It took a few long conversations about Dark Flag and one awkward explanation of how we met before I was able to pull Owen aside for a private conversation.
"Have you ever seen any of Jasper's work?" I asked.
"Oh, Quinn, please. Do I have to think about this now?" He looked over to where Jasper was loudly entertaining a knot of women with his imitation of a Vegas showgirl he once met. "He's just one of those guys that talks himself up. So what if he doesn't want people to see his work? It’s probably all boring corporate stuff."
"Do any of these people look like corporate clients?"
Owen shook his head. "You don't invite those kind of clients to a party like this. These are probably the IT guys and computer geeks he met while on the job."
I hated to admit how much sense that made. "Alright, fine. But you have to admit something feels off about your roommate."
Owen slammed back the rest of his beer. "Oh my God, I think I know what it is," he said. "Jasper reminds you of Trent. Think about it. He's the life of the party, he's always meeting new people and bringing them along, and his stories are always just a bit over the top."
Again, it was impossible to admit how much sense that made. "What made you think of that wild theory?"
"They actually met the other day. Remember that awful dinner party at your parents’?" Owen asked. "Jasper met him out at the club that night. How's that for insane coincidence?"
"Sick is more like it," I said.
"I know a cure for that," Owen said. He gave me a smacking kiss and got us two more beers. He really was not kidding about wanting to drink and party.
My only consola
tion was that Anya appeared to be captivated by Jasper. Owen told me they had flirted very heavily the night she stayed over, and it seemed like they were picking up right where they left off.
"Wouldn't that be a good couple? Then they could both go off to wherever his new job is and leave us in peace," Owen said.
"I like the sound of that. But I wouldn't want to break up your clan," I said.
"Quinn, it’s a game," he said. "I know it’s my job, but it’s also just a game. This is real life." He slipped his hand around my waist and squeezed.
"How drunk are you?"
He shook his head. "I can handle it. Sienna never liked me to drink."
I frowned. It was the most effective way to get me off his case, but I was disgusted that he had used it. "Well, you have fun with that, and I'm going to go look up your roommate. Something still doesn't feel right."
Jasper had moved Owen's computer to a kitchen cupboard and I pulled it down and tucked myself into the corner. From there, I was not shocked to pull up scant results for Jasper Collins. He had a few social media accounts, but there was nothing about his work. No profile webpage, no advertising, no freelance hub connections.
I looked up and accidentally caught Jasper's eye. He was watching me with a steady look that belied his carefree, partying facade. The look made a chill run up the back of my neck. It only got worse when I saw Anya shamelessly flirting with Jasper. She rubbed her tightly clad body along his, but her eyes were on Owen.
"Not in the mood to party?" Owen asked. He leaned heavily against the counter next to me.
"I guess I'm still wishing our quiet night together had stayed that way," I said.
I knew Owen needed to relax and I knew he was surrounded by friends. If anyone was allowed to cut loose and drink, it was him. He was home, he wasn't going anywhere, and he needed to blow off some steam. Still, I did not like the smell of alcohol on his breath or the semi-glaze creeping across his eyes.
"Can I make a confession?" he asked.
"Are you sure you want to do that now?"
"You mentioned it earlier, and earlier I couldn't really find the right thing to say." Owen took both of my hands. "I probably still can't figure out the right words, but I've got a better chance now that I've had a few beers."
"A boozy confession? How romantic," I said.
"Really, Quinn? I'm about to tell you that I think I've always loved you and all you can do is judge me for drinking a few beers?" He dropped my hands.
"You know that's not true. I'm not judging you. I just think maybe this isn't the time or the place. There are other things you should be worrying about," I said.