Feeling satisfied as we returned to the party, I found Natasha and Tiffany to say my goodbyes.
“Where have you been?” Natasha asked.
“With Hamilton,” I smirk.
“You got with Hamilton Branton?!” Tiffany squealed. “Kathy Harrington is going to die. You know how much she hates you!”
It made me laugh. “Well, I just gave her another reason to.”
I spot Alfie in the crowd, “B! Where have you been?”
“Mingling,” I replied.
“Let’s go before we miss the boat.”
“Okay, I’m ready.” Hamilton joined us.
“Who the hell is this?” Alfie asked.
“Alfie this is Hamilton Branton. Hamilton, this is Alfie Pelton. He’s like a little brother to me.”
They shake hands.
“Let’s get out of here,” Alfie replied. “Emilio has been on my ass today.”
“Really?” I asked. “How so?”
“He’s in a pissy mood. He’s using his backup phone. Apparently, his cracked.”
I smirk, “That sucks.”
The night air was a lot cooler, and there was a breeze. Hamilton gave me one of his hoodies, which I wore with shorts over my bikini. We arrived at the river, where a boat was waiting for us to board. My family was there waiting for me to carry out this yearly tradition. Walking onto the boat, I instantly saw Emilio, which made my insides tingle. Alfie was not joking when he said Emilio was in a mood. It was written all over his face, and his jaw clenched when we made eye contact. He knew this had to be a discreet conversation so he couldn’t approach me. But when a woman wrapped her arms around him, it felt like he had a one-up on me again.
“I’m underdressed,” Hamilton whispered.
An instant relief came over me. Two can play this game, and I had Hamilton to flaunt.
“So am I,” I smile, looking down at myself wearing shorts and a hoodie over my bikini.
“Who is this?” Luca’s voice took our attention.
I introduced Luca to Hamilton, and they shook hands.
“Why are you here?” Luca directly asked Hamilton.
“Bethany invited me, and I wanted to meet the family.”
Luca looked at me confused, “I didn’t know you were dating someone.”
I shrug, “It’s new.”
A breeze shifted the scent of mint and eucalyptus in my direction. Within seconds, Emilio stood with us.
“Bethany,” Emilio addressed me.
“Emilio,” I smile, “Who is this?” I asked, referring to the woman.
“Rachel,” she smiled.
