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The words feel bitter on my tongue. There it is. Good Guy Nick. It’s so automatic when I think of him.
Harley draws his brows together and we both take a sip, completely in sync.
“Sorry. I know he is. I just …” He exhales. “He had you and didn’t appreciate it.”
I turn to him. “What?”
“I’m sure he loved you but he didn’t worship you, not like you deserve to be, and I hate him for it. I also hate that he turned his back on you after everything.”
I stare open-mouthed at the boy in front of me. Well. He definitely isn’t a boy anymore. A man. A stunningly handsome and thoughtful man. Who continues to surprise me every time I am around him.
A light punch to my arm hurtles me back to reality. I blink at my brother, who beams at me.
“Howdy there,” he greets before turning to Harley. “Hey, man.”
“Sam.” Harley smiles politely, and I repress a giggle at the sight of him forcing a polite smile onto his face.
“You two know every single person here is talking about you, right?” he says casually.
“Yep,” we both reply.
“It was getting really dull around here anyway.” Sam offers a lopsided grin, clinking glasses with the both of us. “Want to have a go at whatever that thing is?” He points to a table off to the side that hasn’t got anyone there.
Harley and I glance at each other and shrug. “Sure.”
We spend the next half an hour following Sam around and mingling with his friends. They’re nice enough, and easy to chat with.
“Sam, can you go grab some more ice, please?” Mum asks as she sidles up beside our group. “Oh—Josephine. You look gorgeous!”
“Josie,” I automatically correct. “And thanks! You do as well.”
My father remains silent as he stares steadily at Harley.
“Hi, Mr. Mayor.” Harley clears his throat. “Nice to officially meet you.”
Colour rises in my father’s cheeks. With a clenched jaw, he takes Harley’s hand and gives it a gruff shake before stepping back.
“Hello, Harley.” My mum smiles kindly. “You look very handsome. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you at one of the fundraisers before.”
“No, I usually work,” he replies, then clears his throat when he realises he might have sounded rude. “It’s really great, though.”
I rest a hand on his arm and smile at him. It’s cute he is trying so hard. My parents move on after that and I turn to Harley.
“You little cutie,” I tease.
The corner of his mouth lifts. “I am not.”
“You are so.”
“Need to use the bathroom yet?” he drawls, twisting his lip ring.
An ache builds between my legs and I press my thighs together, exhaling.
“I’d rather just leave this thing all together,” I admit.
“Let’s go.”
“Really?” I ask.
