“You know, I’m a really good listener. Great at giving advice, not so great at taking it myself, but that’s another story altogether. So, whatever is going on, I might be able to help or at least try. Lay it on me, baby,” I say in a teasing voice, hoping to get him to lighten up even more.
“I think you already know what I’m thinking about.”
“Let’s see...” I start, allowing my voice to trail off as I tap my finger against my chin like I’m having a debate with myself even though we both know it’s not necessary. “Could it be the fact that Courtney is out with Drake tonight?”
“It could be.”
“Or that she’s going out with Callen tomorrow night?”
“Could be that too.”
“What about Natasha? Are you worried about her date with Lennon tonight at all?”
Milo belts out a laugh so loud it catches me off guard. “Um, no.”
“Why not? He’s a good-looking guy.”
“Yeah, I know. And she would crawl in bed with him if she had the chance, I’m sure. It’s not going to happen, though. He only has eyes for one of the ladies, and I think you know who that is,” he retorts, finally looking in my direction as the car comes to a stop. “Plus, she’s not really interested in anyone but herself. This is all a game to her, and her only goal is to win. She’ll do whatever it takes, and that’s what’s going to get her eliminated sooner rather than later.”
The door to the van opens before I can reply, a million things running through my mind right now.
Did he actually sleep with her?
Is she planning on trying to sleep her way to the end? With all of them?
Who’s going to succumb to her scandalous ways? Lennon? Jace?
Those are my two main concerns. I’m sure Milo realizes that considering his words seemed like more of a warning than a simple statement of fact.
“An art museum?” I ask as I stare up at the large, ornate building in front of us.
“I can tell you’re cultured. I wasn’t sure if you liked art, but I know a thing or two, so I thought maybe I could show you a side of me that no one else would appreciate. I know tonight is supposed to be about you, but I wanted to share this with you, so I hope that’s okay.”
How sweet. There’s no way I’d be able to hold it against him that he didn’t choose something he knew I would like but rather something he enjoys and wanted to share with me.
Nodding, I let him take my hand in his, and we walk up the concrete steps.
The next hour dragged on. Not because I don’t appreciate art, I do. It’s always fascinated me, probably because I don’t have a creative bone in my body or the patience to create something so powerful yet simple.
The reason it felt like we were there for ten hours instead of one is because Milo thought it would be funny to tell jokes the entire time. Jokes that weren’t funny the first time he said them, yet he continued to make them over and over again, laughing at himself the entire time.
Venus de Milo was my least favorite. Get it? Milo Ugh!
So, about the time we’re finally getting back in the van and heading to dinner, I’m more than ready for a change of conversation.
“Are you ready to talk about Courtney now?” I ask as soon as the driver pulls away from the museum.
“Not much to talk about.” He brushes my question off, but he can’t hide his physical reaction to it. His back stiffens, and he averts his eyes.
“Right. So, let me ask you something. Were you the one in her villa last night?”
“Maybe.”
“And are you planning on being in her villa again tonight?”
“Maybe.”
“Why not just confess you like her? It’s not like it’s a secret. Everyone heard... well, everything.” I wanted to say we heard her screaming, but considering he’s being mute on the topic, I’m trying to be sensitive to his situation.