Page 30
“If he’s not playing video games, eating, or doing a job, he’s working out. He is prone to hyperfixation.”
“So, how does Jack feel about your boyfriend staying here?”
I pause, the image of Jack and Kai playing COD earlier still burned in my mind, and I feel my cheeks heat. That’s not something I’ve even bothered to consider. It’s not like it matters now; this is Jack we’re talking about. He’s my best friend, and Kai loves me. Everything is fine.
Though I can’t help the feeling of curiosity. Jack has seemed different lately. Feelings I never had for him—even before—seem to swirl in my mind. The intrusive thoughts of the three of us together… are wrong. Right?
“He’s good…” I trail off. “Him and Kai seem to get along really well.” I try to sound convincing and hide my concern, but she sees it.
“I feel like I don’t believe you.”
“It’s complicated,” I admit.
No— I’m just overthinking. I look up to see Gen staring at me knowingly.
“Right… complicated.” She exhales a sigh. “Are you happy, at least?”
Am I happy?… It’s not something I’ve thought about too much. I always thought of happiness as more of a fleeting moment rather than a state of mind.
“It’s hard to put into words.” I smile. “Kai just has this way of taking up all the space in my mind, and I had no idea I could be so consumed by someone. So, yeah. I guess I am.”
“You know Cade loves it—the ghost.” She seems hesitant and I pause at the change of topic.
“Sure seems that way.” I shrug. “Nothing wrong with it as far as I’m concerned. Cade’s never been interested in relationships and I’m honestly just happy he found something. But I can’t help but worry about him.”
“I get that.” Gen smiles, looking at her lap. “I never expected to fall in love—especially with Ben.” I catch a look of sadness before she puts on a big smile. “But here I am! I gotta say, though, your brother wasn’t what I expected. I assumed he was the type to do nothing but contemplate ways to murder someone.” She pauses, and I feel like I’m getting whiplash from her changes in topic. “He wasn’t really around much at your house as kids, but the few times I did see him, I was kind of scared of him.”
“You’re not entirely wrong. He’s never really been one to let loose.”
“Speaking of, I could use a drink—it’s late enough now, right? Got anything here?” Gen asks.
“Uh—yeah, Cade has a stash of whiskey in the kitchen.”
Gen quirks a brow at me and grins, grabbing my wrist and guiding me to the door.
“Love the number of day drinkers in the house now,” I say, giggling as we head in.
Jack stands at the island bar with a mug clutched between his fingers as he eyes me with a grin. My smile immediately fades.
“Can you grab Cade’s whiskey? We need a drink,” I say, trying to sound casual.
“Way ahead of you, ladies,” he replies, pulling out the whiskey bottle from the shelf under him, setting it on the counter. Then, grabbing two glasses from the cupboard, he pours us both a drink.
“Cheers,” he says, raising his mug to us.
Gen and I do the same before we take a drink. Gen gulps hers down, then gestures to Jack for more.
As soon as the amber liquid hits my tongue my face twists, and I gag.
“That’s… strong.” I wipe my mouth, my stomach already warming. “You probably shouldn’t drink that straight, it tastes like gasoline.”
Jack pours himself another shot and looks down at me with a devious grin and winks. “Watch me.”
My heart skips a beat. The way he said that. He did see me.
He pours more, looking at Gen. “So Ben is being an annoying fucker; how do you put up with him?”
She visibly relaxes and smiles. “He is an acquired taste.”
