A knowing smile spreads across Dilynne’s lips as she mimics Laney, crossing her arms over her chest as well. “And has he been on his best behavior?”
My brows draw together more, wondering what she’s alluding to. “Why wouldn’t he be?”
Dilynne’s eyes move up and down my body before she drops her arms. “Look, I know we don’t know each other, but I’m going to say something honest because that’s the only filter I have.”
“It’s true,” Laney interjects.
Dilynne shrugs. “And I don’t apologize for it. But, my brother is a bit of a manwhore, and well…you’re hot.”
A manwhore? Well, that’s interesting…
Unfortunately, Dilynne’s comment makes my cheeks burst into flames. “Oh, uh… Thank you?”
“Don’t be shy, girl. Own it,” she continues, leaning up against the counter resting between us. “But just be careful. I saw the way he looked at you yesterday.”
“What do you mean?”
“Let’s just say that his eyes were fixated on your ass as you walked around his house.”
Laney shrugs. “Sounds about right.”
“Don’t all men do that though?” I ask matter-of-factly while thinking back to how many inappropriate encounters I’ve had with men throughout my short lifetime, the most recent one scarring.
I developed pretty early, so at thirteen, I already had an ass and boobs that made me look far older than I was. It was annoying and made me want to cover every inch of my body some days. But as I got older, I just started calling out men for staring, which became way more fun and helped boost my confidence.
Dilynne taps her fingers on the counter. “Yeah, but my brother has a type, and I hate to say it, but you’re it.”
Uneasiness twists in my stomach. I thought my attraction to him was one-sided, but if Dilynne’s right, perhaps Henley feels it too, which only makes this situation more complicated.
“I’m glad he has you right now though, because lord knows I have no idea what to do with a baby,” Dilynne continues.
Stifling my laugh, I say, “Yeah, that was evident by your reaction to Remy’s poopy diaper yesterday.”
Laney snorts. “I’m so mad I missed that.”
Dilynne’s lips curl up in disgust. “It was vile, Laney. Insanely vile.”
I lean forward over the handle of the stroller. “She acted like a bomb exploded.” Laney’s giggles intensify as Dilynne dry heaves, reliving the scene. “Let’s just say I won’t be asking Aunt Dilynne to change a diaper anytime soon.”
Once Laney has composed herself and Dilynne gathers her wits, she narrows her eyes at me. “I like you.”
My smile is instant, a warmth spreading through my chest as the people-pleaser inside of me gets a huge dose of dopamine. “Right back at you. But I think Henley and I will be fine. I mean, he’s my boss. This is strictly professional.” The words lack confidence even to my own ears.
“Uh-huh. That’s what I told myself when I had to work a wedding with one of my brother’s best friends. Didn’t stop me from acting on my feelings for him,” Laney says.
With a jut of her thumb over her shoulder, Dilynne nods. “Yeah, delusion was her best friend.”
“No one is being delusional here though,” I counter quickly. “Henley knows I’m only here for a few months, and hopefully by then he’ll feel confident in his ability to take care of Remy. Besides, manwhores aren’t my type.”
Dilynne tilts her head. “I don’t know… I just have a feeling here, and my gut usually steers me straight. I mean, hell, I called it that Elliot’s fiancée was a witch in disguise.”
“Who’s Elliot?”
Laney and Dilynne share a look, having a silent conversation between themselves before they step out from behind the counter. Dilynne motions me toward the waiting area. I give Remy a quick check, finding her still out cold, so I brace myself for what I’m about to hear while also tickled within that I’m getting some adult interaction besides my new boss.
Back in Los Angeles, my roommates were all struggling singers, actresses, and creatives. We were all in the city for the same reasons, so while it helped having roommates to keep costs down, there was also an unspoken competitiveness, which didn’t lead to close friendships. But yesterday when I met Dilynne, I just knew she was genuine and honest, and for some reason, I want to trust her and hear what she has to say.
“So, I know you’re only here for a few months, but you need to understand what you’re walking into,” Dilynne starts once we’re all settled. “My brother has three best friends that he’s known since their freshman year of high school, and they’re sort of the glue that holds us all together.”
