“You don’t like your lunch?” River asks.
“It’s fine. I’m just not hungry, that’s all.”
Ivy scowls in a funny manner. “Who are you and what have you done with Xavier Caruso?”
I don’t answer and grab a sandwich from my bag instead to take a bite in front of all of them just to shut them up. “There. Happy now?”
Aspen squints at me. “No, you’re up to something.”
“I am not,” I reply, taking another bite. “I was just spacing out, that’s all.”
“You refuse to steal her food,” Ivy says.
“I’m being generous,” I retort.
Aspen raises a brow. “While staring at a police officer.”
“And? They’re assholes. Everyone knows.”
Talon pulls out his phone and gets up. “Shit. I have to run. Forgot my appointment.”
“Wait, we’re not even finished yet,” Océane, his girlfriend, quips.
“I am. See you later.” He pecks her on the cheek quickly before dashing off.
She rolls her eyes and sighs out loud.
“Are you two okay?” Ivy asks her.
Océane rubs her lips together. “I don’t know. We barely even talk anymore.”
“Oh … Did something happen?” Aspen asks.
“Do you want me to talk to him?” River asks, glancing back at his brother. “See if I can find out what’s going on.”
Océane shrugs it off. “No, it’s fine. I appreciate the thought, but I ….” She sighs. “Can we just eat lunch?”
This is awkward as hell, so I take another bite of my sandwich, grab my drink, and stay quiet.
However, Aspen can’t help but glance in my general direction, which she always does whenever I even think of anything at all. She’s like a dog that can sniff the goddamn devious plans out of your brain before you even think of them.
“We can still talk about Xavier, though, and why he can’t stop staring at that one cop stationed near the door.”
I slam my drink down. “Goddammit.”
“Oh, it’s important all right,” Ivy mutters, sneaking some grapes into her mouth.
“It’s private.”
Aspen narrows her eyes. “Does that mean you have a thing for him?”
I frown. “What? No, fuck no.”
“Oh, c’mon, Xav, don’t be shy, no one’s gonna judge you here,” Ivy says.
“I’m not. It’s just a goddamn cop.”
“He’s too busy pining over Sunny.” Aspen giggles.
