It was the most logical thing Dad has ever said. Usually, his opinion is very one-sided and always to benefit him.
“I have some thinking to do,” I tell them both before walking to the room to find Austin.
Everyone arrives at the marina just in time.
Ava calls everyone’s attention to a list of rules and the itinerary for the day. I half-listen, noticing Will and Gigi are nowhere to be seen.
“Number one rule of the day,” Uncle Rocky yells, “what happens on the yacht stays on the yacht.”
“That’s what you said about Vegas,” Uncle Noah deadpans.
“And our trip to Cabo,” Eric adds with a grimace.
Dad rubs his chin before saying, “And our stay in Amsterdam.”
“Don’t forget the infamous Thailand getaway,” Uncle Julian is quick to mention.
“All right, all right, so I have a big mouth. My wife ain’t complaining, that’s for sure.”
Nikki purses her lips, annoyed at his running mouth. Aunt Adriana pats her shoulder while laughing softly.
“Rocky, a big mouth is great for giving head,” Eric says confidently. “But having a big mouth does nothing for a lady garden.”
“Are we back to using lady garden?” Kate complains, scowling. “It’s so Eric circa years before his addiction to Botox.”
“I’m sorry,” Eric drags, placing his hands on his hips, “I can’t say I keep current with vagina lingo. Ask me what the confused straight guys are calling dick, and I’m your number one man.”
I fall into a fit of laughter, welcoming Eric’s humor before we board the yacht. With blue skies and barely any wind—it’s predicted to be a smooth sail. Beside me, Luna is already taking seasick tablets her mom hands her.
Not long after we leave the marina, I pull Ava aside when Austin is busy with Andy and Nash.
“Where’s Will?”
“He had some important work thing to attend to so stayed back at the house.”
Ava continues to pour the drinks, but not before advising the waiter onboard which drink belongs to who.
“And, um, Gigi? Your so-called bestie?”
“Not feeling well.”
“Not feeling well?” I repeat as my mouth slackens. “What exactly is wrong with her?”
“Migraine, headache, something like that,” Ava says, nonchalant.
My chest begins to cave, followed by a sudden pounding inside my head. “Where is she then?”
“Back at the house.”
“So, you’re telling me that Will and Gigi are back at the house, alone?” I sputter, momentarily beyond words.
Ava places the bottle of Malibu down, scrunching up her face only to relax it seconds later and regain some calm.
“To answer the real question you are asking, Millie. Yes, they are alone, and I don’t know whether they are together or if this was intentional. Does Gigi like Will? Yes, she wants to fuck him, and that comes as no surprise since she’s practically thrown herself onto him in front of everyone since the moment we got here.”
I bite down on my bottom lip, hurt by the truth. What did I expect Will to do? Come out with us so he can watch Austin wrap his arms around me and kiss my lips. Even I knew that would be unfair and difficult to see, but it doesn’t erase the jealousy and hurt of knowing Will and Gigi are all alone.
And the truth is, Will is single and can damn well do whomever he pleases.