Her hips sway as she turns to face me. “He’s hot. Good for you!” She throws her arms around my neck. “Are you alright? Is this okay?”
It takes me a moment to realize she means her touchingme, and I nod. I’m actually having a lot of fun, even if I’m swaying a bit awkwardly, unlike the two of them. Andre made Oli swear not to drink too much, but I think we’ve already finished a pitcher of margaritas between the three of us. I like those beers that Grey buys, but margaritas are a million times better.
“You’re adorable.” She leans her head back to Andre. “He’s like a sweet puppy.” She sways her body against me, and Andre turns, kissing her on the cheek.
Andre wipes the sweat away from his temple. “I’m taking a break. I need air. Break?”
She nods and doesn’t wait to grab me by the hand, leading me off the dance floor through the other dancing bodies. Fresh air hits us as we walk onto the beach where there’s a free round table with an umbrella. The setting sun breaks into pinks and oranges as it fades for the day. “I haven’t danced that hard in forever.” She wipes the sweat beading along her temple.
Andre joins us at the table with another pitcher, but this one is clear. “We need water.” Andre sets the three glasses down and pours us all a drink. I take it gratefully.
“Has everyone arrived?” Vanessa asks.
Andre shakes his head, taking a sip. The loose cream-linen shirt he’s wearing plunges into a deep V, displaying his muscles. Unlike Oli, Andre doesn’t seem to have any tattoos. Vanessa is wearing a tight red dress that sits on her curves as if it was tailored just for her. I feel a little out of place in my T-shirt and jeans. “Knox is coming tomorrow, but I think Colton is here. We just need to keep those two away from each other. We made them both promise not to fight. Landon and Alyssa are arriving sometime later tonight?—”
“Room for one more?” I look up and see a White woman wearing a pink dress walk over to us. My eyes go to the burn scars around her bicep and spreading onto her chest.
“Shit, I didn’t know you were coming tonight.” Andre gets up, hugging her tight. “This is my agent, Jess... Jess, this is my best friend Vanessa, and this is Grey’s boyfriend Felix.”
Her brows rise with a mischievous smile, and I stand, shaking her hand. “Hi.”
“Well, damn. Grey goes out on medical and he comes back with a boyfriend.” She smiles and then eyes Vanessa. “And you are fucking gorgeous. Look at that dress.”
Vanessa smiles with her glass to her lips. “You look lovely as well.”
Jessica preens, taking a sip of the martini she has. “I just got in and wanted to check out the fishing pond.” She looks back. “How are you doing?” She slaps Andre’s thigh. “Are we excited? Who could have seen this coming?”
“I saw this coming.” Vanessa smirks, taking another sip of her water, her lipstick not smearing one bit. “In fact, I called Oli on this.”
“What?” Andre asks with a laugh.
“I told him there was more to his hatred. Guess he finally figured out why you turn his lights on.”
“Oh honey, I turn more than his lights on.” Andre winks.
Jessica laughs then looks at me. “So, Felix, how long have you and Grey been together? I haven’t seen him in a while. I hope he’s doing well.”
“Oh uh, it’s only been a couple of months. We um. It’s new. I uh?—”
“Felix has been taking care of Grey while he’s recovering,” Andre adds.
“Good. That man needs someone to keep him in line. I know he’s not coming back, but he’s also not dead yet either. Sometimes you have to pivot.”
“He’s gotten a lot better.” I smile. “He’s healing well, actually.” Warmth heats my cheeks.
“Aw, look how red you are. So cute.” Vanessa pouts her lip. “So, what did you do before helping Grey?”
“Ow!” Jessica snaps.
“Oh shit, sorry. I meant to kick her shin,” Andre says sheepishly. Jessica glares, leaning down to rub her leg. “Please don’t hurt me. I have plans for my balls this week.”
“Gross.” Vanessa chuckles into her glass. “And why did you try to kick me?”
His eyes swing to me as he opens his mouth, but I’m alright. I feel okay talking about it, I think.
“It’s okay,” I tell Andre. I know he gets it, to a point. I feel comfortable here with them. “I’d just gotten out of an abusive relationship before I met Grey.” Both Vanessa and Jessica’s eyes flick to Andre’s. He looks right at me, and there’s this understanding that flows between us. “I’m actually married. I left. I um, got the job taking care of Grey, and it kind of just grew from there.”
“Wow.” Vanessa sips her drink. “That’s amazing. I’m really happy you got out of that. It couldn’t have been easy.” I smile at her, and I notice Jessica looking down at her drink uncomfortably, then she drains the rest of it.
