“Always.”
“Donovan said that it worked out just as well that I wanted to hang with the girls tonight, because Troy and Gavin had just called to see if he was free to have a brothers’ night.”
“Troy and Gavin actually used the phrase ‘brothers’ night’ to describe it to you on the phone? That is weird.”
“I believe the actual term used was ‘bro hang.’”
“That tracks.”
“But, here’s what I think is weird: the night that you and I call our friend to have a girls’ night just happens to be the same night that the Valentine brothers decide to get together? Coincidence?”
“I think the phrase ‘just happens to be’ puts it squarely in that realm, by definition.”
“I was being sarcastic with that phrasing.”
“Oh, is that what that was? Damn. Maybe you need more practice.”
“Anyway, it’s…hmmm. It’s almost like something happened today. Something that both you and Gavin need your peeps around you to try to work through.”
“Okay, first things first. Never say peeps. And second, you’re reaching.”
Ella shrugged. “Fine. I said I wasn’t going to push and I won’t.”
“Excellent.”
“I’ll just say this one thing—”
“Of course you will.”
“—I can’t promise that the ‘no pushing’ thing will extend beyond tonight.”
Gen laughed. “Well, then let’s call Abby and get this party started. I’ve only been granted a limited reprieve and I want to make the most of it.”