Page 90 of Saints & Sailors

“Hey.”

Shit.

Aidan was standing with us. Him and a kid I knew from English named Lane. Lane gave me a smile and a wave, but I was too distracted by the arrival of Cameron’s ex.

Cameron offered Aidan one of her sweet smiles. “Hi.”

Aidan looked around, taking in the attractions beyond the gate before coming back to Cameron. “You going in?”

Vanity stepped up beside Cameron, and I was quick to do the same.

“Yeah, we’re just waiting on Dreux and Bonham,” Cameron explained.

Aidan blinked. “Bonham?”

Cameron nodded. “Yeah, even the nonconformist took the night off.”

The comment made me snort. It fit Bonham perfectly.

Aidan’s face went blank as he found where his brother stood with Dreux. A muscle in his jaw tensed as he glowered at him. With Cameron, he let it go. “Can we talk for a sec?”

I wanted to tell him to fuck off, but it wasn’t my place. Thankfully, Cameron spoke up for herself. “Maybe later. I’m trying to have fun tonight, Aidan.”

He reached out, running his hand down her arm. “Me too. That’s all I want.”

Cameron took a step back. “Good. Maybe I’ll see you inside.”

The rejection was gentle, but the air was stiff as Aidan backed off. He turned to Lane and together the two of them entered the carnival grounds without another word.

I patted Cameron’s shoulder. “Good job.”

She blew out a breath and seemed to blush. “Yeah?”

Vanity made a face. “Hell yeah. He’s not sweet talking his way back into your good graces.”

Cameron looked between the two of us. “Right.”

I admired her strength for holding on to her resolve. It wasn’t easy to let go, especially when feelings were involved.

“Well, they didn’t kill each other,” Vanity drawled, causing us to look over and spot Dreux and Bonham making their way back. They were walking side by side and seemed to have come to an understanding.

“Everything okay?” I asked Bonham first. The ball was in his court whether to forgive Dreux or not.

Bonham gave a shrug. “Shit happens.” He looked back to Dreux, managing a smile. “As long as it doesn’t happen again. Going forward, we’re good. Right?” He held his fist out and Dreux bumped his against it.

“Right,” he agreed.

I breathed out a sigh of relief. Now the night could begin.

Dreux led the way to enter the carnival grounds. Vanity took in Dreux’s look and seemed to nod in approval. “God, I haven’t listened to OutKast in forever.”

Dreux flashed her an easy smile. “Forever? Forever ever?”

Vanity grinned, sticking her tongue out before repeating, “Forever ever.” The two of them chuckled at their inside joke, and at my confusion, Vanity deadpanned as her shoulders sagged. “Saylor, girl, come on!”

I didn’t get it and now I felt left out.

An arm came around me and Dreux was soon tugging me close under him. “Don’t worry, Van, I’ll fix her.”