Page 9
That’s not even remotely true, but I smile while the noose around my heart tightens, forcing me to fake a cough as an excuse to rub my chest. I’m a shitty friend. The only thing I’m good at is putting on a front and saying the right things at the right time.
Hunter deserves better than that. They all do.
Olivia points to an empty lounge chair by the pool’s edge, and needing an escape, I make my way over, feeling eyes on me from all directions.
I instantly relish the warm air permeating my skin until I glance up and find Atlas’s glare hitting me from the water.
He’s always been able to see right through me, and I’ll bet he’s working his magic at this very moment. He shakes his head, making it obvious he knows I don’t want to be here. And I have no doubt he’s also aware that there’s no way in hell I’d ever admit that to him. Or anyone outside my family.
Lying back on the lounge, I kick my feet up and curl my arm behind my head, silently counting down from ten. Like me, Atlas has nailed the art of hiding his feelings, and I expect a wave by the time I get to one.
Three… Two…
“Myers, my man,” he calls out, his lips curled into a cocky smile as he beckons me over. “Get your ass in here. It’s been too long.”
I match his enthusiasm, laughing as I shake my head. “Give me a minute. I just got here. I need to soak up the sun.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
“I’m sure your present company will help pass the time.”
I gesture to the sea of women circling him like sharks, and we both laugh as though I just told the funniest joke.
After a beat, Atlas turns back to his array of girls, and I spend a good thirty seconds checking if there’s anyone else I should say hi to in order to keep up appearances. But when I can’t see anyone I know, I sink back into my seat and lightly close my eyes. If the rest of the weekend is full of private areas, I might just be able to survive this. I might even be able to relax.
If not, at least I’ve got now.
I barely move from my position as the party guests mingle around me, and when the sun peaks in the sky, I find myself closing my eyes again. That is, until drips of cold water coat my legs, snapping me awake.
My sister hovers above me, shadowing my body as she pops a hip. “Henley.” I nod, somewhat awkwardly as I shield my eyes from the rays, cursing her for shadowing the wrong area.
“Beckett.” She nods back and we stare in a standoff, both stoic until she loses control and breaks out into a fit of laughter. “Dammit. You’re too good.”
I couldn’t tell you when we started this game, pretending we can’t stand the sight of each other until one of us gives in. Usually her.
“Well, I do—”
“Have plenty of practice?”
That I do. Though I’m usually pretending I like someone, not the other way around. The truth is, Henley and I are as close as siblings can be. She’s probably the only person I’d ever consider opening up to, if I was ever inclined to actually do that. Not that I have anything to hide, since my life’s not exactly private. I only have to cough and someone writes about me hiding a chest infection they know is going to end our season.
“Are you having a good day?” I ask, adjusting in my seat so I can avoid the sun’s glare. “I’ve been meaning to say hi, but you’re always engrossed in conversation or knocking back shots by the bar.”
“You could have come to join me. Believe it or not, you’re allowed to move from this spot. It’s not a designated Beckett zone.”
“Ha. Ha.”
Henley laughs before collecting her short brown hair into her hands, wringing out the water, once again all over my legs. “To answer your question, I’m having a great day. Unlike you, it seems.” She waves a hand from my head to my toes. “Are you going to spend the entire weekend moping around?”
“Are you going to stop dripping on me?” I bounce my now drenched legs. “If I wanted to get wet, I’d be in the pool.”
“Just answer the question.”
“I’m not moping. I’ve been smiling at everyone who looks my way, answering questions for anyone that asks, and politely offering to help the wonderful bride and groom.”
None of that’s a lie. It’s my thing. It’s what I do.
“Sooo, it’s your resting sulk face that’s the issue?”
