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I roll my eyes. “Yes, Dad.”
I get an eye roll right back as he asks doubtfully, “Were you really going to?”
“Yes, I really was.” I leave then shut the door, nodding toward the scene of the gift. “Maybe don’t mention that though?”
“That?” he asks, seeming a little confused.
“Yes. That.” I don’t need to spell it out.
“So you don’t want me to mention…that?” He sketches air quotes.
“Yeah. That.”
“You can say it, Hollis.”
“Say what?” I ask, feigning innocence.
He shakes his head, amused. “You really think I don’t know you bought her a sex toy?”
I groan in frustration—with myself. “Just hoping you hadn’t figured it out.”
He snorts. “I’d already figured out you were into her from the way you looked at her like a hungry dog. Really, the sex-toy gift was just basic context clues. The pink paper, the nightstand, the sneaky walk down the hall like you thought you were pulling it off.”
Jesus. How transparent am I?
At least he doesn’t know what the note says. That’s just for her.
Ten minutes later, Rhys is dressed and the three of us are ready to hit the grocery store. Once we’re down the produce aisle and Gavin is pawing the butternut squash, it seems as good a time to talk to Rhys as any.
21
LET’S ALL DO FACE MASKS TOGETHER
Gavin
I’m not in the habit of policing my friends. But I’m also not in the mood for the next week to be awkward as hell. Best to get Hollis’s crush as out in the open as Rhys’s.
As I’m picking the main attraction for this awesome butternut squash bowl recipe I know I will make so much better than the guy on the video, Hollis clears his throat. “So listen, Viscount, there’s something I wanted to let you know.”
Rhys gives him a faux thoughtful look. “You don’t like to wear pants around the house?”
“Nope. It’s shirts Hollis doesn’t like to wear,” I correct as we head toward the kale.
“Thanks for the reminder. I never would have known,” Rhys deadpans.
“Anyway,” Hollis says, like he’s trying again as I grab some of the leafy vegetable.
“Wait, wait. Is this when you admit you’ve been hoping we’d all do face masks together tonight, Hollis?” Rhys asks.
I snap my gaze to Rhys. “What’s wrong with face masks?”
“Nothing,” Hollis says, answering first. “The ones with aloe vera vitamins are great for puffy eyes.”
“Yeah, those are good. But caffeine eye masks are better for puffiness,” I put in.
“Shit. Really?” Hollis asks with genuine curiosity.
I nod. “Definitely. You gotta try some.”
