“Everyone really is here,” I say with a laugh.I linger at Griffin’s side a moment longer before I realize I’m supposed to go do my thing now.Without him.Because we’re just friends and nobody is supposed to know that his dick was shoved down my throat a mere hour ago.
“Um,” I begin awkwardly, remembering to keep my hands to myself.“I’m gonna…just…head over there.”
“Hey, Griffin!Hey, Casey!”An old high school friend named Erin drifts past, waving.“Long time no see!Oh my god, are you two together now?”
My mouth parts but no response comes out.I can see the same surprise reflected on Griffin’s face.
“No,” I blurt, “we’re just friends.”
“Case has been living with me temporarily,” Griffin offers.“Before she moves back to Chicago.”
“Oh!My bad!”Erin reaches out to squeeze my wrist before drifting off again.“You guys would be super cute together though.”
I offer Griffin a forced smile before heading over to the girls.Are we that obvious?We weren’t even touching each other.I try to put it behind me as I join Roxie, Julie, and Sara at the high table.This is quintessential summer, flowering bushes scenting the air, a hot breeze wafting through, while we gaze upon the glittering, perfectly blue pool.
“God, I love coming to Liddell’s,” Julie says with a sigh.
“He’s single, right?”I ask.“Maybe you and Grant should start getting cozy.”
Sara laughs.“Like you and Griffin?”
“Hey,” I say, but my voice withers before I can add more.It seems everyone thinks we’re a couple and we’re not evendoinganything.Well, not here anyway.
“Are you guys…you know…” Roxie lifts her brows.
“No,” I say flatly, avoiding everyone’s gazes.“We, uh…no.”I feel wrong lying to them, but I’d rather avoid it all until Griffin and I can get on the same page.
“Why do I not believe you?”Sara says with a giggle.
“We’re friends,” I say, finally daring myself to look them in the eye.“And now we live together.”Because that’s still the truth.We are still friends who live together…with a spicy layer on top.
I don’t want to keep fibbing about this to my friends, so I do my best to change the direction of the conversation.We talk about customer drama at Brews on the Bay, about recent hang sessions with mutual friends, about the latest and greatest in relationship news among our Bayshore circle.While we chat, I search out Griffin across the party for a quick smile or glance.
Drinks are flowing.The sun is shining.Life is perfect.
Truly.
I relish this feeling for as long as I can, before the doubts creep in, thewhat ifs, the justifications.Somehow, I have stumbled into perfection.I wish so badly that this 5-star-read studded Griffin cocoon could remain my reality forever.
But I have it for right now.
As the afternoon whiles on, we meet and greet with tons of Bayshore locals and old friends.Grant Liddell has always thrown these summertime soirees, though this is the first one I’ve ever been able to attend.I migrate to the appetizer table set up on the enclosed porch to grab another fizzy summer drink.I’m on my way back to the lounge chairs the girls and I have set up when a guy steps into my path.
“Hey there.Hi.I’m Will.”Will offers his hand.He’s tall and imposing, a broad-shouldered man in a polo shirt and mint green shorts.“I’ve seen you lounging and had to come say hi.”
“Hello, Will.”I shake his hand, offering a small smile.“Nice to meet you.I’m Casey.”
“Are you from the area?”He tilts his head, leaning in.I can tell he’s angling for something; I just don’t know what.This has equal chance of turning into flirtation or an insurance pitch.
“I am.Bayshore born and raised.What about you?”
“Moved here for work.I’m in tech.”He looks proud, and I get the urge to pat his shoulder and walk away.
“Casey!Time to dip!”Roxie calls out, shedding her sundress at the lounge chair.
“That’s my cue,” I tell Will, drifting their way.“Have fun, Will!”When I hit the lounge chairs, I tear off my sundress.I wonder if Griffin is watching and if so, what he thinks.I glance around the area, searching him out, but I can’t see him.Roxie, Julie, Sara, and I head for the pool steps, joining a small handful of others in the water already.
“God, this feels so good,” Sara groans.
