Ellie’s husband, Adam, is our lead singer.
“He has some all day photo shoot. He’s already left. C’mon Gav, I’m bored. We haven’t gotten together in ages. The nanny is here for a few hours and I want to get out.”
“Laying it on thick, aren’t we? Fine,” I huff, pretending I’m put out. “I guess I can spare you an hour or two out of my grand plans of doing nothing all day.”
Ellie laughs. “You’re so generous.”
We make plans to meet at one at Rockdale’s, a little seafood shack near my house in Huntington Beach and hang up.
I lie on the lounge for a while, enjoying the cool breeze and the trickling of the waterfall that splashes into the pool. Of course, my thoughts immediately turn to Mitch. I picture his dark, wavy hair curling up behind his ears. Those intense grey eyes that can’t seem to stop finding excuses to look at my mouth. His warm hand clasped around mine as if he’s somehow staking a claim.
Shit. I begin to grow hard.
Jerking off while Marcus watches from the other side of the patio doesn’t exactly sound like a great time. Instead, I groan, ignore my throbbing dick, and head inside to get ready for my lunch date.
***
“You look dreadful, Gav.” Ellie pulls me into a hug, wrapping her arms around my neck.
“Thanks, El. Love you too.” I squeeze her tight, letting her warmth seep into my frigid disposition.
“You know what I mean,” she says when she lets go.
Rockdale’s is first come first serve. We find an open table on the patio overlooking the ocean.
“Is this too bright for you?” I tease. “That delicate British skin of yours burns so easily.”
“Hey, you’re half British as well,” she counters.
“Yeah, well, I guess that’s one good thing about my dad. I got his tan skin.” I frown at the thought.
“How are things with your dad?” Ellie reaches across the table to put her hand over mine.
“Same as always, El. I don’t have a dad.”
I’m glad to be wearing sunglasses. Otherwise Ellie would be able to see that it still hurts. Ten years since my dad suspected I was gay. Ten years since he beat me and ridiculed me on a daily basis until I couldn’t take it anymore and tried to kill myself. Ten years since I’ve had any kind of relationship with my dad that doesn’t involve him telling me what a disappointment I am.
“That’s so sad, Gav. I miss my dad so much. I just don’t see how he can toss you aside. I’d give anything to have my dad back.”
A drunk driver killed Ellie’s dad about a year after my incident. Believe me, I understand why she thinks it’s unfathomable. But then, she didn’t know my dad.
I twist my mouth into a scowl. “Yeah, well…my dad’s a bastard, El. Even my mom figured that out.”
“She’s still in London, then?”
The server takes our order and promises to be right back with out drinks.
“Still in London, yes. After…” I shift in my chair. Ellie is one of the few people who know I tried to kill myself but I still don’t like discussing it. “After the incident,” I glance at Ellie and see her nod, urging me to continue. “She brought Hawke and me to London where I met you and the guys. Mom never came back to the U.S. and hasn’t been here since.”
Ellie’s mouth falls open. “Not once? Not even to visit you?”
I shrug, pretending it doesn’t hurt that my own mother won’t make an effort to see her only child. “I go there a lot with the band. You know that. So I guess she figures that’s enough.”
Ellie gives me a sad look. At that exact moment, our drinks arrive. I’ve never been more grateful for something alcoholic. I order another one before I even take my first sip.
Ellie gives me the mommy glare that makes you feel as if you deserve a time out.
“What? I’m having a bad day,” I huff, justifying my actions. Lifting the glass, I down about half of the fruity rum cocktail.