Page 122 of Vicious Little Snakes

“She’s at the house on the island. Have fun. She’s pissed. Not that anyone could tell, but I’m smarter than most when it comes to being in love with a dickhead.”

Grey looks down at Van. “Thanks. And he was supposed to have to work for that, remember?”

She shrugs, blowing a kiss up at him. “I think he’s earned her.”

I don’t wait around, just yelling as I run out, “Bros before hoes, Van.” Hearing her yell back, “Ride or die, Brookie.”

My feet slide in the doorway as I grip the door to stop my momentum. “Hey. Don’t tell her I’m coming.”

Grey smirks and nods, bending down to toss Van over his shoulder as I head out, hailing a cab back home. I need a shower, some clothes, and to let my parents know that I’ll be out of town for a few days.

* * *

I reach for my ringing phone in my pocket, brushing the paper-wrapped bouquet of peonies on the seat next to me in my town car.

“What? Are you calling to give me more shit?”

I hear Van laugh, “You’re on speaker. We’re calling to be nosey and find out what the hell is actually going on.”

Grey’s voice chimes in, “Caroline just texted and is none the wiser that you’re on your way. Now tell Cherry what she wants to know so she’ll stop torturing me with all her unanswered questions.”

Donovan cuts him off, “Oh my God. Shut up, Grey. But since we’re playing accomplice to all this, we want to know the whole enchilada. Spill it, Brookie.”

I growl, hearing them laugh.

“All right. Fine.”

They’re silent as I retell the whole damn thing, leaving out the more private details. But fuck if it doesn’t feel good to talk about this. I go all the way back to when we were kids, as Van keeps saying, “Aww, so romantic.”

Grey knowingly laughs every time I tell something that made me jealous or crazed because I’m sure that bastard identifies. Cars pass, and buildings become trees as we drive out past the Hamptons to the ferry that leads over to St. Simeon Island.

I take a breath, finishing the entire journey, sitting silently as Donovan says, “Wow. You’ve loved her for so long, Liam.”

“I have,” I answer, looking out the window as the car pulls onto the ferry.

“See,” Grey offers. “I told you I was the only one that loved you.”

Van giggles, and I laugh. I know he’s joking, but in a way, he’s right. In the absence of Caroline, I looked for anything to fill that void, but nothing ever fit. Not even Donovan.

“Don’t listen to that dick. I love you, Van. But what I feel for her—”

Grey’s voice cuts me off, “Are you crying? Cherry…”

Wait a minute. What?

“Why are you crying, Van?” I say, trying to be gentle.

She sniffles. “Be quiet, both of you. It’s romantic and perfect. And I love it.”

A smile breaks on my face.Thank fuck.

Grey laughs, saying something like, “Great, now you two areThe Notebook, and I’ll have to buy a house to renovate,” before I hear a smack in the background. Van’s always a feisty one. I take a deep breath, saying my words on my exhale.

“All right. I’m getting off the phone now. Don’t call me anymore. I’ll be busy trying to get my Carebear to not eat me alive.”

“Good luck, Brookie.” Donovan’s voice beams through the phone, accompanied by Grey’s sarcasm, “Yeah, good luck. You’re gonna need it. Dick.”

“Real nice. Bye, asshole…and Van.”