On The Rocks

She didn’t even bat an eyelash and said, “Not surprised. The way he looked at you when he came over here that morning… Whoa momma… it was hot.”


I rolled my eyes at her but then promptly swore her to secrecy, which she gladly gave me. I mean, who would she tell anyway? She’s friends with Casey and Alyssa by mere virtue of the fact she’s my roommate, but she’s not super close friends with them. Besides, Savannah isn’t a gossip. She’d never casually, or intentionally, drop that information.

Luckily, I’ve managed to avoid any questions from Casey or Alyssa. Oh, I talk to them frequently via phone, text, or email, but they’ve never come right out and asked, “Hey, Gabby… are you screwing anyone nowadays?” They’ve never seen me around Hunter since we started sleeping together, so there’s been nothing to rouse their suspicions.

So all has been good and well… secret.

The only other person who may know is Brody. Hunter told me about the conversation he had with him the other day where he pointed out the reason we fought so much was because we had the hots for each other. I still shake my head in wonder thinking of the things that Brody sees, but he hasn’t said a word to me.

I’m on Hunter’s back deck, along with about twenty other people. Casey and Alyssa are here, as is Hunter’s best friend, Wyatt. I invited Savannah, but she took on another gig with the douche photographer to earn some extra money. The only one of our core group that is conspicuously absent is Brody.

When I asked Casey where he is, she just shrugs her shoulders and says, “He tries to stay away from drinking.”

“He works in a bar,” I point out.

“I know… the irony is not lost on me, trust me.”

Everyone is enjoying the warm weather today, the sun hanging low over the Atlantic, and the cold beer Hunter has supplied. I take a few quick peeks at him while he mans the grill, laughing at something Wyatt says to him.

He looks utterly gorgeous, his hair windblown and shining in the late afternoon glow. I know I’m not the only one affected, as evidenced by the three girls that also hang close to him while he flips the burgers. They’re dressed no differently than any of the women here, wearing shorts and bikini tops as demanded by the unseasonable for late April, eighty degree weather, but the fact they are standing close to my man… flirting with him shamelessly, has me clenching my teeth together in anger.

“Geez… who peed in your Wheaties?” Casey asks from beside me.

I turn around to see her staring at me in interest. Shaking my head and giving her a smile, I say, “Nothing. Just thinking of some things I have to do Monday at Last Call.”

Reaching into a nearby bowl of chips, she chews on one thoughtfully. “The project is going well?”

“Very well. On schedule, and it’s coming together nicely.”

“You’ve been busting your ass, girlie. I haven’t even seen you all week. Are we still on for breakfast Monday?”

Even as I nod at her, I flush with a tiny bit of guilt that we haven’t seen each other all week. Not that we would necessarily hang during the weekday. I mean, sometimes we would, but I feel a tad bit guilty because I know, without a doubt, that had Casey invited me to do something, I would have declined so I could spend my evenings with Hunter. I’m such a horrible friend, made even worse by the fact I’m screwing her brother and haven’t told her about it.

I give her a wan smile and take another sip of my beer, sneaking another glance at Hunter. He’s got the grill closed and is propped against the deck railing, leaning in close while one of the girls talks to him. His smile is carefree and he seems to be truly interested in what she’s saying, which pisses me off.