"Told you." He is right, though; usually, I'd be all for sniffing around for a new conquest. Usually. “That designer isthirsty, man. She’s been waiting for you for two hours already.”
“No shit? For two hours?” I quickly glance at her.
“Yeah, I’m telling you. Asked me all sorts of questions. I think the only thing she hasn’t asked is how big your dick is, but I'm sure they already discussed it." He shivers in disgust. "And why are you here, by the way? I can’t figure out why you aren’t fishing over there.” He points to the house with the hand he’s holding his beer in. “A lot of fish in that sea.”
“Not in the mood.”
“Been there.” He says thoughtfully and stares at the grill. Charcoal slowly smolders, creating extra heat in this hot weather. But meat grilled on charcoal is ten times better than on propane, so I’ll take it.
A few cars arrive, and people come to greet us.XandYchromosomes are somewhat balanced now. I can relax, seeing that a few needy eyes have refocused elsewhere.
I see my father's car. And Jake is in the front seat. Well, that's a surprise. Neither he nor my father told me he wanted to come to this little party. His rehab program is for eight weeks, but he's been there for only two, and a couple days ago, they let him out to visit family. A rare thing, considering rehab staff don't usually let people out until the program is done. Despite this, they signed a paper for him to be under our father's supervision.
Freya runs toward him. "Jake!" She calls. They hug, and she tugs his arm inside the house. Huh, I guess I'll say my hellos later.
Alex and I are both quiet, each in our own thoughts, when I hear a familiar engine rev. Shit, I need to change the oil in it.
The Jeep parks further down the driveway since the front of the house is fully packed. She doesn’t get out of the car for a few minutes, and I begin boiling. I can see who’s sitting in the passenger seat. Fucking Archie. What sort of name is Archie, anyway?
When they’re finally done whatever the fuck they were doing, they get out of the car and walk to the house. He’s carrying a huge box with different veggies popping out of it. Rabbit food, my ass.
Huge smiles are plastered on both of their lips. Alright, I’m about to wipe them off.
KAYLA
“Oh, it’s gonna be fun!” Archie’s chuckle sounds ominous. An evil bastard, he’s living for the drama.
“Do I even wanna know?” I give him the stink-eye.
“Your boyfriend over there,” he nods toward where Justin and Alex are standing by the grill, “is two seconds away from losing his shit.” I follow his eyes, and he’s right. Justin looks constipated. His pose is rigid, and his fists are clenched. I don’t think he ever unclenches them in my presence.
“He is not my boyfriend, and you know that.” I hiss back like a rabid cat.
“Does he know that?” He sends me a curious look.
“Archie,” I say to him like I would a toddler, “don’t start any drama. Please.”
“Okay-okay, I won’t say anything until I know your positive answer to my offer.” His smile is cheeky and very contagious. I find myself smiling back at him.
“My positive answer?”
“Yep. Let’s go, time for fun.” He moves his bags into one hand and hugs my shoulders with the other. I see what he’s doing. I try to shrug him off, but he just pulls me closer and whispers, “Relax.” And I do as I’m told. I relax into his embrace and let him walk me to the house.
“Alex!” Archie’s voice is very staged. “We’re finally here.”
"That you are," Alex answers, eyeing Justin. "What took you so long?"
“Taking a shower.” He winks at him, and I elbow his side just as Justin’s nostrils flare and his jaw clenches.
“Wastaking a shower. You were taking a shower. Alone.” I jab him again, and he lets out an oof. I shake my head and grab both bags from him. “I’m gonna drop these off in the kitchen.”
"I'll help you," Justin announces as he pulls both bags from my hands and marches toward the kitchen. Archie snickers and nudges me to follow. I threaten him with my best stink-eye, but he only laughs, soon joined by Alex like they both share some super funny joke I’m not privy to.
I flip them off, causing even more laughter, and follow Justin to the kitchen. He drops the bags on the floor, about to turn back when a woman’s hand lands on his forearm, squeezing it. I stop in my tracks, feeling uncomfortable. At the same time, I want to torture myself by seeing how this will unfold.
The woman is pretty. Taller than me by a few inches, the heels she’s wearing definitely add to her already impressive height. Her hair is Victoria’s Secret perfect beach waves, her outfit cost more than my trailer and car combined, and her make-up is flawless. I regret not putting at least some mascara on this morning. I knew it would be a hot day and didn't want to have raccoon eyes after sweating. And now I wish I had some war paint on because clearly, it’s a war zone, judging by the way she’s feeling up his muscles. Like they’re familiar with each other in a biblical way.
I want to turn around and run, so I don't witness the situation, knowing it will surely follow me into my nightmares, but Freya notices me and announces loud enough for all the bears around to hear, “Kayla! You’re here!” She’s next to me in a second and envelopes me in a hug. She became such a hugger recently—I don’t even recognize her! I pull away and step back. She looks good, really, reallygood. She radiates happiness and health, and the colossal stone sitting on my chest falls off. I can breathe easily. Seeing her like that makes me happy. Makes me airy.
