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Lifting the cup to my lips, I take a tentative sip.
“Well?” He waits for my reaction.
“Not bad,” I admit. “A little heavy handed on the liquor but it’s pretty good.”
“I’ll keep that in mind for next time.” He winks, turning his attention to the pool table when Nick announces that they’re ready.
We spend the next hour alternating playing pool with Claire, Nick, Sven, Henna, Aaron, and a couple others. Despite my best efforts, we lose every single game. By the time we finally call it quits, I’ve downed two of Abel’s long islands and am feeling quite good. Not drunk but buzzed enough that I’ve relaxed a little and let my guard down.
“Hey.” Claire slides up next to me when Abel leaves to make me another drink.
“Hey.” I smile.
“Can we talk for a minute?” she asks, gesturing outside.
“Yeah, of course.” I nod, following her to the back door before stepping onto the deck with her. While it was warm earlier, the air has a chill to it now, and I rub my hands up and down my arms in an effort to warm myself. “What’s up?” I ask when Claire walks to the banister and looks out over the expansive backyard, having yet to say a single word.
“I just wanted to talk to you about Abel,” she says, eyes trained forward.
“Okay,” I draw out, waiting for her to continue.
“He likes you.” She lets out a soft breath. “I can tell by the way he looks at you. I wasn’t sure I’d ever see him look at another girl that way.”
“Claire,” I start, but she cuts me off before I can even think about what I want to say. Hell, I haven’t even processed her first statement before she continues to say more.
“I know he puts on a brave face, but inside he’s barely holding it together. I just need to know that you’re not only having fun. But that you like him too. Because the last thing he can take right now is opening his heart to someone only to have it stomped on. I don’t think he’d survive it.”
“I would never,” I start.
“Do you like him?” She cuts me off again.
“I really do,” I admit.
“Good.” She smiles, her gaze coming to mine. “Just don’t hurt him. I may not look like much, but I will throw down for that man, no questions asked.”
“Understood.” I smile back despite the seriousness of her words. I can’t help it. It’s sweet how much she cares about him.
“Good,” she repeats. “I love Abel. My sister loved him. I just want to make sure he’s in good hands.”
“Oh, we’re still getting to know each other. And he’s made no advances toward me. I get the impression he just wants to be friends.”
“Oh honey.” She shakes her head. “A man doesn’t act the way Abel acts around you if he just wants to be friends. Truth be told, I don’t even know if he knows it yet. But he will. And when he does, I need to know you won’t hurt him.”
“I would never,” I answer truthfully.
“I can see why he likes you, ya know?” She grins.
Before she can elaborate, Abel walks outside, his gaze jumping between the two of us.
“Hey,” he says to us both.
“Hi.” I smile, taking the drink he extends to me.
“Everything okay out here?” he asks.
“Everything is great,” Claire answers. “Peyton and I were just getting a little fresh air.”
“Okay.” He nods, deciding to accept this as an answer even though I can tell he knows there’s more to it.
“I’m gonna run inside and find Nick. He said we’re gonna try our hands at beer pong next.” She laughs. “I’ve never played, but who knows. Maybe I’ll be good at that too.” She bumps her shoulder into Abel as she passes him. “I’ll catch up with you later,” she calls out, seconds before she disappears inside.
