“So, you’re not a fan of Landon.” He shrugs. “I suspected as much after your little comment about his ego. It’s fine. Most people aren’t. He’s a hard pill to swallow, that one. Tough nut to crack. It’s shocking he’s even had a girlfriend for this long.”
I don’t mean to make a face, but just like sticking my foot in my mouth, it happens before I can stop it. Eli’s eyebrows raise, and I do my best to school my expression as he slinks off the raft and swims across the pool toward me, resting his elbows on the edge. It’s impossible not to stare at his enormous biceps.
“Am I to guess by your expression that there’s some trouble in paradise?”
“No,” I say too quickly. “Why would you think that?”
“You know you’re an open book, don’t you, Peps? Every single emotion plays out over that pretty little face.”
“It does not,” I say, defensive, even though it does. I know it does.
“Don’t fret. It’s fucking adorable.”
I can’t help the blush spreading across my cheeks. “Yeah, well…”
“So, give me the lowdown. The gossip. The talk about town.”
I shake my head. “Nothing to tell.”
“Liar. Come on. Give your favorite Blair the inside scoop.”
My eyebrows shoot up. “Favorite Blair? I hardly know you.”
“But you already like me the best, don’t you?” He winks at me, earning a laugh, and I realize he’s not wrong. I think of Landon, replaying his harsh words in the kitchen, and my smile fades.
What were you doing? Tanning? Lounging?Running your mouth off to my father, again?
“It’s not my place. I’m on Landon’s bad side as it is.”
He snorts at that. “My brother doesn’thavea good side, though I’m surprised he won’t make an exception for a harmless little thing like you.” He thinks about that for a second. “Well, mostly harmless. Could’ve done some serious damage last night.”
My face grows warm at the reminder. “Sorry, again.”
“Oh, I’m just messing with you.”
“Well, if Landon Blair has a shit list, I’m numero uno.”
“If that’s true, which I doubt, don’t take it personally. My brother’s always been tightly wound. Could be because he’s the oldest of us three. Always had to overachieve and set an ‘example,’ though it’s not like it did any good. I’m the family fuck up, and Junior would give his right arm to be Dad’s favorite for one miserable day. Landon’s the chosen one, which means no room for mistakes.” His explanation of their family dynamic gives a little more insight into Landon’s personality, and it makes a lot of sense. Would I be different if I was the oldest? Probably. Eli continues, “Honestly, his involvement with your sister is the most rebellious thing he’s ever done. We all thought it was a phase, but six years later, she’s still here.” His eyebrow quirks. “Unless you know something.”
I shake my head, careful not to “run my mouth.” “My lips are sealed.”
“My parents would throw a party if they broke up. Like, a literal party, with a live band and balloons and everything. They’d probably invite every single woman they know who fits theircriteriaand parade them around like some Cinderella shit. It would be highly amusing to witness.”
“It sounds awful,” I say, trying to picture Landon’s reaction to that sort of display. It’s impossible to visualize, mostly because I know Landon would nevereveragree to something like that.
“Yeah, well, I left that world for a reason.” He downs the rest of his beer and grabs the shot of tequila, gesturing to me. “Want some? Landon’s got the good stuff.”
“Oh, no thanks. I’m not a huge drinker.”
Eli shrugs. “Suit yourself.” He throws back the shot and sets the empty glass on the edge of the pool. Then he pushes off the side, arms dragging through the water as he floats on his back. “You should go change into your suit. Come join me. The water’sincredible.”
Though the invite is tempting, I desperately need to continue the apartment hunt. “Maybe another time,” I tell him, but the door slides open before I can move, and Landon strides outside, looking between Eli and me with an annoyed expression. Not at all prepared to take another verbal beating, I grab my food and quickly extract myself with a muttered, “See you later.”
“Aw, you scared her off,” I hear Eli say as the door shuts.
Landon’s response is muffled, though it’s not like I care. After overhearing them last night, I’m certain whatever he’s telling Eli about me is not at all flattering.
Good thing I’m used to it by now.
