AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“And you sir?” The valet leaned into the car, likely expecting me to also get out. I toyed with the idea. Would it be inappropriate to follow her, to offer my comfort again? Just as that thought grew into action in my mind, my phone beeped to life and Toby’s name flashed on the screen with a message.
[Toby] Meeting. Tomorrow morning. Be there.
Great.
“No thanks.” I waved the valet away and started driving once more, my thoughts consumed in a war between how sweet and genuine Scarlett seemed to be, and how that conflicted with the fact that she was Toby’s surprise sister. The battle didn’t come to a conclusion and rather than returning to the Gala and my family, I retreated home that night with an uneasy feeling settled in my gut.
“You’re late.” Danny peeked over the edge of his newspaper as I walked in, and I rolled my eyes.
“He didn’t give me a time,” I replied. “I had to guess when Sebastian told me to get my ass over here.”
“You’re still late.”
“Man, fuck you.” I dropped onto the couch with a groan and tucked one leg up against the coffee table. Toby’s house was vast and often full of life due to how many clubs and groups his wife Camille was a part of. This morning it was quiet though, absent all chatter, even the laughter of his daughter.
“So” Sebastian appeared from the kitchen, cup in hand and a lazy smile on his face. “Your cute little date was Toby’s sister.”
“Don’t,” I groaned, tipping my head back with a groan. “I still can’t believe it. What are the fucking chances?”
“So slim,” Danny chuckled, abandoning his reading and folding the paper up. “I mean, out of all the girls in New York that you finally click with, it’s the one you probably shouldn’t have.”
“She’s not from New York,” Sebastian pointed out as he sat on the other end of the coffee table.
“You both saw her,” I pointed out, opening my eyes. “You saw what I meant, right? She’s fucking… incredible.”
“She was a looker for sure,” Danny agreed.
“That dress? Y’know, if there hadn’t been that fight, I would have tried to get it on my floor,” Sebastian said, taking a sip of coffee. “Was thinking about it all night.”
“Hands off.” I snapped my fingers and pointed at Sebastian. “She’s mine.”
“She’s not anyone’s,” Danny pointed out, stretching his arms above his head. “Besides, as much as I agree I was drawn to her, Toby is our Best Friend.”
They were right, as much as I found myself soured by the notion. They’d all been friends for years, and Scarlett was?—
“Fucking bitch.” Toby stormed into the room from the hallway, knocking into the large globe by the door as he did so. A cigarette hung from one hand and his usually perfect blond hair was rough around the edges. He didn’t look like he had slept much either and he made a beeline for the polished oak bar at the far end of the room.
“Toby?” Sebastian swiveled where he sat.
“Can you believe it? Can you fucking believe it?” Glasses clattered, and the crystal topper of a whiskey bottle rolled over the bar; then Toby turned to us with a sloshing glass in hand. “You!”
My heart leaped into my throat as he stormed toward me and I straightened against the couch, ready for whatever he threw my way.
“What the fuck? How could you bring her to that, huh? What the fuck is wrong with you?!”
I held up both hands, palms open. “I’m sorry man, I didn’t know.”
“Bullshit,” Toby spat, indicating at me with the glass and causing alcohol to spill over the edge.
“I didn’t, I swear! She said she had some trouble with family but how the hell was I supposed to know it was you?” I glanced at Danny and Sebastian for support.
“It’s a unique story, Toby,” Sebastian said. “This isn’t Lucas’ fault.”
I breathed a sigh of relief and sent Sebastian a thankful glance.
“He brought her!” Toby snapped, then he spun away. His house coat was open, with the tie loosely bound around his waist. “I spent all night calming Camille down.”
“What?” Danny frowned. “Why?”
