AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I don’t comment on his mention of Mom, still conflicted if I should tell Daddy or not. On one hand, I think he should know, especially since he’s about to go into business with Mr. Aldridge and Tristan. On the other hand, I can’t bear to be the one to hurt my daddy that way. He doesn’t deserve to be cheated on, and maybe the one I should talk to is Mom. I can’t believe she would even look at anyone else when she’s married to the best man in the entire world. Especially someone like Tristan.
“Here we are, Greer.”
Tristan’s voice makes me jump, pulling me out of my thoughts as I look around, realizing that we’re by the pool where the water aerobics class is about to start.
Of course he casts a sleazy look at the women who are about to get into the pool. There are girls my age and some older ones, and maybe I should be surprised by the way his eyes wander as if he were undressing every single one of them, but now I know he doesn’t mind someone older.
“Aren’t you going to get in?” he asks with a glint in his eyes that causes me to shiver with disgust.
“I—uh…” I just realized that my bikini is back at Brady’s and I’m naked under the baggy T-shirt I borrowed. It looks like I’m about to be busted, unless I find an excuse to leave.
And what do you know? Sometimes the universe works in mysterious ways and help comes from the most unlikely sources.
“That water aerobics class is no workout! It’s designed to make everyone feel good about themselves, not to burn calories and build muscle and stamina. You need way more than that to counter all the carbs you eat!”
I’ve never been happier to hear my sister’s bitchy tone. “Hey, Chel,” I greet as she dumps her beach bag on one of the loungers farthest from the pool.
I don’t miss the way Tristan’s eyes rove over Chelsea’s tiny leopard print bikini, the scraps of fabric more similar to stamps in size than to an actual bathing suit. While that kind of look gives me the heebie-jeebies, my sister literally preens under his attention.
“Maybe you’re right, Chel,” I say, welcoming the chance to get out of my predicament. “I should go see if the resort’s personal trainer has some availability for a few sessions.”
It sounds like I spoke too soon. “The resort’s trainer?” Tristan sneers. “Nonsense! Chelsea is right, those people are employed to stroke the guests’ egos, not to give you a real workout.” He saysworkoutas if he meant anything, but definitely something where clothes aren’t involved. “If you want some pointers in the gym, I’d be more than happy to help you. We could go get a workout right now if you want.”
Yeah, I’d rather willingly jump in a pool infested by sharks with an open wound, then I’d have a better chance to make it out alive than having Tristan as my “trainer.”
“Hmm, that’s very kind of you, Tristan.” I smile, because I can’t tell him to fuck off in front of practically half the resort. “But maybe Chelsea is right that I’m very unfit and I should start with baby steps. I skipped breakfast, and I guess I should find something to eat before I pass out.”
“Right.” Chelsea snorts with the mean girl tone she started using with me in front of her friends the last year we were at school together. “You just admitted that you’re fat, and rather than do anything about it, you’re after more food! You’re hopeless, sis.” She smiles at Tristan. “I’ve already been to the gym this morning, but I wouldn’t mind a few pointers from you if you’re up for it, Tris.”
For some reason, Tristan doesn’t sound as eager to offer his services to my sister. “Sure, we’ll have to take a rain check on it though, Chel. I just remembered that I should be meeting with Victor and the other guys to check out the surfing shop on Main Street for some extra gear we need for the race. If they don’t have everything we want in stock, we’ll have to order it, and we want to be sure to have everything. We’ll fucking destroy the competition. Especially that wannabe surfing instructor your father employs.”
My shoulders relax as Tristan walks away, but my relief is short lived.
“I thought we talked about your cockblocking, Greer!” Chelsea snaps as soon as Tristan is out of earshot.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Chelsea. I don’t—”
“Cut the crap, sis! Your little innocent act is getting old. You can just about fool Dad. I told you clearly that I want Tristan, I called fucking dibs, and there’s only one reason why he wouldn’t jump in my bed.”
I’m almost afraid to ask, but I bite the bait. “And why would that be?”
“He must be fucking someone else!” she seethes, narrowing her eyes into snake-like slits. “It better be one of the skanky locals, because if I find out that you’re fuckingmy manbehind my back, so help me God.”
She has no idea how right she is, but if she’s looking for who Tristan is fucking, I’m the wrong Manning woman. “Chelsea,” I plead, hoping to get through to her. “If you think he’s fucking someone else, why do you keep throwing yourself at him? Move on. You deserve better than being someone’s second choice.” Especially Tristan’s second choice.
My words don’t hit the intended target, and my sister dismisses them with an annoyed huff. “God, I wish you’d grow the fuck up, Greer! So what if he’s fucking one of the waitresses? That doesn’t matter, it’s not like I’m not about to seal the deal with that hot surfing instructor! I told you, blue-collar fucks are a lot of fun, and it’s good to get it out of our system before we find a good match and settle down. Tristan is such a catch that I’m willing to look the other way if he wants to slum it with the locals before we make it official. Heck, I’d even be the meat in that sandwich, all I need is another private lesson with Brady!”
I do my best to keep my expression as neutral as possible. A few years ago, I would have confided in Chelsea and told her what I saw last night. I would have hated the thought of her getting blindsided by Tristan, especially when the other woman is our own mother, but the way my sister is looking at me tells me that she probably wouldn’t even believe me, and if she did, she wouldn’t keep her mouth shut around Daddy, causing a scandal and making this all about herself. Right now, protecting my daddy is my priority. That and keeping Chelsea’s claws away from Brady. “Whatever you say, Chel. But believe me, I’m not fucking Tristan.”
She folds her skinny arms over her chest. “Then why is he being so cold with me and not taking the hint that I want him?”
I shrug, eager to get something to eat and hole up in the library with a good book and some peace and quiet to think about what happened in the shower with Brady. “Maybe just try to ignore him. I think Tristan loves the thrill of the chase.” It’s the only explanation for the way he doesn’t seem to understand the word no.
Matt
“No!” I yell, smacking the water with a frustrated huff. “If you keep leaning forward like that, you’re going to end up straight in the water!”
Greer reemerges, climbing back onto her board, coughing and sputtering, her chest heaving in a way that makes it impossible not to stare at her tits.
