She nods interesting. "He's going to come over here. Act like he's trying to say hello. But really it's about the—" She motions to the bar. Starts fixing another Negroni. "Like I can't pump and dump."
Uh… sure, whatever that means. I guess motherhood adds an extra complication to partying. And isn't Chase's mom an alcoholic?
God, he and Oliver would have a lot to talk about. If either of them was the type to talk.
Sure enough, Chase notices the drink in her hand. Moves toward us.
Ariel shakes her head in that I love how ridiculous he is way. "Before he whisks me away… whoever it is you're looking for… Holden's room is clear. And you know Holden… he cleared it on purpose. So 'he can imagine beautiful women naked in his bed.'"
"You know Daisy is my best friend," I say.
"And you know Holden is full of shit." She finishes mixing. Takes a long sip right as Chase wraps his arms around her. Mouths told you so to me.
"Hey, Luna. How are you?" He pulls her closer.
"Good." I take a long sip. Mmm, herbal and balanced and inhibition relieving. "Your girlfriend is a good bartender. When are you going to put a ring on it? She's the mother of your child, you know?"
He just smiles. "She's the one making me wait."
"Oh?" I ask.
"I'm too busy with school," she says. "Maybe after."
"Maybe? Brutal." He presses his lips to Ariel's cheek. "She's getting tired."
Ariel nods. "Fifteen minutes and we'll go." She turns to kiss him properly.
And, damn, neither of them is shy. Their kiss screams and after we go, I'll have my way with you.
I guess that's nice to see. They're still madly in lust. Even with a tiny baby draining their energy.
Kids change things.
If my parents…
The buzz of my cell steals my attention.
Oliver.
Oliver: You look ridiculous.
Luna: I think you mean amazing.
Oliver: Meet me upstairs.
Luna: Where are you now?
Oliver: Backyard. I'll come up a few minutes after you. So no one notices.
Luna: And what will we do upstairs?
Oliver: I need to fuck you.
My sex clenches. Oliver is never coy, but this—
Luna: If I say no?
Oliver: You won't.
Luna: It's risky.
Oliver: I know.
It's stupid.
But I guess I'm completely without sense.
Luna: Five minutes. That's all I'm waiting.
I wait until all attention is on Charlotte, then I sneak upstairs, slip into Holden's room.
Chapter Forty-Three
Oliver
Thank fuck for small children. When Ariel and Chase leave, everyone insists on walking them to the car. For one final goodbye to Charlotte.
And one final goodbye to calm.
The second the three of them are gone—
I know Holden. I know where this party is going. Even with Daisy here.
Sure, he's not as bad as I was. But the man isn't known for staying sober and keeping everything relaxed.
More for drinking and fucking and fucking shit up.
I push it aside as I climb the stairs. Knock on Holden's bedroom door.
For a moment, my hypocrisy overwhelms me. I'm avoiding the guy for fucking my sister. And now I'm sneaking into his room to fuck my sister's best friend.
It's bullshit.
I'm an asshole.
But I need Luna. And, more, I need to be away from that space. From all these people who expect me to live up to my role. Oliver Flynn, alcoholic fuckup when you want sobriety…
But when you want a party—
I swallow hard as I turn the handle.
Luna is sitting on the bed in a white t-shirt, flannel button-down, and jeans. Oily hair, light makeup, picture perfect grunge musician. "Well, well, well, if it isn't the not new thing." She motions to me. To my costume.
Daisy put most of it together. Bright orange sweater, baggy jeans, black and green wig. That pop star the two of them love. The one who can only whisper.
"You're looking gorgeous, baby. Are you finally legal?" she asks.
I'm not sure how old this chick is, but I nod anyway.
"And what's your name? Do you even know it?" She laughs. "How much have you committed to the character?"
"This thing is itchy as fuck." I motion to the wig.
"So take it off."
"Take it off?" I raise a brow.
She nods absolutely. "All of it. Now. For my viewing pleasure."
"Excuse me." My eyes flit to the plastic cup on Holden's desk. Is she drinking? Does she taste like gin? I need away from those thoughts. I need the world to make sense. "I'm the hot new thing. I'm not doing anything for your viewing pleasure."
"I'm an icon."
"Oh?" I raise a brow. "Or are you so desperate to stay relevant that you'll do anything for me?"
She bites her lip. Considering it. Then she nods, motions come here. "Nice try, kid, but I think we both know who's in charge here."
"Oh?"
She nods yeah. Motions come here again. "Now." She unbuttons her jeans. "Why don't you show me how much you appreciate that?"
I move closer. Between her legs. "And how should I do that?" My hand brushes the inside of her knee. Then up her thigh. Higher and higher—