I was in the pool within minutes, adapting to the heat and feeling a shit ton of tension steaming off me. The water and the pools did make everything seem better.
“Where’s the rest of your party?” It felt quiet compared to the night before when I’d seen everyone in the bar.
“Out exploring. Some of my brothers are adrenaline junkies.” Seph lounged back. “I prefer more sensible activities.”
Eli laughed and shook his head, saying nothing.
“What about Victoria and the other ones in her hen party?” I was trying to broach this subtly and not like the proverbial bull.
“Some of them have gone too. I’m enjoying the peace while I can.” He closed his eyes.
“I’m waiting for Ava. We’re meant to be having a couples’ massage and I don’t think it involves what I hope it involves.” Eli looked around for his girlfriend.
“That’s my sister you’re referring to.” Seph’s words sounded drowsy.
“If you talk to her about it, she’d probably give you details.”
Seph groaned. “She already has. That’s why I avoided you at work for a week in June.”
“You work together?” I asked.
Eli nodded as Seph’s head was now underwater. “That’s how I met Ava. I’m a partner at the Callaghan law firm.”
“Have we moved on from talking about my baby sister now?” Seph’s head popped back up.
“Kind of.” Eli was obviously used to Seph’s drama. “You single?” He looked at me.
“If I didn’t know you were with someone I might get worried at that.”
Eli laughed. “Only in Ava’s fantasies…”
“Do I need to put my head underwater again?” Seph did actually glare this time.
“Please. It would help everyone. Can I hold you under the water too?”
Seph shook his head. “Don’t do Max any favours.”
Eli laughed. “Ava was going on last night about some rumour you were seeing some American singer. If you can tell me if it’s true I’ll get brownie points.”
I didn’t know whether to stickmyhead under water. “Seriously. The media – they make so much shit up. All I have to do is hang out with someone or have a meeting and we’re sleeping together. No, it isn’t true. No sane woman would put up with me.
There was too much truth in the words. I knew that Amber would’ve liked something more permanent, but she was hardly sane.
“There’s someone for everyone. At least that’s what we keep telling Seph, but it just seems to give him a reason for manwhoring round London and the surrounding counties.” Eli waved at Ava, who headed over.
Sophie wasn’t with her.
“Hey.” She moved into the pool and tucked herself into Eli. “Ready for your massage?”
“Can’t we save some stupid amount of money and you just do it? You realise it’s just both of us getting a massage at the same time in the same room?” he said.
“And we both have male masseurs.” She looked up at him and smiled. There was a level of evil in it that was quite scary.
“Great. I’ll lie back and think about another man touching you.”
“You do just that.” She patted him on the side of his face. “If you don’t want a massage, Sophie said she’ll have it. Apparently she needs to relax.”
“Where is Sophie?” Seph sat up. “I haven’t seen her today.”
