Dex chewed on his lip, because Frank's words were directed at him as much as at Hammer. The constant back and forth behind him made focusing on the food tough so it was a relief that he was almost done with that. “You can’t control everything, Frank. You know what they say. You taught me how to fish, but now you gotta let me put that worm on the hook.”
Shane raised his eyebrows. “Who says that?”
Dex groaned, flipping the bacon. “People.”
“Pretty accurate, if you ask me,” Hammer said and winked at Dex with a smile that made his dimples stand out.
Dex stilled. It was nice to feel appreciated for a change, instead of being constantly berated and treated as if he wasn’t capable of making his own choices.
“Of course you’d say that,” Frank snarked before stuffing his mouth with food. “If you make him feel like he’s making all the decisions himself, he’ll be easier to manipulate.”
“I didn’t push him to do anything beyond specifically taking him hostage.”
Dex shrugged. “To be fair, that was also kinda my fault.” Because yeah, he could own up to his mistakes. Even if, or especially when, in the end those revealed themselves to be fantastic life choices.
He split the noodles into four bowls, because while Frank had said he didn’t want any, he did love Dex’s special ramen, so there was a chance the meal could soften his attitude.
Dex sprinkled grated cheese on top and put two crispy strips of bacon in the middle of each portion, like chefs did on TV.
“You what?” Frank barked, but Hammer cut in.
“Doesn’t matter anymore. Let’s just eat. I’m starving,” he said and rose, approaching Dex. He grabbed two of the bowls and carried them to the table, then returned for another one, which he placed in front of the empty chair.
Dex smiled and put the final portion next to Frank, as a peace offering.
Shane smelled the vapor coming up from his bowl and smiled as Dex sat at Hammer’s side “Smells fucking delicious. It’s been two years since I left prison, and I still can’t get over how good the food is out here.”
Hammer grinned. “Unbelievably so. The simplest things can still at times feel like delicacies.”
Shane blew air on his first spoonful. “Oh yeah?”
“Been in juvie, and in the county jail. Can’t recommend either of those. One-star experiences, both of them. Since then, I learned how to avoid getting caught,” Hammer said and winked at Dex while his boot gently pressed the tips of Dex’s sneakers.
Dex’s insides might have melted like the cheese he’d sprinkled on the noodles. “See, Frank? He’ll teach me all about staying safe. You wouldn’t believe the things we did while we were away. I can’t go into details, but I was serious when I said he saved me from a tiger.”
“Did he also save you from a burning building?” Shane teased, but Dex could recognize it was good natured this time.
“Dex is the kind of guy who can weasel his way out of any situation, so I wouldn’t worry,” Hammer said before digging into the food.
Dex’s stomach sank as he waited for the verdict as if he were on trial for murder. His hand was sweaty around the spoon, and his throat closed up, but then Hammer made a pleased grunt and nodded.
“Gotta say, I did not expect it to taste this good. Real comfort food.”
Dex beamed at him, wishing he could sit in Hammer’s lap. It felt like forever since they touched, and their one and only kiss had been cut short. “They don’t call me Noodle Master for nothing.”
Shane laughed. “No one calls you that. Try it, Frank, it’s really good.”
Frank shook his head, but when his gaze licked the strips of bacon topping the bowl of food, Dex could sense his resolve breaking. “Fine. If whatever this is,” he pointed between Dex and Hammer, “is happening, you need to know the rules. The main one being, you can’t fuck here when I’m home. You can hear everything through these walls.”
“That’s fair. I have my own place,” Hammer said, helping himself to more food.
“Definite upgrade from your last guy, Dex,” Shane said, but his grin was no longer mean. It seemed good instant ramen could appease just about anyone.
Dex smiled with his mouth full. “I can’t wait to see it. And maybe I can sort out something for myself too in a few months. I just need to save up.”
He could practically hear Frank’s muscles turning into stone, even though he seemed pleased with the crispiness of the bacon. “Move out where exactly? Does this mean you’ll get a job?”
“That’s one thing I wanted to talk about,” Hammer said and reached into a backpack he’d brought with him. Moments later, a leather garment landed on the table between him and Dex. “The club has voted on it. It’s your choice,” He said and picked up the bowl, drinking some of the soup.