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Balancing the bowls on my forearms, I make it about two steps before regretting my decision to multitask. “Here, let me help.”
Sam swoops in, rescuing the bread rolls from somersaulting across the kitchen floor. “Thanks, I…” The words die in a strangled heap when I see the shirt he’s wearing. I bought it for him for his birthday last year. I loved the black and blue checkered pattern as it brought out the blue in his eyes. Just how it’s doing right now.
“No problem,” he says with a smile. “All this looks really good. You always knew how to put on a good spread.” My heart can’t take any more reminiscing.
“Let’s hope it tastes as good as it looks. Can you grab that last dish?” I attempt to appear semi normal, but I’m certain Sam can sense something is askew.
Alicia has made herself at home, lazing in a sun lounger and scrolling through her phone, while Piper and Saxon laugh at an inside joke. The scene before me is completely normal, but what I’m feeling isn’t. Refusing to entertain this for a second longer, I put everything on the table and reach for the wine.
“Getting into the good stuff early?” Saxon muses, setting down the colossal tray of meat.
“I have to numb the fact I’m pretty sure I just saw Alicia Bell’s nipple.” I throw back my red while Saxon bursts into a hoarse fit of laughter. “It’s hardly bikini weather, but here’s to hoping she’ll catch pneumonia and go home early.”
Saxon steals a glance her way, curling his lip in revulsion. “She asked for her steak well done… It’s medium rare,” he whispers in a conspiring tone.
And just like that, my worries fade into the wind.
Sam bounces down the stairs, hands filled with bowls and condiments. Where I would have once seen animosity, all I see now reflected on Saxon’s face is tolerance.
“Let’s eat,” Sam says, placing everything on the table. “Those steaks look awesome, Sax.”
Holding my breath, I wait for his response. “Anything looks awesome when you’re too lazy to cook.”
Sam reaches for two beers from the cooler, a smile spreading wide. Passing Saxon a Budweiser, he shrugs. “Touché, asshole. Now feed me. I’m hungry.”
My mouth opens and closes, unsure how to respond to this newfound clowning around between the brothers. “I’m not your fucking mother.”
“And thank fuck for that,” Sam counters, sipping his beer, while Saxon grins.
This will take some getting used to, but the sight pleases me beyond words. I forget about my earlier hysteria and revel in my new normal.
We all help ourselves to the smorgasbord of food, the laid-back vibe giving us a ravenous appetite. Sam piles a helping of everything onto two plates before taking it to where Alicia sits. As catty as this is, I’m thankful I don’t have to break bread with her.
Saxon places my burger and two sausages onto my plate. “Dinner is served, milady.”
“Why thank you, kind sir.”
“Ugh, you two are so disgustingly cute. Stop it.” Piper emphasizes her claim by jabbing her finger toward her open mouth. I lean into Saxon’s side, completely content with her claim.
We begin eating, and Piper’s glance bounces among Alicia, Saxon, and I. I reach for my wine because I have an inkling I’ll need it. “Why is she here?”
“Piper,” I whisper from the corner of my mouth. But my warning falls on deaf ears.
“What? I’m just stating what we’re all thinking. Isn’t it a little cold for a bikini?”
Saxon laughs, cutting into his steak but remaining quiet. Now that Piper has brought it up, though, I decide to take advantage of her candidness. “What do you think of her?” He shrugs, not at all moved.
“Oh, come on. This will never leave our little circle of trust.” Piper appears just as interested as I am, but Saxon won’t budge. “Lucy will blow you under the table if you spill.”
“Piper!” My cheeks burst into flames. I suddenly regret being so nosy.
Saxon chuckles, nudging me with his shoulder. He so enjoys watching me squirm. “I don’t have an opinion of her.”
My embarrassment takes a back seat as I eagerly wait for him to continue. He doesn’t. “And…” Piper gestures with her hands that he is to elaborate.
“And that’s it. Alicia Bell was bad news in high school. Not much has changed. Whatever this is—” Saxon sweeps his hand toward a giggling Alicia “—is just a distraction for Sam.”
“A distraction?” I ask, scrunching up my nose.
