspension is final,” Caleb says with a grimace. “I mean, her whole thing is that the press only reports on her scandals and her failures. We might have to give this time to all blow over.”

Mars is nodding his head and I swear to fuck, my heart drops from my chest.