“How was Atlanta?” I ask, and Ben whistles before blowing smoke out of his nose.
“It’s called Hotlanta for a reason. God damn.”
“Do I even want to know what you two got into up there?”
“You definitely don’t, little cousin,” Gavin answers.
“You two are gross,” I reply as they laugh at whatever inside secret they aren’t sharing with the group.
“Disgusting,” Gavin says jokingly.
“Degenerates,” Ben adds on.
Lincoln rolls his eyes and puts his hand out, where Ben hands him the joint.
“I don’t understand why you two are looking for an existing property when we could build you your dream club.”
“You’re not invited to the next rotation, such a buzzkill,” Ben jokes and Lincoln passes it back to him.
“I’m just saying. Why fuck around with all of these older, dated buildings that need so much work to make them what you want them to be? Let’s build the club the way you want from the start.”
“He’s got a point,” I say and the twins roll their eyes.
“You two are still teaming up against us? Listen, we’ll think about it. The Tampa club is doing well and so is the one in Ft. Lauderdale. But it’s a lot of money to build a property from the ground up, not to mention the time and legislation.” Gavin groans and glares at Lincoln. “You’re really ruining my evening with all this work talk, to be honest.”
“What should we talk about, then? How Aiden isn’t here for the fifth week in a row? How Penny had me pick her upfrom some creep’s house who hit her, or how you two are so codependent you can hardly be apart for more than a few days at a time?” Lincoln says, and I look to the sky for strength.
“I’m out,” I say, hopping up out of the lawn chair and walking toward the lake.
I’m not far when Gavin reaches me and bumps me with his shoulder.
“What a dick,” he says, handing me a beer.
“Who, the creep or your brother?”
“Both.”
“I’m swearing off men for a while. Going to work on myself, figure out what I want to do, figure out who I am before I start dating again.”
“That’s very mature of you,” he says.
I turn and glare at him.
“You think I can’t do it?”
He sighs and throws an arm over my shoulder.
“You’re the biggest hopeless romantic I know, Pen.”
“I’m working on it.”
He squeezes my shoulder as we sit at the bench overlooking the lake. The sun is nearly set and I take a deep breath while taking in the view.
“You deserve someone who doesn’t change you, who lets you be yourself.”
“What if I don’t know who I am?” I ask, turning to face my cousin.
“You’re Penny. You’re caring, loving, always have a smile on your face no matter what you’re going through. You’re sunshine, and I don’t want to see you with anyone who tries to dull your shine ever again.”
