Lord, Finn wanted one with Joel.
What I need right now is some good advice, from someone whose first response won’t be to just fuck Joel’s brains out. And he knew just who to get it from. Finn pulled his phone from his pocket and hit speed dial. “Hey. I haven’t caught you in the middle of a video call or something, have I?”
Levi chuckled. “No, that was last night. And the good thing about being a social media manager is I get to take breaks when I want. What’s up?” Then thunder rumbled overhead, and Levi gasped. “Tell me you’re not out in that.”
“I know it sounds like a torrent of bullets, but that’s the rain pelting the roof of my truck. No work today. And I’m calling because…” Finn sighed. “Because I need to talk to someone, and you’re the first person I thought of.”
“Well, do you want to talk over the phone, or do you want to come over? Seeing as you’re not working. And Grammy just baked.”
Finn stilled. “What did she make?”
“Chocolate chip and pecan cookies.” He paused. “She made your favorite lemon cake yesterday.”
“Christ, you fight dirty. I’ll be there as fast as I can.”
“Hey!” Levi’s voice rose. “Be careful, okay? Don’t go breaking any land speed records, not in this weather.”
Warmth radiated through him. His friends were the best, always looking out for each other. “I’ll drive safe, I promise. See you soon.” Then he disconnected.
Finn pulled away from the curb and turned the truck around. Thank God Wells was less than a half hour’s drive.
Well—maybe a little longer in this weather.
Before Finn could ring the doorbell, the door swung open, and Grammy stood there, beaming. “Finn! Come on in, you big galoot.”
He stepped out of the rain and into her hallway, then bent down and kissed her cheek. “Who you calling a ‘galoot’? You still sore about that cup I broke last time I was here?” He grinned. “Either I’m standing on a box, you’re standing in a hole, or you’re shrinking, Grammy.”
“You little article!” She whacked him on the arm, then chuckled. “I’ve lost a couple of inches. They must be around here someplace.” She peered over his shoulder. “Lord, it’s wicked out there. Let me close the door.” Once it was shut, she narrowed her gaze. “Coat and boots off, before you drip all over my hall floor.”
Finn shrugged off his coat, and she hung it over the mat. Then he toed off his boots and left them there. “Now give me a proper hug. Haven’t had a Grammy hug for months, and they’re the best kind.”
“Aw, aren’t you some cunnin’?” A loud crack of thunder shook the glass in the door, and her eyes widened. “My, this weather. Did you ever?” She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight. “I swear, you’re gettin’ bigger every time I see you.” She released him. “Go on into the dining room. Levi’s in there, workin’. I’ll bring you both some hot chocolate and cookies.” Grammy patted his arm. “Good to see you, sweetheart.” Then she disappeared through the door that led to the kitchen.
Hot chocolate and cookies. Gotta love Grammy.
Finn went into the dining room, where Levi sat at the table, his gaze focused on the screen, his brow furrowed. He glanced up as Finn entered, and the frown vanished, replaced by a broad smile that reached his eyes. “You made it.” Levi got up and came over to give Finn a hug. Finn held him close, and Levi stilled. “Hey, you okay?”
They parted, and Finn pulled out the chair next to Levi’s. Levi sat beside him.
“Not really.” He glanced at Levi and despite his churning stomach, he smiled. “It’s official. You got the best beard of all of us.” Dylan had joked at the wedding that except for Ben, they were all sporting beards of one description or another, but most of them were little more than scruff. Levi’s was the fullest, and the neatest.
As if that was any surprise.
Levi arched his dark brows. “I’m pretty certain you didn’t come here to talk about my beard.”
Then Finn realized Levi knew nothing about Joel. “There’s something I need to tell you. The thing is… I’ve met someone.”
Levi’s face lit up. “Oh wow. When did this happen? That’s awesome.” Then his smile faltered. “I’m guessing it’s not awesome, or else why would you be here needing advice?” He closed his laptop. “Okay, you’ve got my undivided attention. Tell me everything.”
“There’s not that much