“Nothing. Just jealous that I can’t join the guys in making such perfect arses of themselves.” Much as Rico detested the brace, he was grateful for it today. He was in no mood to get out there and prove how much of a party animal he was. Not that he wasn’t perfectly adept at that. As a Carioca born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, knowing how to have a good time—while preserving his dignity—was in his blood.

Zee knew he was joking, but he still looked at Rico in that way good friends looked at you when you were off your game: one part concern, the other part impatient hope that your affliction would pass fast. Zee looked ready to bodily shake off this ridiculous blue mood that had been clinging to Rico recently.

“Thanks for being here.” He thumped Rico’s shoulder and threw a wince at his leg, which was more than the rest of them dared to do. Their other teammates avoided the topic of the surgeries and the sight of Rico’s knee as though torn connective tissue that ended your career were contagious.

Rico shrugged. A brace and crutches wouldn’t keep him from his best mate’s bachelor party. For a few moments, the two of them took in their teammates acting like this was their very last opportunity to hold on to the stupidity of their youth.

“Tell me again why you let Del plan this?” Zee asked. “Wasn’t it your bloody job as my best mate?”

“I was in the hospital, remember? And Del and Josh thought it was the perfect excuse to take over. I don’t think any of the guys were stoked about catching Hamilton in New York to celebrate you losing your bachelorhood.”

Zee laughed. “That actually sounds fecking brilliant. Except Tanya would kill me if I went without her, even though she’s seen it four times.”

As always, that fuzzy I just took a hit of something potent look crossed Zia’s eyes when he talked about Tanya. It was well deserved, of course. Tanya was possibly the best woman Rico had ever met. Steady and badass and madly warm and nurturing.

“How the hell did I get so lucky?” Zee said.

“I don’t know, mate. How did you?”

“I guess we caught each other young and watched each other grow, eh? Luckiest break of my life.” Tanya and Zee had been college sweethearts.

“By that definition, it’s pretty much too late for the rest of us.” Rico took a sip of his club soda, wishing for something stronger, but his meds didn’t mix with alcohol.