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“I’m not taking Zeb to the cabin. We’ve had this discussion.”
“So, you’re backing out of the bet?” said Ryder.
Last year, when Ryder had met Felix, Mason had bet he couldn’t keep the guy until New Year’s Eve. He had never expected to lose, given Ryder’s reputation, but Felix was good for him. Mason loved seeing his friend happy, but he needed to butt out of his business. Ryder had become one of those annoying people who believed that because he was happy and in love, everyone should be the same. None of his other friends had been like that when they’d settled down.
“I get why you didn’t do it earlier in the year, but Zeb is single again now. It’s time to make your move.”
“Let it go, Ryder. We’re not having this conversation again.”
“And what happens when he meets someone else?”
Mason felt sick at the thought. “I’ll be happy for him.”
“Tell that to your face.”
“I’ve made myself clear on this. He’s my employee, and I would never take advantage of him. He deserves someone his own age, who can give him the attention and love he deserves. And you know that’s not me. If that’s what today is about, then I’m not staying.”
He put his glass down and started to walk away, but Sebastian gripped his shoulder.
“Mason, you’re not going anywhere. We rarely have the six of us together like this anymore. Ryder, drop it for today. Let’s all just have an enjoyable meal. Ryder can talk about his wedding, given he likes to be the center of attention.”
They all laughed. Ryder was marrying Felix in the spring, in Atlanta, which is where he was from. His mom wanted to give her son the perfect wedding. Ryder was footing the bill, and Mama Quinn was organizing everything.
“Two weddings next year,” said Ethan. “Are you going to make it a third, Deacon?”
“When he’s finished culinary school, it’s something we might look at.”
He was being vague, but Mason knew that if Hunter gave the nod, Deacon would have his boy down the aisle in seconds. Marriage wasn’t for everyone, though, so they might be happy just staying as they were. If he ever met someone, he wasn’t sure whether it was something he would want himself.
“Come on, gents, lunch is served.”
They walked over to the dining table where everything was set up. The catering staff left. The food was all covered, but it smelled delicious. Mason rarely had food that he hadn’t cooked himself, or wasn’t made at the restaurant, so this was a pleasant treat.
“I wonder what the boys are doing?” asked Max.
“Isn’t Paolo the same age as you?” asked Ryder. “You still refer to yourself as a boy.”
“Don’t be a dick. You know what I meant. Paolo said they were going to some diner in Queens.”
“What?” said Mason. “I would have arranged a table for them.”
“Charlie said something about wanting real New York food.”
They all laughed, Mason included.
“Zeb was joining them,” said Ryder, with a grin on his face.
“Ryder,” warned Sebastian. “We agreed to drop it.”
Mason shook his head and couldn’t help but smile. He was happy Zeb had his own group of friends, but he couldn’t help wondering if they were giving him a hard time as well.
CHAPTER 2
ZEB
Zeb was looking forward to today.
They always had a good time whenever Charlie came over from London. They still had fun when he wasn’t here, but given his longer visits were only every couple of months, it meant they all made sure they were free. Zeb appreciated them. The were all in relationships with the friends of Charlie’s husband, Sebastian, but they never made him feel like he was the odd one out.
