“They’re great legs.” I grin. “I might be a little pissed if you weren’t looking.”
“You can’t say shit like that to me, Aubrey,” Drew chokes out, and the old feelings I used to feel when he would look at me, even though he didn’t really see me, resurface.
“He’s right, Aubrey. You can’t say shit like that to him,” Max chimes in from the backseat. I straighten in my seat, feeling uncomfortable like I did when my dad caught my ex-boyfriend and me making out in the living room during summer break last year. There’s something awkward about family catching you out in such a personal situation.
“Christ, Max. Thought you were asleep.”
“I was resting my eyes, little sister. I wasn’t resting my ears. At least I can count on Drew to be on his best behaviour. It must just be you I need to keep tabs on.”
“I was just joking.” I laugh nervously.
“Uh huh. Sure you were,” Max chastises.
I look over at Drew and mouth ‘sorry.’ He smiles in response and glances at my legs again, knowing I can’t say anything about it this time. With a sly wink and lazy grin, he goes back to exclusively watching the road and I quickly realise playfully flirting with Drew isn’t going to lead anywhere good, especially since he’s won the first round.
Needing to break up the tension, I pull out my phone and text Jacey, hoping she’s awake at this hour. If it’s a little after noon here, it’s the middle of the night in New York. My only saving grace is going to be if she’s out partying or up studying.
Me: I miss your face.
I set the phone in my lap and stare out the front window, refusing to make eye contact with Drew. I feel Max’s gaze burning a hole in the back of my head, but I still ignore it. The feeling ebbs when my phone starts vibrating.
Jacey: More than you’ll know. Why are you up so late?
Me: I’m like 14 hours ahead of you, Jay. It’s Wednesday already.
Jacey: I keep forgetting LOL
Me: Are you studying or partying?
Jacey: Neither. I’m talking Nate off a ledge. The kid misses you and it’s only been a few days.
Me: Oh gosh. Tell him to get a grip and go fuck someone else.
Jacey: I even offered a pity fuck, but he wasn’t having it.
Me: Careful. The guy catches feelings quicker than a woman.
Jacey: It’s kind of cute how much he loves you.
Me: It’s kind of cute how I don’t care. He needs to stop. I have over a dozen missed calls and twenty texts.
Jacey: Give the guy a break. He’s in lurve. What are you doing?
Me: Kidnapping my brother from the grips of my mother’s house. We’re heading back to his place.
Jacey: Can he even drive? I know you can’t LOL
It’s true. I never got a driver’s licence. It wasn’t really needed in New York, where you travel by taxis or subway. I also never had the chance to get one in Australia, since I left when I was twelve. I’d have no idea how to operate a vehicle on the wrong side of the road. Or is it the right side? Who the hell knows.
Me: Drew’s driving.
Jacey: Drew? THE Drew? How’s he looking?
Me: Better than he should.
Jacey: Show me!!!
Debating how I can get a picture of Drew without coming off weird, I pause my text session with Jacey to think about it a little. Then, genius hits.