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“Hmm,” I say, pulling a mug from the cabinet.
“What’s so wrong with that?”
“I just think you’re doing your audience a disservice. Your true authentic self is more enjoyable and relatable. Instead of being this mega-wealthy and famous YouTuber whose biggest problem in life is running out of your favorite eye shadow, you should show them who you really are.”
“And who is that exactly?”
“A twentysomething woman who has real-life issues outside of the glitz and glam. More than what the media shows. You don’t share that, and honestly, I don’t know anyone who can relate to a person who has a perfect life. But then again, it’s just my opinion. What do I know?”
“Well, apparently, I’m doing something right, considering my subscriber count and how many Instagram followers I have. They like what I have to say and share.”
“Sure. But eventually, the act will drop. You can’t pretend to be someone you’re not forever.”
We stare each other down for a few seconds, but I don’t push it any further. There are two different Pipers, and it depends on if the camera is rolling and people are watching or if she’s let her guard down and relaxing. I can’t imagine trying to be someone I’m not all the time. It has to be exhausting, but I keep that thought to myself.
After eating breakfast and drinking my coffee, I hear a loud booming knock on the door. Piper jumps and looks over at me. I walk over with a hand on my gun. Quickly, I check the peephole, then realize it’s Easton.
I swing the door open and scowl. “Why the fuck did you knock like you’re the goddamn police?”
Easton chuckles. “Wanted to make sure you heard me.”
His hands are full, and I notice his trunk is still open.
“I’ll grab the rest,” I tell him as he heads inside.
I carry as much as I can, but it’s going to take another trip. Considering Piper gave him a hell of a list, I’m not surprised there’s so many.
After the car’s unloaded, Piper opens a few bags and digs out some items.
“What’s all of this?” she asks.
“It’s some of the things you asked for,” he tells her.
“Recipe books, crossword puzzles, adult coloring books, and pencils.” Her eyes go wide with confusion. “I’m not five.”
I clear my throat. “You were bored and needed some stuff to do. I told Easton to use his imagination.”
“This is a joke, right?” She’s holding a box of ultra absorption tampons.
Easton chuckles as Piper’s face turns beet red.
“Just in case Mother Nature was as extra as you,” he explains with a shit-eating smirk.
Piper chews on the inside of her mouth like she’s ready to curse Easton a mouthful. She continues to pull things out with disdain. “I asked for a bikini.”
“And that’s a one-piece bathing suit,” Easton says.
She shakes her head. “This will give me tan lines galore.”
“You won’t be going outside to worry about that. Plus, the last time I checked, there’s no one here for you to impress,” I state.
“You’re absolutely right about that since neither of you is my type.” She looks between Easton and me.
Since I’ve been around, Piper hasn’t dated anyone, so I’m not sure what her type is. She’s married to her job, and while her sister and friends have tried to set her up, she’s always blown them off. She could get anyone she wants—man or woman—without even trying, but she hasn’t seemed interested.
Piper unloads more items. “Oh, thank God. Fresh veggies and fruit.” She glances at Easton. “Okay, I officially forgive you for all the other bullshit.”
He places his hand over his heart. “Thank you. Now I’ll be able to sleep tonight knowing that Piper Montgomery has graciously forgiven me for my sins.”
She rolls her eyes. “So does being a smart-ass run in the family?”
“Yes,” Easton and I say at the same time, then burst into laughter.
“You’re worse than me, though,” he says.
“Yeah, right. Mom told me how much of a dick you are to work for,” I throw back.
“Whatever, my employees have the best boss. Handsome, charming, and I pay well.”
“Screams arrogant,” Piper adds with a smirk.
“Yeah, well, I didn’t have the military to straighten me up like Tristan. I’d rather be arrogant than a hard-ass.”
I groan, not wanting to talk about my past. “I’m not.”
“Yes, you’re actually all of the above. I get the best of both worlds, I guess,” she muses with a forced smile.
Easton chuckles as he helps Piper put away the food. “Doesn’t matter how many months go by without seeing him, his arrogance and stuck-up attitude never changes,” he tells her.
“I think you mean more mature and wiser. Don’t worry, brother, that comes with age.” I grin at him, knowing how much he hates it when I joke about how much younger he is than me.
“Wait, you don’t see each other that much?” Piper asks.
