Page 42

CALEB

We’ve spent practically the entire day under the blazing sun, my muscles now heavy with exhaustion. Before calling it a night, we decide to take advantage of happy hour, savor a few drinks that warm my chest, and enjoy a late-night swim.

“I’ll get us another round.” I push back my chair.

“I’ll come with you,” Maya says, rising before I could say anything.

“Can I tell you something?” she says, her eyes burning into me, as we approach the bar. “You’re an idiot.”

“That’s exactly what I love to hear when I’m talking to a friend,” I say dryly, glancing down and meeting her stare, which may or may not be freaking me out. Why is she so scary?

“Any person with eyes can see how pathetic you are for her,” she says bluntly and my brows furrow. “You look like you were about to commit murder earlier.”

It killed me to watch Jared reach for her hand, to see them that close again. I wanted to rip him away, to protect her, to stop him from hurting her again.

“It’s called pretending.” Lie.

“No, it’s called you being a fucking moron.” She rolls her eyes, as the bartender approaches. “It's really painful to watch.”

“Six Bahama Mama’s please.” She smiles sweetly. A whole different look than the one she’s been giving me.

“Look, I don’t know what you think , Maya, but it’s all fake. Amelia knows that too,” I say once the bartender leaves. “This is all for show. Once it’s over, we’ll go back to what we’ve always been.” Painful lie number two.

I still want to talk to her about how I feel, but I’m scared to risk stirring up something complicated, especially with my sister’s wedding just around the corner.

“Oh that’s how you’re going to play this? I see.” She grins, shaking her head. “I don’t know why you won’t admit it to her. I see right through you. Your emotions are like a glass window.”

Note to self: add Maya to the list of pain in the asses.

Marcus jogs up, water dripping off his curls. He glances down at Maya. “Don’t stare too hard.”

She rolls her eyes. “There’s not much to look at.”

He doesn’t try to repress his grin.

“He won’t tell Amelia how he feels,” she groans. “And it’s genuinely pissing me off now.”

“Oh sweet child, let’s all have a chat.” Marcus flashes me a mischievous smile that looks scarily similar to Maya’s as he intertwines his hands, like he’s some love guru.

“Look, my only concern is that I don’t want to risk losing her.” I sigh. “What if she doesn’t feel the same way?”

“At least you tried,” Marcus counters.

“Do it soon, or it might be too late. She might find someone else…” Maya says, searing the thought into my brain. “…kiss someone else, and you’ll just have to sit there and watch her fall in love with someone new all over again.”

“Damn it.” I squeeze my thumb, fear swirling in my chest.

“You’ll thank us later.” Maya chuckles, leaning against the bar as she grabs a few of our shots from the bartender.

Marcus lingers for a moment, his expression grim. “If you’re serious about her, if you really love her?—”

“I do.”

“Then it’s simple. You’ve got two options here.”

“I’m listening.”

He lifts a thumb. “Option one: Tell her how you feel before we fucking leave. If you don’t, you’ll lose out on the best girl out there. This is the closest you two have ever been. You really gonna let that slip by?”

“And the second option?”

He lifts his pointer finger next. “The second option is realizing that you have no other choice but to do the first option.”

“You know, there are a few moments where I genuinely feel annoyed by you.” I stare at him deadpanning. “This is one of those moments.”

Fuck. They’re both right.

Wedding bros

Marcus

Is it wrong if I hook up with one of Tia’s bridesmaids?

Amir

yes.

Yeah.

Marcus

Oh ok.

Dude.

Marcus

Relax. I haven’t done anything.

Amir

I swear if you manage to break one of her friends’ hearts…

Marcus

You have no faith in me.

I wonder why.

Amir

You’d sleep with any woman who even looks at you. I don’t want any drama.

Marcus

No fun.

Amir added tia to the conversation.

Tia

Don’t even think about it. My friends want love. LOVE.

Marcus

ok. sorry.

3

That’s all you’re doing tonight Marcus.

Tia

EW GROSS.

Tia has left the conversation.

Oh shit I forgot she was in here.

Marcus

Amir

This is why I’m the one who’s getting married.

Amir has left the conversation.