“Oh, by the way, I think you dropped these,” he says, snickering. I grasp my bills, my fingers grazing against his as he flashes a dark gaze at me, but then pulls away and addresses the table. I don’t miss the look on Aaron’s face. Some borderline expression of anger and jealousy.
“Yes, George, and I will be throwing our little Tempest-style soiree at theFitzgeraldtomorrow evening at seven pm. For those of you who don’t know, my favorite piece of literature happens to beThe Great Gatsby,and it happens to be the 100th anniversary this year.”
Betsy sighs. “Oh… I do love the Great Gatsby! Such a romantic book.”
“Where are my manners, Jacob? Please, do sit down,” Garrett says as he pulls my chair out, meeting my gaze with his vicious one.
I take my seat, if only to be polite, because I’m on display, and my actions affect Aaron more than they do me. But hell if I don’t want to go all WWE on this man and clothesline him in this swanky little restaurant.
“Thanks,” I manage to choke out.
“And we’ll be serving lunch at the house, of course,” George says smoothly, sipping his scotch. “Lunch will be promptly served at twelve on the nose on the veranda.”
Tony nods. “Sounds like you boys have planned quite the party.”
Garrett smiles. “Yes, well, it was difficult with such a low budget, but I am rather… resourceful when I need to be, isn’t that right, darling?” He looks at hishusbandwith a smirk that iscertainly not polite, and I can’t help but roll my eyes. Not out of jealousy, but out of disgust. George is not the man whose world I shattered four years ago, but I can’t help but wonder if Garrett is up to his old tricks or if he’s somehow turned a new leaf and I really am just bitter as he says.
“And how is your party planning coming along, Aaron?” Betsy asks, pulling all our attention.
“Oh, it’s going swimmingly,” Aaron says with a grin. “In fact, Jake and I are headed to grab our supplies for our big night tomorrow.” He shoots Garrett a scrupulous glance.
“Oh, how lovely!” Betsy claps her hands. “I can’t wait to see what you two come up with.”
Garrett chuckles as he looks me over. “Yes, I think we’re all quite excited to see what Aaron andJakeare capable of.”
Then he gives me an evil grin. “Oh, and I should mention, the dinner is black tie, of course. Which shouldn’t be a problem, for anyone, right?”
His pointed gaze finds mine, but I don't meet it.
“Not a problem at all,” Aaron bites.
“Good,” Garrett responds as he gets up. “I know it’s early, but George and I have much to finalize and go over before this amazing event tomorrow, so I’m calling it a night.”
Tony nods at him. “I like your enthusiasm, Garrett.”
I’d like to drown his enthusiasm in the ocean along with him.
Once we’ve all finished our dinner, drinks, and party discussions, Tony settles the bill and everyone starts to disperse. Lola heads off with some friends she’d been texting. Shannon and Travis decide to walk on the beach and get ice cream—leaving Aaron’s parents and us. Aaron doesn’t wait to be dismissed, instead, he takes his leave by grabbing my hand and not bothering to say goodbye. I wave goodbye to his parents and the Tempests, as he all but drags me through the parkinglot. When we get to the car he opens the door, his gaze almost furious.
“Aaron—”
“Get in the car,” he says, and I can hear his voice shake. I want to protest. Argue. Say something, but I don’t. I’m too worked up over Garrett’s words, over Aaron’s actions. I have never seen him like this before.
Because you don’t know him. He’s just a client, not your actual boyfriend, get a grip on yourself!
I fold myself into the car with ease, and he does the same, turning the car on. The sounds of Taylor Swift’sBad Bloodpours through the speakers, and I settle against the window.
She couldn’t be more on point, and the irony isn’t lost on me.
Aaron doesn’t say anything, and I only speak when I realize we have not turned down the street to the beach house.
“Where are we going?” I ask.
He doesn’t answer me right away. The sun is starting to set.
“Out,” he says solidly.
“Out where?” I ask, fear striking me. “Is this the part where you dump me in the ocean?”
