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“I’m gonna walk. It’s not that far and I could use the fresh air.”
“Alright, man.” I watch the pair do some weird handshake thing before he spins around and quickly walks away.
“No offense, but your friend is an asshole,” I tell Aaron once the guy is out of earshot.
“Brother,” he corrects, laughing when my eyes go wide. “And yes, he is an asshole.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know,” I start.
“It’s all good. I call him an asshole at least once a day.” He smiles, and I’m forced to acknowledge the similarities between the two now that I know they are brothers.
And while yes, Aaron is a good-looking guy, his brother is something else entirely. And those eyes. God, I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an intense blue before.
“How is it that I’ve never seen him around before?” I ask, having to lean in closer when the music kicks up a notch.
“He’s been living in California the last few years with our oldest brother, Adam. Even before that, Abel never really hung in the same circles as Andrew. It’s not surprising you’ve never seen him.”
Abel...
“So he lives in California?”
“He did. He just moved back a few days ago.”
“Oh, gotcha.” I try to play it off like I’m just making casual conversation and really don’t care. But the truth is I’m very intrigued by the man.
“He’s actually a pretty good dude. He’s had a rough go the last few years. You’ll have to cut him some slack.” He lifts the beer bottle to his lips and takes a long pull.
“It’s all good. We all have our moments.”
“Hey!” Aaron and I pull apart at the sound of Henna’s voice. “Where the hell did you go?” she hollers over the music.
“I was dancing, why?” I ask, watching her slip into the seat next to me.
“You weren’t lying. That guy kind of is an asshole,” she tells me. “Hot as hell, though.”
“That’s Aaron’s brother, Abel,” I tell her, giving her a look that tells her to cut it on the asshole remarks.
“Oh.” She looks as surprised as I was by the news, her eyes going to Aaron. “Yeah, I guess I can totally see that.” She smiles. “What’s his deal? Has he always been such a stick in the mud?”
“Actually no, he used to be the nicest guy in the room. Got along with everyone. A real people person.”
“Then what happened?” my blunt friend doesn’t hesitate to ask.
“His wife died.”
The instant the words leave his lips my heart sinks in my chest.
“What?” The word falls from my lips before I can stop it.
“Cancer.” He nods, taking another pull of beer. “They weren’t together that long, but man was he crazy about her. He hasn’t been the same since she died.”
“Now I feel bad for calling him an asshole.” Henna frowns.
“Don’t be. He’s still an asshole.” Aaron brushes it off with an easy smile.
“I need another drink,” Henna announces, pushing to a stand. “Anyone else?”
“Yeah, I’ll come with you.” Aaron slides off his stool. “You need anything, Peyton?”
