Finally, I’m taking the first sip of my beer down at The Guards Arms pub which we frequent quite often when we are just having a quick drink after work—especially if we don’t want to run into any of our business associates. Not many frequent this pub because it doesn’t give them the contacts they are after. Whereas when we go out, we don’t want to talk work. Which is why this next hour could be the longest in my life, because I have a feeling the focus is going to be on Harper’s situation, and of course, that leads to me.

“Okay, I’ve waited long enough. What’s going on with you and Harper?” Flynn flicks a cardboard coaster at me, like we used to do when we were younger.

“She’s living in my apartment,” I say, keeping my tone neutral.

“No shit. But what has happened between you two since she moved in with you?” Flynn keeps pushing.

“We are getting along, she has learnt that protein shakes are not a meal and that I’m as stubborn as she is.” I answer very matter-of-factly but not really giving them anything they don’t already know.

“Keeping his cards close, can’t say I blame him.” Nic laughs. “There is no way I’d be sharing anything with your brother. He is the gossip of the group.”

“Asshole, that’s not true. Your wife takes that crown.” And Flynn’s words just make Nic laugh even louder.

“True, I can’t even argue with that.” Nic slaps Flynn on the shoulder.

“That’s the problem with this little group now that you all have significant others. Nothing ever stays in this circle, because as soon as one of the girls gets a sniff that you are hiding something, they push each one of you or bribe you, and how that happens I don’t even want to know. But then once it’s in the girls’ circle then everyone knows. So, you all suck, you know that?” I look around our table at the best friends a man could have, but I still feel a little on the outside.

“So, you are hiding something!” Flynn pipes up.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Flynn, let it rest, will you.” Needing to change the subject, I know the perfect thing to deflect him. “By the way, I told Mum that you were fine for dinner this Saturday night. I told her I would arrange for a car to pick them up and bring them to my apartment. You’re cooking, so send me a list of ingredients,” I say, smiling smugly like I have managed to curve around that conversation.

“Ughhh. I’m sure Felisha and I have a thing on then. Sorry, buddy, I have to cancel.”