“It was Lindsey. Dude. She was all over me, and I can’t let the fans down.”
I don’t even bother telling him she was with Saxon last time we were here. “Turns out she’s a journalist. She wants to do some article or something.”
“Sounds like code fordoingyour article if you know what I’m sayin…” He arches an eyebrow, glancing down between us.
“Shut up.” I push his shoulder with my open palm. “I’m taking off. I’ve had enough for one night.”
My neck is tight, and all I can think about is Dove sitting there quietly drinking her beer and not commenting.
“You feeling okay, Mav?” Haddy puts her hand on my shoulder. “Let me see your eyes.”
“I’m fine. I’m just tired.” Turning to Dove, I reach for her waist. “Ready to go?”
“Huh?” She pretends to suddenly be paying attention, but I’m not fooled.
“Home? Want to go?”
“You’re leaving so soon?” She’s playing innocent, but I’m not buying it.
I’m going to take her home and show her the only woman I care about.
“It would probably raise suspicions if the two of you left together.” Gina slides off her stool. “I’m kind of sleepy, too. Owen? What do you think?”
My cousin tilts her head obviously in our direction, and Owen snaps out of the conversation he’s having with Gavin.
“Sure, babe, you’re ready to go?”
“Yeah.” She holds out her hand, and he takes it in his big one.
“If y’all are going, so are we!” Haddy puts her hand on Gavin’s shoulder. “Right, hon?”
Gavin shrugs, putting his hands on her waist. “Dang, Hads, it’s the first time we’ve been out just the two of us in months.”
“I’m not trying to break up the party,” I argue, but Haddy waves at me.
“Come on, Gav. I’ll make it up to you.” She steps forward and says something in his ear, and he’s on his feet at once.
“It’s been a minute since we did that,” he says, and the tone in his voice makes me not ask.
We all pile out in a group together. The girls hold up their bags to shield their eyes from the strobe of flashes. I don’t say it, but it does fuck with my head a little bit. I guess it’s residual concussion symptoms, but nobody needs to know about that.
The girls chatter happily all through the drive. Gavin watches them with a contented smile on his face, his hands on Haddy’s waist. Owen studies me solemnly, and I give him a sheepish smile. He knows.
After a long drive, we pile out of the SUV in front of the bungalow. Gavin throws Haddy over his shoulder calling a goodbye to all of us as he crosses the street. Ginaputs her arm around Owen’s waist, telling us goodnight before they stroll up the block to their home. I hear her say something about John and Kendall, but I don’t know what that means.
Finally, it’s just the two of us, facing each other under the soft yellow streetlamp. Dove gives me a half-smile before turning and walking up to the house.
My hands are in my pockets as I follow her, waiting as she enters the code. The door opens, and she goes to Kelani’s crate, taking the puppy out and cooing to her as she pets her head and walks to the back door.
I exhale heavily, dropping my chin before following them through the kitchen to the back deck. She’s standing under the soft porch lights with her arms crossed over her waist, watching as the puppy runs around, happily peeing on all the plants.
“Will you tell me what you’re thinking?” My voice is low.
She doesn’t answer right away. Her lips press, and I see her throat move as she swallows. Is she sad? Is she angry?
Finally she gives me something.
“I think I don’t have the right to feel this way.” Her voice is quiet, and she looks down, almost like a confession. “I’m leaving. Of course, you’re going to be with other women.”
