It wasn’t a real argument, no. Ben could see that, but Dante seemed to be the middleman in whatever Tristan and Mateo couldn’t agree on.

“Wine.” Josiah stepped up next to Ben.

“Still?” Ben asked. He knew Tristan used to give Mateo a hard time about drinking wine but he didn’t realize that a year later, they still butted heads about it.

“Always,” Josiah replied. “Though I think it’s more out of habit. Mateo has found a few he enjoys, but Tristan doesn’t understand how he doesn’t love every wine that Tristan loves. I think they just enjoy arguing about it.”

Ben took a drink of the coffee in his hand. He steered clear of anything alcohol related now. He’d been in too bad a place when he used it before. He didn’t want to ever be in that place again. “I think that sounds about right.” He held out his coffee mug and Josiah did the same, the two of their mugs clinking together. “And Dante just likes being in control. He’s probably over there trying to run their argument.”

Josiah laughed and Ben did as well. It was funny how close they’d become in the last year or so. He was close to Mateo, as well but it was different with Josiah. Maybe because it was harder for Mateo to get close to Ben because of what Mateo had done for him. It wasn’t as though there was any kind of anger or a barrier between them. Hell, maybe they were closer in some ways but Josiah was easier to talk to. He and Ben had done a lot of talking. Ben understood why he’d been the first to melt Tristan’s hardened heart.

“We’re glad you’re here, you know?” Josiah asked. “It’s been a rough road for us, but we’re glad to have you and Dante both as part of our lives. It’s good for Tristan to have a real friend.”

Ben looked at him and smiled. “It’s good to be here. Even if your lover works me to death.” He and Tristan had been working together for a year. That’s what they were celebrating tonight actually, the one-year anniversary of Croft and Worthington.

Ben returned his stare to the men on the other side of the room. Dante pointed to two bottles of wine, from the looks of it, arranging a taste-off between the two. Mateo shook his head as though he thought the discussion was crazy but it was apparent that Tristan agreed with Dante. Ben enjoyed that, the fact that his best friend and the man he loved had bonded. “Oh. Christ. He’s enjoying this way too much.” Ben chuckled, before taking a step.

“I have a feeling Tristan and Dante could get into a lot of trouble together.” Josiah moved with him.

“I’m surprised they haven’t come to blows. They’re both bossy bastards.”

“Are you guys going to control your men?” Rhonda asked from her seat on the couch. They were at her apartment because she didn’t leave it. Other than the trio, Ben, Dante, Rhonda, Elliot and his wife, who sat speaking with Rhonda, were the only other people here.

They were still a slightly anti-social group and Ben figured that was okay. They had each other, the group, and it was more than they’d ever really had. Ben was probably the most social of all of them but lately, he cared more about spending time with the people he loved than anyone else.

“Yes. They’re out of control,” Ben replied to her. It was as if Dante sensed him approach. He looked up at Ben, that sexy smile Ben loved.

Even now, looking at Dante calmed Ben if he ever felt like he was spinning out of control.

“What are you guys up to?” Ben asked.

“They’re tryin’ to gang up on me,” Mateo replied. It was Josiah who answered him.

“You’re the innocent one, right?”

“Of course. Com’ere, Jay.” Josiah did as Mateo said, stepping into his lover’s arms. It was strange to see the three of them at first. Ben was a watcher. He paid attention because he didn’t understand how there couldn’t be jealousy involved. If anyone else spoke to Dante that way, they wouldn’t be speaking anymore, but there was never jealousy in Tristan’s eyes. Never jealousy in Mateo or Josiah’s either. Just love.

“Dante agrees with me. You’re the only one holding out, Mateo.” Tristan brushed a hand down Mateo’s face and the hardened man smiled at Tristan.

They were happy, the three of them.

Ben was truly happy too.

He had his bad days. Times that Elliot went especially hard on him. That would maybe never change, but that was okay. Ben was okay. He had his friends and the man he loved. Somehow, he knew Bonnie rested in peace now, as well. It was all Ben ever wanted.

Almost all he wanted. In this moment, he wanted to go home with his man.