Rhett’s at a table with Jack, Callum, and who I presume to be Jack’s mom and dad. I didn’t get a good look at Callum last night, but he sort of looks like Jack’s breed of boy; he’s a clear foot taller than me and more broad-shouldered, like a linebacker, one of those corn-fed white football players on TV who somehow get endorsements to pose shirtless for Nike. Jack’s dad looks like the kind of man who drinks whiskey and chops wood, a Ron Swanson clad in flannel with a full salt-and-pepper beard and Jack’s blue eyes. His mom has long brown hair and high cheekbones with Jack’s cute button nose. She looks like she’s ready to go skiing, all cozied up in a baby-pink pilled sweater and thick gray yoga pants, which are appropriate given how damn cold it got this weekend.

“Are these your friends?” Jack’s mom says, her eyes bright.

“Sorry, we didn’t mean to intrude,” Benny says. “We should—”

“Nonsense!” Jack’s dad shouts. “Please, sit.”

Jack and Callum are seated next to each other, across from Jack’s dad, mom, and Rhett. Jack’s dad motions for me to sit right next to him, and Rae and Benny sit across from me, next to Jack. I try not to look at Rae, who is seething, so my eyes find Benny, who looks like a frightened bunny in the woods during hunting season.

“We were almost finished, but we were just telling Jack how we’d love to meet his friends.”

Jack’s dad holds out a hand for me to shake, and it’s strong as hell and reminds me of Jack’s hands, the hands that just last night made me tremble and feel like they were the safest place in the world.

“You must be Chase. I can tell by the gray hair. You know Jack, ever the writer. We get descriptions of all his friends.” He laughs, short but hearty.

“Nice to meet you,” I say. Callum is staring at me, clenched jaw and dagger eyes. Jack won’t even look at me, which is fine because if he does, I’ll probably burst into tears.

“This is awkward,” Jack’s dad says, and I freeze, afraid to breathe. “I’m just realizing that Chase is the only one he’s told us about, besides Rhett, of course.”

Rhett gives an awkward salute with his fork.

“I’m Rae, Chase’s best friend.” She extends a hand and gives Jack the dirtiest glare.

“Benny.” He offers nothing but a curt wave.

Jack’s dad shifts a bit uncomfortably in his seat because Benny is so obviously gay, it practically radiates off him in glittery waves.