“Ah, there he is.” Phil’s voice cut through the rest of the noise with ease, and both Gerry and Mark swiveled in the direction of it. “About time, too.” A slow grin grew on his face. “Though I have to say that with the company he has in tow, I doubt anyone is surprised by the tardiness.” He stuck the end of his ever-present cigar in his mouth, clasped both hands behind his back and rocked on his heels. “Jealous, perhaps. But not surprised.”
Gerry flashed a quick, embarrassed look at Mark, and received a bright wink in response. He stumbled over his steps when Mark grabbed him by the arm and tugged him closer.
“You know me,” Mark said with a smirk. “Never one to turn down a cuddle.”
“My point.” Phil exhaled a cloud of smoke and patted Deidre’s arm. She stood beside him with an impatient
