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TWENTY-ONE
We thought you were in California with Adelia,” Sebastian told his brother. “Why didn’t you tell us you were back?”
“I didn’t think anyone would actually care,” Gus replied.
“You know that’s not true at all. Sky has been worried sick about you. She was relieved when she found out you were with Adelia.”
“Yeah, well, I felt like I was wearing out my welcome at her place. Besides, her parents are constantly in her business, and they started to get up in my business as well.”
Sebastian stepped to his brother and lay a hand on his shoulder, but Gus winced and jerked away.
“Gus, come on. I’m on your side and you know it.”
Gus had a sadness in his eyes.
“I believe you can be a great leader, brother. I really do. But you’ve got to decide once and for all to change.”
Gus’s attention suddenly shifted to the back door. “Who’s with you?” He got a devious grin on his face. “Is that Genevieve? You brought her here for the fireworks? Did you tell her who you are?”
“Not yet,” Sebastian admitted, “and I’d appreciate if you didn’t tell her.”
“What’s taking you so long?” Gus asked.
“I’m trying to find the right time.”
“The right time is probably before you take her to bed.”
“I’m not taking anyone to bed.”
“Oh, that’s right.” Gus walked to the refrigerator and grabbed a beer, opening it quickly, and taking a long chug. “You’re the good brother. How could I forget?”
“Gus.”
The back door suddenly opened, and Genevieve entered. Sebastian’s heart leapt into his throat, hoping she hadn’t heard him address his brother by his real name.
“I’m sorry to interrupt. I really have to use the bathroom.”
“Come on in,” Sebastian told her. “It’s down the hall, where I showed you earlier.”
“Hey, Genevieve,” Gus greeted her. “How’s it goin’?”
“Very well, Sebastian. How are you? We haven’t seen you around lately.”
“Busy with other commitments.”
She nodded and held up a finger. “Be right back.”
“She is so hot,” Gus said once she was out of earshot. “You are one lucky son of a gun.”
“Please don’t talk about her like that.” Sebastian hated when Gus got like this, and he worried what might pop out of his brother’s mouth next, since it was obvious he was not sober at the moment.
“Well, you’re lucky until she finds out who you are. Then you’ll just be a sorry son of a …” Gus’s voice trailed off before he finished that thought. He moved into the living room and plopped down on one of the comfy sofas, taking another swig of his beer.
Sebastian took that moment to nonchalantly text Skylar and let her know where Gus was.
Genevieve came out of the bathroom a minute later looking relieved.
“Ready to go?” Sebastian asked her.