“Don’t mind if I do,” Hailey chimes.
Addie, Rowan’s sister, squeals. “I’m so excited to do absolutely nothing. All I need is a mojito in my hand, and I’m in heaven.”
“All I need is to forget what’s waiting for us back at home.” I take a gulp from my drink. Sour and sweet coat my tongue with a citrusy, wonderful taste.
“We’re not talking about Mom.” Hailey huffs and grabs her phone from her black tote. “In fact, I’m gonna mute mom so I can relax on this four-day weekend.”
Addie nods. “You should do that.”
“What if there’s an emergency?”
Hailey scoffs. “Like what? She broke a nail?”
I snort and shake my head. “Okay, fine.” I hit the mute button under Mom’s contact and show them the screen.
“Guys,” Ellie shouts from inside the lobby, waving us over to her.
The guys are huddled together, bickering about who gets what room. All I hear is “ocean view” and “balcony.”
“You’ll be too drunk to enjoy a view like that.” James fixes his hat on his head with annoyance written all over his face.
“Seriously? Don’t be such a dick.” Beau splays his arms out.
“I’m not. We know how you get on vacations.”
I watch James cross his arms while widening his stance. The pose screamsI’m your big brother, and you’re gonna listen to me.
He continues. “If there’s anyone who gets to have that room, it should be someone who would actually use it for their enjoyment, you know? Like someone who will drink a cup of coffee and enjoy the sunrise. Notwake upon the balcony.”
“Beau.” Rowan puts a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry, but I agree with James.”
James gives his brother a smug look and a wide grin.
“You know who should have it?” Rowan says.
“Me,” James says with confidence.
“Our boy, August.” Rowan gestures his head to the side.
“What?” Beau and James exclaim.
“Guys, it’s only fair. He’s doing a great job handling The Surf Shack by himself. On top of everything else.”
August isn’t paying any attention when I peek at him. He’s scrolling on his phone, waiting until someone tells himwhat room to go to. Oblivious to the conversation happening.
I’m standing behind him, and I can’t help but want to be nosey. I crane my neck and stand on my toes to look over his shoulder. Is he really looking at photos of women? Typical man.
He turns his head, and I drop down to my feet and look up at the ceiling.
“What are you doing?” He tucks his phone in his back pocket and smirks.
“Hm? Nothing?”
“You weren’t just trying to look at my phone, were you?”
I squint at the stupid smirk on his stupid, cute face.
Stupid.
