stopped by to see you. Did Declan tell you?”
“Yeah. Sorry. Things have been nuts. What’s all this?” Ezra asked, motioning toward the stage.
Johnny spoke behind him. “Fuck, yeah. They have karaoke.”
Wrecker’s gaze slid Johnny’s way and stuck. “Hi. Yeah. I’ve decided to start having different things—like karaoke—on Wednesday nights. The natives were getting restless around here. I’m Wrecker,” Wrecker said, holding out his hand. “I own the place.”
Johnny barely glanced Wrecker’s way, but he briefly shook hands with him. “Johnny. I’m Ezra’s bodyguard for the night.”
That brought Wrecker’s attention back Ezra’s way. “Bodyguard? Why do you have a bodyguard?”
“He means babysitter,” Ezra said, patting Johnny’s stomach. “You can go play. Wrecker will watch me.”
“Sweet,” Johnny said, heading for the stage without looking back.
“What’s going on?” Wrecker asked again, refusing to let it go.
Ezra shrugged. “Ah, you know, I fell out and had to be rushed to the hospital. So now Declan is refusing to let me do anything alone. I think I scared him a little.”
“Declan? Why would Declan be the one deciding what you can and can’t do alone? That guy is seriously worrying me.”
A huge smile tugged at Ezra’s lips at Wrecker’s tone. He was the best kind of friend. Loyal to the bone. “It’s fine. He’s just looking out for me. Actually, we’re getting married in two weeks.”
“What in the...”
“That’s why I stopped by. I know you’re always busy, but I wanted to make sure you can make it,” Ezra said, cutting him off.
“Make it to where? This is crazy sudden, and it’s Declan.” Wrecker sounded genuinely shocked.
“You know that it’s not sudden at all. It’s always been Declan and me, whether anyone admitted it or not. As to your other question, I’m still working on that. Or rather, Theo is. I want to have the wedding at Jessie’s place, as long as Jessie isn’t still trying to rip Declan’s eyes out by then.”
A stunning voice filled the air, making the entire building fall silent. As one, Wrecker and Ezra turned toward the stage. Johnny was at the microphone. He looked twice as hot with the multicolored stage lights highlighting his sharp features. He had a soulful sound with perfect pitch. His voice was beautiful. Ezra was floored.
“Goddamn.” Wrecker’s curse perfectly summed up the moment. Johnny had talent. Considering he worked for one of the world’s most famous musical talents, Ezra didn’t understand why he hadn’t known that. Surely Jessie had heard Johnny sing at some point. Wrecker and Ezra stood side by side, equally stunned by Johnny. When the song ended, everyone flew to their feet to clap. With an awkward wave, Johnny kept his head down and jogged off the stage. He was back to Ezra’s side in a flash.
“That was fun. I haven’t sung in public in a long time.”
“You’re amazing.” Even Ezra heard the awe in his voice. “Sing at my wedding. I’ll pay you.”
Johnny blushed, looking adorable. “You know you don’t have to pay me, angel. We’re friends.”
They were friends, and—suddenly—the fears he had confessed to Johnny on the drive over disappeared. He had fallen in a hole the past several months, and his brain had tricked him into thinking he was alone, but he wasn’t. He had friends and family. They were closer than he had let himself believe.
“You should come by again the next time you’re off,” Wrecker said, pulling Ezra from his thoughts, only to realize he spoke to Johnny.
Ezra looked between them.
Johnny nodded. “For sure. I was telling Ezra I couldn’t believe I’ve never been inside here before now. I can’t count how many times I’ve driven him or Jessie over here.”
“Well, now you know I’m here.”
No one could miss Wrecker’s emphasis on “I’m” in that sentence. Ezra hid a smile. Wrecker was definitely interested. Ezra decided to push a little. “Wrecker will be at the wedding.”
“Oh, yeah. Definitely. Ezra is my favorite people. Wouldn’t miss it.”
Johnny eyed Wrecker from head to toe on the sly at the comment. “Maybe I’ll see you there.”
Ezra bit his lip to keep from smiling like an idiot. He was so happy and in love, Ezra wanted everyone to feel the way he did. “I guess we should get going. Johnny still has to take me a few more places before the stores close.”
Wrecker looked slightly disappointed. “Sure. Keep me posted. If you need some stuff catered, you know I’m your man.”
“Oh shoot.” Ezra rubbed his forehead. He had the hardest time keeping his thoughts together anymore. “I meant to ask you