“And I’m sure Linson would want you looking out for her, right?”
“Exactly. I’m just looking out for her since he can’t be here.”
“Uh-huh.” He sucks in a breath. “Okay, let me finish reviewing this one chapter for my exam tomorrow, and then I’ll take a break and go to the game with you. Dinner almost ready? I need to eat before we go.”
“Thanks, man. Yeah, I think it should be ready soon. Chelsea want to come too?”
“Nah, she has one of her big exams tomorrow, so she’s locked in. I probably won’t see her tonight at all.”
“Okay. Aston is picking us up at six thirty.”
“Fuck that. I’m driving. He’s a horrible driver.”
I fist-bump him. “Thanks for coming with me.”
“Yeah, well, I can’t let you do something stupid.”
I place a hand on my chest. “Who, me? I’m offended.”
“Right, but what about that time?—”
“Dinner’s ready!” Charlie yells from the kitchen.
“Saved by Little King. Let’s go eat.” I chuckle.
I shoot off a text to Aston to let him know we’ll pick him up as I walk into the kitchen.
“Do you need any help?” I pocket my phone and walk toward Charlie.
“I got it. Oh, maybe just set out the silverware and napkins. I put the plates over there on the island, so you can put everything next to those. It’s just the three of us since Brooke left and Casey and Noelle went out to eat.”
“You got it.” I grab the items and set them next to the plates. “So, tell me the truth. What do you think of this Eli guy?” I know I’m revealing my interest in Brooke, but I need to know what’s going on.
She looks at me and scrunches her mouth and shakes her head. “I’m not really a fan, and she knows what my thoughtsare. But it doesn’t really matter what I think or what Beck thinks. She has to make that decision for herself, you know?”
“Right, but do you think he treats her well? Anytime I hear you guys talking about him, he sounds like a dick.”
“Oh, he is for sure. But for some reason, she found a connection to the guy. He’s her first real boyfriend, so Beck and I are just trying to be supportive and let it play out the way it’s supposed to. And at the end of the day, if he’s who she wants to be with, we’ll all have to find a way to get along with him because we’re family,” she says as she cuts the pork tenderloin.
I try to take in what she’s saying, and I guess I get it, but I don’t like it.
“Why are you asking? You like her, don’t you?” She smirks.
“I mean, she’s gorgeous and fun, sure, but I’m not into her like that. I don’t want some asshole fucking around with her either.” I shrug, trying to act nonchalant.
Bo walks in and grabs a plate. “What are you guys doing just standing here? We’d better eat fast if we’re going to the game,” he says.
I look over at Charlie, and she’s leaning against the counter, smiling at me.
“Just playing a game of Bullshit, and Silas is losing.”
I can’t stop the laugh that comes out. I guess I’m more obvious than I thought.
CHAPTER
THREE
SILAS
