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DEREK
Practically mooing.
Derek was starving, and Dylan was a great cook when he took time for it. Derek had finally gotten back into the routine of going to the gym before work, so his body would appreciate every extra ounce of protein. That conversation with Dylan from the night before he left had stuck with him. So many of his choices had been about his family and being there for them. Olive was happy. His mom, well, as much as he hated to admit it, she seemed happier than she had in years.
Dylan had no end of interests and hobbies. He was always mentioning some past obsession and what he had learned from it. He kept talking about how excited he was to be moving back into his house.
He also kept saying he couldn’t wait to show Derek the house when the tenants moved out. And every time he mentioned it, Derek’s stomach backflipped.
What the hell did that mean?
What the hell did Derek want it to mean?
DYLAN
I’ll tell him next time to just leave the cow alive. Honestly, Gus would probably get along with a cow.
DEREK
If it were a small enough cow, they might look like family.
DYLAN
Also, my brothers want you to come with me to their last game of the summer season.
Derek glowered at the phone.
DYLAN
Stop scowling at the phone.
DEREK
How did you know?
DYLAN
You scowl every time I mention them.
He flexed his arms, enjoying that soreness from his workout yesterday. But even the catharsis of a grueling lifting session couldn’t make him forgive Dylan’s brothers. Dylan wasn’t as good as Derek at holding grudges. While he hadn’t fully forgiven them, he seemed strangely pleased at the idea of them wanting him around without the threat of them ragging on him or awarding him a plaster wiener.
DEREK
Your brothers are assholes.
DYLAN
True, but they haven’t stopped apologizing since the barbeque.
DEREK
Fuck their apologies.
DYLAN
Ngl, it’s kind of hot that you’re this pissed on my behalf, but things have been better.
Derek’s smile faltered. Memories of the barbeque still made his hands curl into fists.