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Except for the time I didn’t. That’s why we’re in this situation to begin with.

Moonlight reflects off the calm water as waves lazily brush along the beach. There’s just enough of a breeze to keep the humidity from clinging to my skin like a rash. I don’t know who built the fire but they did a fuck-ass job. While it’s giving off a shit-ton of smoke, there’s only a sputtering of flames, making it more campfire than bonfire. How’s anyone supposed to roast marshmallows with this?

Standing directly on the other side of the embers is my stepsister and her boyfriend. Watching Kota isn’t hard. Shit, it’s an artform I’ve perfected at this point. It’s watching her with Guy that’s becoming more and more difficult as I stand here, pretending I don’t want to walk over there and tear off the arm he’s currently got wrapped around her and use it as firewood. He does that shit but then hasn’t spoken to her in the last half hour. He’s talking to everybody else though. That’s all he fucking does is talk. Talk, talk, motherfucking talk.

Unlike at her own parties, Kota’s actually socializing here. Right now she’s chatting with a couple girls I’ve never seen before. They’re built like her, so maybe they’re cheerleaders, too. None of them are drinking alcohol, so Kota must’ve learned her lesson from last time.

Coming up on my right side, Tina asks, “What has you in such a funk?”

I finally tear my eyes off Kota to glance at the beer can in my hand, immediately realizing it’s not even open. Shit.

Eh, whatever. It’s warm anyway.

Tina bumps my elbow.

I’m not admitting to being in a funk. I sure as hell wouldn’t describe it as merely a funk. More like fucking depression.

Since I’m in desperate need of a distraction, I tell her, “The weather.”

She chuckles. “These are perfect sailing conditions, my friend.”

I shake my head. Always with the maritime references.

“Seriously. She’s available. You’re available. What more do you need?”

Now I’m turning to give Tina my full attention. “Who are you talking about?”

Dex’s sister gives me a long, knowing look before moving it across the pitiful flames. To them. To her.

I don’t even bother playing dumb.

“She’s not available. They’re still together.”

“That’s not what the winds are telling me.”

For fuck’s sake. Can’t she ever just talk normal instead of with these stupid sea riddles?

“What did the winds say?” I ask because she expects it. I’ve spent enough time with her and her brother to know it’s her thing. “Captain’s gotta captain,” or some shit. She says that whenever I try to get her off her nautical bullshit.

“That Kota Rhodes is currently drifting without a cat.”

My first thought is Onyx but then I remember the first conversation I ever had with Tina.

“So Kota and Guy…”

Her head shakes. “Are no more.”

“They look together to me.”

“That’s landlubber talk.” She tsks. “Even ships that are taking water appear afloat for a while.”

I let out a loud exhale. As much as I want that to be true, I don’t know how it can be. Guy’s literally holding her possessively in front of everyone, in front of me, and Kota’s letting him. She knows how I feel about her.

“Is my sister harassing you again?” Dex asks from my left.

While I say, “Yes,” Tina disagrees with a hard, “No.”

Instantly, the younger Mathews is rounding on me. “When have I ever harassed you?”