I wave once he jumps in his truck and takes off. Next, I head to the shop where I know the guys sometimes hang out during their breaks. When I open the door, I immediately hear Diesel and Riley being rowdy and messing around, which causes me to laugh. Though they’ve been up since the ass crack of dawn, they’re always having a good time.

“Hey, Gavin,” they greet when they see me. “How’d it go with the vet?”

I shove my hands in my front pockets and nod. “Fine. He gave Sugar an antibiotic and said to inject her with it for five days. Hopefully, that does the trick.”

“Since it’s Friday, we’re gonna hit up the pub tonight,” Diesel says. “You should meet us there.”

“Actually, I was gonna have a party at my place and invite all the workers.”

“Party!” Riley shouts. “Hell yeah!”

“No, no…” I shake my head. “It’s just a small gathering for my birthday, so if you’d rather drink at the bar—”

“Are you kiddin’ me? We’ll be there!” Diesel slaps my back.

“With a cake,” Riley adds. “How old are you now, old man? Fifty?”

I snort at the way he gives me shit. “Thirty-six, asshole. I’ll bring the beer since I’m not sure you’re even legally allowed to buy it.”

They laugh, and I tell them to come around nine. I plan to have finger foods and play some horseshoes. I’m happy to just hang out with the guys since we’re always working and don’t get to relax too much.

“Let Grayson, Ethan, and the others know. Cooper will be there, too.”

“We’re on it,” Diesel confirms.

“But really, just a small gathering,” I tell them. “We all gotta get up for work tomorrow.”

Moments later, Alex comes in and scolds them for slacking off, so I head out and get back to work. I finish earlier than usual so I can get ready for tonight. When I picked up the alcohol and snacks, I grabbed extra just in case they came super hungry.

I throw on a button-up shirt and clean jeans with my boots. Tonight will be a nice distraction from thinking about Maize. Since no one knows about us, no one will bring her up.

At nine, Diesel and Riley come barreling in with a pan and whiskey.

“Hey! Birthday boy!” Diesel shouts, holding up the bottle.

“We made you a cake!” Riley adds, setting it on the counter.

“You made it?” I pop a brow, rounding the table to see this shit. “Is it edible?”

“Hell yeah, it is.” Diesel removes the tin foil, and I nearly bust my gut as I laugh at their “cake.”

“What the fuck is that?” I squint at the weird-shaped concoction.