Page 135 of Wild Like Us

Angling more towards Sulli, I tell her, “You’re still a shit liar.”

“Hey, I’m keepingussecret, right? So I’m at least worthy of a bronze medal in Lying.” She glances at the storefront’s glass windows. Barrels of fishing rods and mannequins in fly-fishing gear obstruct most of the view from outside. “You think Banks is okay? How long does it take to grab some Tylenol?”

She’s thinking about Banks right now.

It dumbfounds me how much that doesn’t bother me. Jealousy is smothered beneath my own concern for him. And I’m happy Sulli cares about his wellbeing too.

I click my mic. “Akara to Banks, you alright?”

Banks responds quickly. “Liquor guy called back for the bachelor party. I’ll be in soon.”

Thatcher, Banks, and I have been texting each other in a group chat calledThe Losers Clubsince way back when the Moretti brothers joined security. And we’ll text whenever we don’t want shit heard over comms. Well, recently, Thatcher used the group chat, and I was around Banks when the messages were rolling in.

How’s the bachelor party planning coming along?– Thatcher

Don’t worry about it. I have it handled.– Banks

Maximoff has already finished organizing Jane’s bachelorette party.– Thatcher

Banks almost choked on his toothpick. He turned to me like a wounded animal, and I knew he hadn’t done a single thing to prepare for his brother’s party yet.

October 20this less than 2 weeks away. Just let me know if you need extra hands. I can help– Thatcher

Stop stressing. I have it covered.– Banks

I made some calls for Banks using his phone. Including one for the liquor store. Banks is great at a lot of shit, but he procrastinates on tasks he’s unfamiliar with. Like planning an expensive party that’s more than just a six-pack and a few dozen wings.

So I helped my friend.

Lifting my mic to my mouth, I tell Banks, “Take your time.”

Banks and Sulli—they seem to always find time alone together. A rare moment where Banks is on the phone and I’m not? Yeah, I’mcovetingthese extra few minutes alone with her.

After I drop the mic wire, I fill Sulli in on Banks.Looks like I can’t stop talking about him with her.It’s impossible.

And the only real reason I want to divert the subject off Banks isfear.

I’m afraid the more we discuss him, the more she’ll choose him in the end. Like I’m really just the friend to Sulli. It’s what I’ve always been.

He’s the romance.

I push past my insecurities because I really don’t want to be a dick. And I feel like an assholeshunningBanks from our conversations when I actually want to confide in Sulli about him.

Once I finish mentioning the liquor guy, her brows bunch. “You think the bachelor party stress is making his headaches worse?”

“I don’t know.” I frown. “Have you seen him have a lot?”

“Before we left Philly, he definitely had one. He told me it was just a headache.”

“Me too,” I nod. “But more recently.” I easily scan the store.

“So it can’t beus, right—if he had headaches before the road trip? This whole…situation isn’t causing him physical pain?”

I smile softly. “This situation?”

She tries to lower her voice. “Us in the tent.”

I smile more. “There waszerostress in that situation, Sul. Trust me.” Banks wasintoher, and I know because I was watching her being eaten out and her getting off from him.