Page 23

“We’re doing what now?” Scotty pipes up, shifting his gaze from the window wall to me.

“I got us a permit to cut down our own Christmas tree in the National Forest.”

Scotty studies my face for a moment, and I see hesitation start to creep in as his eyes dart between Joey and me. “I really appreciated you guys including me in the contest yesterday, but are you sure you want me to come? That sounds like it’d be a cute romantic couple thing the two of you would want to do together. I swear I won’t be offended if you guys want some alone time this week.”

I open my mouth to disagree, because pre-Harry, Scotty would’ve jumped all over that without hesitation and there’s really no reason for us to exclude him in anything this week, but Joey beats me to it, getting up and walking over to join him on his couch as he reassures him earnestly, leaving no room for doubt. “We want you to come with us, Scotty.”

“You two are really committed to the ‘no third wheel’ bit this week,” Scotty replies in what I think is meant to be a joking tone, but the way his voice hitches gives way to how much he appreciates it. The fact that he’s hesitant at all is making me despise his ex even more, and I’m not typically an angry person. For Harry to have taken the energetic, flirty, fun man we knew and turned him into someone who doubts himself so much infuriates me. I meant what I said to him the first night; I want to help him get back to his carefree self.

“Just because something might sound romantic doesn’t mean we can’t all have fun doing it together. Most people would argue sex is only meant to be between two people, and I think the three of us would all disagree with that.” Scotty and Joey both chuckle, which I take as a good sign, so I continue. “We want you to have the best week possible. Yesterday was great, and it reminded me of how much fun the three of us used to have. Maybe you can try to forget about the fact that Joey and I are married. We’re all here together this week to have a good time; that’s what matters. If you’re okay with it, I’d like to treat you the same way I treat Joey?”

Scotty’s throat bobs as I continue to smile at him, waiting for his response. He glances at Joey, who nods encouragingly, before he finally clears his throat. “Yeah, okay. I never want you to think that I’m trying to disrespect your relationship, but if that’s what you’d both like to do, then I think I’d like that. Let’s go cut down a tree.”

He laughs, and finally his smile that I love so much returns as he visibly relaxes.

“The three of us are going to have an epic Vermont Christmas. All together,” Joey assures him.

“Hell yeah we are,” I agree. “I’ve packed my snow gear to layer up after breakfast, so I’d recommend you two do the same.”

They both nod. “Want to go get ready with me?” Joey asks Scotty, holding out his hand for him to take.

When Scotty places his hand in Joey’s and lets him lead him up the stairs, the sight makes my heart feel like it’s physically expanding with how much affection I feel for both of them. We’ve always had a soft spot for Scotty, but his friendship when we first moved to New York was especially important to Joey.

Joey was less comfortable meeting new people in a new place than I was, and he was especially worried about having to come out to people. Scotty immediately hitting on him, assuming that he was queer, and jumping to become friends when he found out Joey was married, helped his confidence in ways that I’m not even sure Joey fully realized. Scotty has always meant a lot to him, and he was upset when he moved away. We both were. We kept hoping that Scotty would invite us out to visit him, but we didn’t know Harry very well and weren’t sure if we should invite ourselves.

If we had, would we have noticed how unhappy he was? I guess there’s no use wondering now that he’s found his way back to the city and into our lives. We’re lucky to have this opportunity to help him enjoy life again. He seemed happy yesterday, and having him here made our tradition even more fun.

Joey’s bright smile as he catches my eye while walking up the spiral stairs makes me already wish this week would never end.

While they’re getting ready, I make sure everything else is organized. I’ve really enjoyed taking the lead for this trip. I like feeling like I’m making people’s lives easier and more enjoyable, especially the people I care about. Joey has never really needed much help from me in our day-to-day life, but when Jace lived with us for years after his dad kicked him out, I took him under my wing at work. He was eighteen at the time, so we never felt like parents, but I kind of miss that sense of purpose I felt helping mentor him now that he’s married and no longer working at the same company as me.

I confirm I have our permit to cut down the tree, a saw, and rope. I also have a grocery list and meals planned for the next few days here, but this morning, I want to take them to the breakfast place in town. Heading outside, I turn the car on to warm it up for my guys while clearing the snow off. The listing for the rental mentioned a snow removal service, and it looks like they’ve already been by, so at least I don’t need to worry about getting the car out of the driveway.

A few minutes later, they come out, each bundled up in their winter coats and beanies, cheeks already slightly pink from the cold.

“We should be all ready to head out if you guys are,” I confirm as they get in. Scotty automatically gets in the back, so I decide to tease him for it because I feel like he’s still trying to put walls between himself and us. “You don’t always have to sit back there. I like driving and never get to do it in the city, so I’ll keep my spot if no one protests, but I promise I won’t bite if you don’t want me to; no need to hide in the back.”

Joey laughs from his spot next to me in the passenger seat as I pull out of the driveway. “Don’t lie to him. You’ve definitely bitten me without me asking.”

“Well, your bare ass is very biteable. I’m sure Scotty would agree with me.”

“Hmm, I might need a closer look,” Scotty suggests playfully.

Joey’s eyes visibly darken as he turns back to look at Scotty with a smirk. “You’re welcome to do whatever you’d like to my ass when we get back.”

Scotty lets out an adorable whimper. “Why are we leaving again?”

“To eat,” I remind him firmly. “And get a real tree because it’s Christmas, and I refuse to put our ornaments on that sorry excuse for a fake one that’s back at the house.”

Scotty crosses his arms over his chest and lets out a big sigh. “Fine. But I will be thinking about Joey’s ass all morning, and I blame you.”

“You’re welcome,” I reply with a wink when I meet his gaze in my rearview mirror.

When we get to the restaurant and walk inside, it’s exactly what I hoped for from a classic diner. Booths line the walls; there’s a main counter with bar stools filled by old men facing the griddle where a man in a white apron is cooking. It has a very small-town feel to it, and they have rainbow Christmas lights strung around, which gives them an extra point in my book. White lights are just so boring.

A waitress brings us to an open booth, and I don’t give Scotty the opportunity to sit by himself. I spread out obnoxiously on my side so that he and Joey are forced to sit across from me.

“This place is homey,” Joey says with a smirk, probably amused by my move to ensure Scotty didn’t exclude himself again.