Page 76 of Ancient Obsession

“You’re sure?” Cody turned to the plants. “I’m happy to go back in there.”

“I’m sure.”

That deflated a bit of the tension in them all.

“Thank you, though, for being so protective,” Oliver said. “Both of you.” He blew out a breath and shook some of the tension from his hands. “But, good news. Dave’s booking this place.”

Demetrius grabbed him in a hug. “I’m so happy! It’s going to be a beautiful ceremony.”

“I’m glad, Ollie.” Cody squeezed his shoulder. “It’s a good place.” He smirked. “Despite the thorns.”

“And the possibility of bees?” Oliver couldn’t help saying.

“It’s a valid question! So many people are allergic.”

Robin rounded a corner. They wore a straw boater hat and a hoodie with an embroidered anime character on the left side. Their backpack hung from one shoulder. “Sorry I’m late. I had to meet up with a study group from my economics class.”

Cody made a face. “Tough class?”

“Brutal.” Robin took a step closer to Oliver. “Well? What do you think?”

Oliver hugged them. “We love it. Thank you for the suggestion.”

Robin snapped their fingers and clapped. “Yes! It’s going to be so fire.”

“I hope so, because you’re invited.”

“Really?”

“Of course. We’ve been through a lot in a very short time. I consider you a good friend.”

“Me, too. I mean, you’re a good friend, too.” Robin clapped their hands softly. “I’m really happy right now.”

“I have one suggestion,” Demetrius said.

“Uh oh…”

“Nothing bad, relax. How about we combine the bachelor parties into one get together? Each party has pretty much the same guest list.”

“Wow. That…” Oliver trailed off, unable to finish. The skin across the back of his neck went soft, and he found it bit easier to breathe. “That would be so great.”

Demetrius smiled at Robin. “You’re invited, of course.”

“For real? Sweet!”

“Wait a minute,” Cody said, studying Robin. “How old are you again?”

“Twenty.”

Cody pointed a finger at them. “No booze.”

“I don’t drink.” Robin shrugged. “I don’t like how it makes me feel.”

“Talk to me when you hit your mid-thirties.”

“The party’s at the Hollow Leg bar in Parson’s Hollow.” Demetrius turned to Oliver. “And I was thinking tomorrow night, if that works for you?”

“That was my party night anyway, wasn’t it?”