Maybe that’s why the Chastains are so appealing, because they are so isolated. It’s almost as if they’re not apartof our town.
Not that there are any options in that family. The only two kids of legal age are men, and homosexuality is not a very open topic here. That, and I can’t really afford another difficult situation right now.
I’m already juggling Mom, bills, and my own self-esteem. Adding a sexuality crisis to that? Nah, I’ll pass.
Avoid, deflect, deny.
“You’re being very—oh my god! He’s here!” Cassie squeals, cutting off her own insult.
My eyes immediately dart to the entryway as she scurries toward it, finding Atticus walking through the threshold. He’sholding a bottle, still dressed in his slacks and button-up, though his hair is perfected once again, and he’s got a coat thrown on.
It looks soft. Expensive.
I turn away, focusing once again on my friends. I have no interest in seeing Cassie flirt away with the man, and there is no point in ogling when he can catch me at any moment. I willnotembarrass myself tonight. That is a vow.
The dim, yellowed lamp light of the living room makes me feel a bit safer as I shrink further into the wall, taking another drink from my cup.
Grace, who works at the floral shop up the road and has about two years on me, approaches where I stand. Her blonde hair is tied in a high ponytail, and she’s got lashes so long they brush her eyebrows.
We’ve spoken quite a bit over the years, and up until a few months ago, she was dating one of the guys who works at my uncle’s auto shop.
Now, newly single, it appears she’s looking in my direction. She smiles up at me, her hand grazing mine as she leans in close.
“Hey, it’s the man of the hour,” Grace purrs. “Congrats on the new gig.”
I try my best to smile in return. “Thanks, I’m pumped about it.”
Which is true; it pays more, so I’ll be able to buy a few things for myself as I pay our bills. Maybe even afford to fix up that old Mustang that Uncle Danny said I could have.IfI can manage to get it running.
“I bet. Working men are so hot.” Clearly, Grace does not care about subtlety. And even if I were interested, I surely wouldn’tfuck the girl who just got out of a relationship with my brand-new colleague.
I hum in response, my eyes darting back to where Kim and Hailey sit as I debate moving in their direction, if not just to ditch this persistent woman.
“I’d be interested in seeing just how good you are with your hands, if you’re into it—”
“Cam!”
Saved by the damn bell. Or, rather, Cassie. I’m so relieved by the interruption that, as I turn to face her to show her my gratitude, I’m startled by her company.
I totally forgotwhoshe’s with. Maybe I should put my drink down.
Atticus is standing at Cassie’s side, his hazel eyes drilling into me. They flicker to Grace momentarily, observing her with disinterest, the way he observes damn near everything else.
“Holy shit,” Grace breathes. “Atticus Chastain! I never thought I’d seeyouat a party. In fact, I hardlyeversee you.”
“Mhm,” Atticus replies, not bothering to open his mouth and spare her a word. Then, he turns his attention back to me. “Hello, Cameron.”
Oh, god. The way my name rolls off his tongue as if he owns it, as if he’s been savoring it all afternoon just to feed it back to me all marinated and fucking delicious, is too dangerous.
I kind of want him to leave. I kind of want him to say it again.
“Hi,” I reply, but it sounds scarily close to a squeak.
The corner of his mouth quirks up, just slightly.
“He brought whiskey!” Cassie gushes, holding up a bottle that looks far too fancy to be at a small party like this.
“Oh, wow. Thanks.” It’s all I can manage to say, as I’m still reeling from the slight smile he hand-delivered to me a moment ago.
