I clear my throat and take a sip of my beer. “Right.”
“So, JJ.” Daisy flicks her dark hair over her narrow shoulder. “How have you been? I haven’t seen you in a few days.”
I flash her a small smile. “Yeah, good. Just been spending time with Finn and his mates.”
“Yeah, of course. You probably want to make the most of the summer.”
“Yeah.”
“So, what are your parents doing right now?”
The mention of my parents makes my stomach turn to cement. I study Daisy as she props her chin on her fist and flutters those long lashes at me. I could tell her about my mother, but I don’t want to. It doesn’t feel right.
My mouth opens to spurt out some sugar-coated lie, but a knock at the door saves me. I step back from the counter like it’s lava and yell, “I’ll get it.”
I press down on the handle and open the door to find Joel and Callan with even more beer in hand. I greet and welcome them inside, and as I move to close the door, I spot familiar blonde hair whipping in the distance.
Beside her is a tall guy with dark hair that looks freshly cut, and a beaming grin. I don’t recognise him, but I do notice the way Ivy laughs brightly beside him at something he said.
They make their way to the house and Ivy glances up, sobering her expression when she realises I’m watching them. “Hi.” She forces a smile at me.
“Hi.” I nod.
The guy I’m presuming is Isaac steps closer and holds out a hand. “Hey man, I’m Isaac.”
I glance down at his hand for a second before taking it. “JJ.”
After gathering inside, I help Finn plate everything up on the kitchen island. Daisy is latched to my hip, explaining what jobs she applied for this week. If I’m being brutally honest, I’d rather watch paint dry than listen to her talk right now. I feel like an asshole, but I can’t help it if I’m not interested. And it’s hard to even pay attention when I can see Ivy and Isaac talking across the kitchen.
I have to give it to him, he’s a good-looking guy, and the way Ivy looks up at him? Yeah, I might have the green-eyed monster festering inside me right now.
My fingers clench around the base of my beer bottle when Daisy places a hand on my arm. “Are you zoning out again?”
I turn back toward her to find her pouting at me; those glossy lips are so shiny I can almost see my reflection in them. “Sorry, what were you saying?”
“I can’t believe they rejected my application,” she murmurs. “I had a telephone interview, and they said I talk too much. Can you believe it?”
My eyebrows raise subtly.I sure can.
“Guys,” Finn calls, his words slurring slightly. “Come get some food.”
Ivy walks past her brother and smiles. “Thanks for this, Finn.”
He leans down to kiss the top of her head, a slight wobble in his step. “I told you this would be the best summer ever, and I will make sure it is. Even if the food is a little burnt.”
She chuckles quietly. “Still, thank you.”’
We all grab platefuls of food, and my stomach growls at the mouthwatering smell of it wafting into the summer air. I don’t waste any time, I dig in until my plate is clean.
Finn attempts to pile up the empty plates once we’ve finished eating but ends up dropping them in the sink. Isaac rushes to his side to help. I have no idea how Finn gets himself into this state so easily.
I’ve seen how he can drink himself to oblivion at university, and I’m starting to wonder if it’s becoming an issue.
“So,” he slurs to Isaac. “What are your intentions with my sister?”
“Oh my god,” Ivy groans. “Don’t do this, Finn.”
Finn ignores her and attempts to roll his fluttering eyes. “I presume you like my sister.”
