Even to my own ears, it sounds flimsy. And we both already know the truth. Of course it’s about her.
It’s always been about her.
“My parents won’t even notice,” he says. “They’re too busy launching new fleets or building skyscrapers or whatever they’re doing in Athens.”
Guilt pricks at me.
I’ve been so wrapped up in my own issues, I keep forgetting he’s hurting too, just… in a different way than I am.
“I’m sorry they’re not home yet,” I say softly.
“Yeah, well, at least I’ve got Dimitra.” He gives me a half-smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “And her homemade spanakopita.”
Dimitra’s been the Vassilioses’ live-in housekeeper since forever. She came over with the family when they first moved here from Greece. She’s more like family than staff.
But… she’s not his parents.
The end credits roll, and Hayes clicks off the TV. He yawns, stretching, his broad arms arching overhead.
“It’s getting late,” he says, checking the time onthe new gold Rolex he recently got for his eighteenth birthday. “You need to go home and get dolled up for tonight. You know—cake your face, try on a hundred different outfits. Normal girl stuff.”
“You forget. I’m not normal.” I snort. “And I’m not trying to impress anyone.”
“Not even me?” he asks, mock-wounded.
“Especially not you.”
“Fine. Wear whatever you want. I don’t care,” he says. “Just please… change your mind.”
He gives me that look—the one that always gets me. Gentle. Familiar. Like I’m the only person in the world who really matters. Something in my chest pulls, and against my better judgment, I sigh and throw my hands up.
“Okay, whatever. I’ll come,” I say. “Now stop harassing me.”
“Deal.” He grins. “Go get ready,” he says, reaching over and yanking the lever on my recliner. The seat snaps upright with such force I nearly launch out of it.
On my way out, I kneel beside the dog and press a kiss to the tip of his black nose.
Hayes arches a brow. “Hey! Where’s my kiss?”
“Oh please.” I smirk. “I’m sure you’ll get plenty of them tonight, lover boy.”
“True.”
My hand lingers on the dog’s thick fur a moment longer. “About time we name this guy, don’t you think?”
“It’s only been a week. Someone might still come looking for him,” Hayes says.
“It’s a name, not a marriage proposal,” I tease. “God, you really are allergic to commitment.” I toss him a grin over my shoulder and head for the hallway.
“Just be here at nine sharp, smartass!” he yells after me. “And bring some of your mom’s oatmeal lavender cookies. I’m seriously craving them.”
By the time I reach my car, the weight of what I just agreed to is already sinking in. I can’t believe I let Hayes talk me into the party. He just has this… power over me. Something impossible to fight. Like magic.
I already know tonight is going to hurt in all the ways I’ve been trying to avoid. Seeing Amber. Her friends. Their looks and whispers. Wondering if Hayes is still hers.
This has disaster written all over it.
By the time I get home from Hayes’s house, I’ve already convinced myself I’m not going to his party tonight under any circumstances. Pretending to be social and playing nice with Amber and a crowd of frat guys and sorority girls I have zero interest in isn’t worth my energy. Even if Hayes is right and I do need to patch things up with my sister eventually, a few more days of space—and licking my wounds—won’t kill anyone.
