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“Yeah” I nodded His tone and the things he’d left unsaid underscored that there was more than one way to feel lonely The way the Euler boys were spaced, Roger was the oldest with Oliver his ready sidekick, then Calder close enough to hang with the older two, but Arthur was enough younger that he’d probably been frequently left behind “I’m sorry you didn’t have it as easy”

“Eh It’s okay I got really good at entertainingprepared for this trip” He set his last piece doith a flourish

“Well, I appreciate your planning ahead” Neither of us seeer too ame at hand Arthur was a stylish player with a nuned to get a laugh than to advance his cause

“Damn” He shook his head as I collected one of his rooks to add to ood”

“So are you” Our hands brushed as he quickly counteredpawns His unpredictability coupled with his skill ainst, and I wasn’t sure whether it was the fast-paced ga Likely both, and holding enius was a rush that hadlike a new recruit when I finally pulled out the win

“Nicely done” Still s, Arthur seemed almost as pleased aboutin the tub?”

“No one is getting the tub” I groaned and stretched So so hard against the inevitable And no way could I go froame filled with stories of other uy to the tub or the floor “You were right”

“I was?” Arthur’s eyes ide

“We’re adults and we can share a bed Platonically” Sing hard, I glanced over at it It seemed smaller by the second

“Excellent” Arthur fist-puh at his unbridled enthusiasm

“I love how easy to please you are”

“Yeah?” Voice going softer, Arthur tilted his head like he couldn’t quite figure ure me out either

“Yeah I wish everyone could be as optiot their jobs done on automatic and who kept their heads down, but people who found joy in small moments were s reat quality”

“Thanks” He licked his lips His very full lips Every contour of his mouth was burned on er as he continued, “I think that’s the nicest coiven me”