Two babes hang on his arms, one grinding against his side. I don’t know either, but they look young enough to have freshly graduated high school.
I cast a quick glance around, searching for Blair, still unsure whether I want her here or not. I’ve not heard her leave her condo today, but that doesn’t mean she didn’t. It’s not like I press my ear to the door all day, tracking her every move.
“Cody!” Brandon booms, grinning as he pushes the chicks aside. “Shit, man. I half thought you weren’t going to show.” He glances at the case of beer I’m holding, two wrinkles denting his big forehead. “You brought beer? There’s plenty of that here, man. Corona included. I know you don’t drink the imported stuff I like.” He summons his minions with a flick of his wrists before grabbing the case.
A second later, I’ve got an ice-cold bottle in hand, and Brandon’s pulling me into an armchair, his face twisted into an uncertain look.
“Listen, we gotta talk about Blair. I know she lives across the hall from you.” He falls silent as if waiting for permission to continue his monologue.
I expected this conversation, so I urge him on.
“I know I’ve got no right to ask a favor, but...” He rakes his fingers through his gelled-up hair, “...can you leave her be? She’s dealing with enough shit. She doesn’t need you or your brothers making things worse.”
I watch him, my teeth clashing behind my lips. Blair and Brandon grew thick as thieves this past year. I always thought they were just fuck buddies. Rumors have been flying around since she was a freshman that Blair was in love with him, dreaming of a relationship, and he’s kept her close, enjoying easy pussy.
Convenient—that’s what everyone called their weird relationship. It made sense, but since last year, or rather—since Brandon started earning his place back in our circle—I saw their relationship in a brighter light. The way he defends her paints a different picture than casual sex.
At some point, I noticed the protectiveness, the worry in his eyes whenever I caught him looking at her. It reminded me a lot of what my brothers look like whenever they watch Mia.
It’s safe to assume I sport the same look.
While I don’t rule out the sex-only relationship between Blair and Brandon, since neither dismissed the rumors, I think there’s more there. They’re friends. Very close friends. Whether sex is on the table, I don’t know, but there’s definitely mutual respect.
The fact he’s talking to me about her now proves the point. He’ll be traveling the world in less than a month, but he’s making sure Blair’s covered.
He knows that of all the Hayes, I hate her most. He also knows I’ve not fully forgiven him for what happened to Mia, yet he boldly risks pissing me off to make sure I keep my hostility toward Blair on a leash.
I did a pretty damn good job of that while she played with my nephew last weekend. I even saidheywhen we were both leaving the building on Wednesday. I don’t see how tonight or any other day should be different.
I’m the bigger person, and I’ll be damned if I don’t make people aware of that.
Squeezing his neck, Brandon continues, sensing he won’t be getting any words from me on the subject of Blair Fitzpatrick. “You must’ve said something if she decided not to show up today. She promised she’d be here.” He stares in contemplation at the floor before peering up at me. “I want her here.”
“It’s your party. I don’t decide who you invite.”
“Promise you won’t storm out if she comes.”
A scoff leaves my lips. “Stop acting stupid, Brandon. I’m not a fucking drama queen.”
He pushes all air from his lungs, his shoulders slumping in relief. “Alright, good. You think you could keep an eye on this place while I get her?”
I scan the thickening, drunken crowd. “Can I kick out anyone who gets on my nerves?”
“Anyone but Blair,” he confirms, rising to his feet. “I shouldn’t be long.”
He pats my shoulder and walks away, leaving me in charge of babysitting his guests. Thankfully Colt arrives ten minutes later with our little sister, her excitement palpable as she stamps a kiss on my cheek before beelining for the garden.
“Alright, alright!” Justin booms, entering the living room. “We’ll play a game. Remember our very first college party?” he asks Colt and me as he plops down on the couch. “That game was fun.”
“You mean the R-rated seven minutes in heaven?” Colt scoffs. “I think we’re a bit too old to play that now, man.”
Justin’s smile fades, then returns brighter when Finn slams a glass salad bowl on the table.
“We’re playing. With or without you.” He takes his watch off, settling it in the bowl.
Justin does the same, and within minutes, at least thirty watches are added. We were fresh out of high school last time we played this. While a quick fuck with a random girl in the closet sounded fun back then, it doesn’t now.
I know most girls from college now. There’s a lot I wouldn’t mind getting hot and bothered with, but just as many I’d never touch.
