“What if I want to go? Maybe I want to meet people, make other friends. Since I’ve been back, I’ve got you guys and Kai. That’s a lot of testosterone.”
Motioning with his head for me to make room, Grey shakes his head and lies back the way he was. “Bullshit. Make girlfriends in girl places. Parties are for guys to fuck you.”
“The fucking hypocrisy in that statement. Try again.”
Liam looks past me at Grey’s amused face, waiting for him to respond, but Grey tightens his arm around me, tilting my chin with his hand to look at him.
“Then stay because if you go, we go. And the minute some drunk asshole works up enough nerve to speak to you, we’ll have another Doug situation on our hands.”
I should be annoyed, offended, maybe even challenged. But nope. I’m as twisted as they are—it’s why we’re best friends. There’s that word that doesn’t really describe us.
Liam takes his post back and grabs my legs again. The show resumes, and I wait for a beat before tossing out, “So under those rules then I’m not allowed to date ever again?”
“That better be a joke,” Liam muses.
“You get us,” Grey finishes.
Only an idiot would ignore the bleeding red flags waving directly in their face. Only someone who’s a fucking fool or so damn caught up in this decadent, incredible moment that she ignores it all to savor them just a little longer. Neither of them looks at me, which is good, because the smile on my face couldn’t go unnoticed even if I tried.
My spoon dips into the creamy thick yogurt, pulling in the honey and fruit before I lift it to my lips and take another bite. This has become my ritual at breakfast—eating alone and reading the paper. It’s surprisingly comforting, the kind of routine I’ve missed. Not that I had much of a choice, though, since my dad only shows up to sleep here.
The Friday newspaper on the table rustles as I flip through to get to the arts section. A photo of Liam’s mother standing with the director of the Met precedes an article about the generous donation of her Picassos for public viewing. It makes me smile, not because I’ve ever much liked her, but because it makes me think of my guys. They’re mine, more so than they’ve ever been. The thought puts a smile on my face.
“I take it by the pleasant look on your face that school has been an easier transition than expected.”
Vic’s voice startles me from my thoughts, and I lift my eyes. “Is that a nice way of saying I haven’t fucked up? I’m a champ, but Hillcrest is a breeze. I would’ve so rocked the Hunger Games.”
My movie reference is completely lost on him, telling by the look on his face.
“Your father would like to have dinner, next week. Monday. He’s asked me to put it on your schedule and also to inform you that he’s arranged the Boulders for your mother.”
My spoon stops midway between my mouth and the bowl. Did I hear that correctly?
“Sure, and thank you.”
I’m partially speechless. That’s probably the most surprising sentence that could’ve ever left Vic’s mouth.
He clears his throat and fills my teacup. “And, may I add, we may have gotten off on the wrong foot. While you were unexpected, it hasn’t been terrible having life in this house again.”
My fingertips trace the gold-leaf flower detail on the fragile cup as I digest his words. “I’m happy to have livened the place up. Does this mean we’re friends now, Vic?”
“Miss Kennedy—”
“Oh, come on. I won’t tell anyone you have a soul. Your secret’s safe with me.”
Victor gives me a nod and just a hint of a smile, before leaving me to finish my breakfast. I take two more bites and dab the napkin over my lips, standing to collect my bag before I head out to my waiting car.
The moment I situate myself inside, my phone dings, and I look down to see a text from Bert.
Bert: Meet me on the steps. I’ve got something for you.
Me: A big reveal? I finally get to find out who’s who, huh? I thought you’d at least hold out until Christmas.
Bert: I’m not alone.
This whole time I’ve been confident that “Bert” is Grey. It has to be. Bert is direct, sneaky, and a villain. They’re twins.
Me: Figures.
Bert: Thought you liked the mystery?
Me: I do… but it’s been a month. I want to know.
Bert: Ask me for a clue.
I chew my bottom lip as I type, knowing it’s who I think it is.
Me: What’s my favorite color?
Bert: Grey.
Grey. Not gray.
The car slows to a stop in front of the school. As soon as it does, my door’s opened, and Grey’s face comes into view.
“Hey, Bert.”
“Have you forgotten my name?”
I scooch out and stand, grabbing my bag before I turn and shrug. “Well? Where’s my present?”
He wrinkles his forehead and mugs at Liam, who crosses his arms over his chest.
“Bert as in Bert and Ernie…that’s what I assigned you in my phone until I could figure out who is who.”
“And you think you have it figured out?” Grey smiles.
“You gave it away.”
Liam laughs, and I look between them, wondering what I’m missing. Oh, damn them.
“Guess we did.” Liam winks as he hands me an envelope. “We should be more careful with our spelling.”
Dammit.
I give a tiny growl and snatch the envelope the rest of the way. “Is this my present?”
Grey throws his arm over my shoulder as the three of us start to walk toward the school doors. “Look at you, all spoiled. We said we had something for you. Not that you had a present.”
I poke his ribs, making his body contract away.
“Tease.”
Ripping open the paper, I pull out the card inside, reading it to myself for a moment before I stare at them wide-eyed.
“Seriously?”
I’m speechless two times in one day because Caroline’s birthday invitation is burning a hole in my hand. It’s fitting she was born on Halloween, seeing as she’s such a witch.
Grey and I take the stairs, but Liam stops at the bottom, drawing my attention over my shoulder in question. He’s looking up at me with irritation as he complains, “Hold up. Why am I the dumb puppet? Ernie was a jackass.”
Grey pulls me in tight to a hug, grinning like the damn devil as I laugh at Liam, and gets back to business. “Do you know the kind of sacrifices Ernie had to make to secure one of those invitations?”
“Stop making jokes to play this down. She’s hateful and mean. And I’m pretty sure if she’s inviting me, it’s to throw pig’s blood on me. Have you forgotten the lake?”
Caroline’s been quiet as a mouse since our last encounter, but I still don’t trust her at all.
“We’ve exiled her long enough. It’s time to put this shit to rest, Cherry. I can’t listen to her apologies any longer. Do it for me. If not, do it for poor Liam and his dick.”
A long exhale leaves my body as I lay my head back on Grey’s arm dramatically. “She hasn’t apologized to me. She despises me, regardless of her excellent acting skills.” I pop back up just as quick and turn to stare Liam down, who’s caught back up to us. “Wait a minute. His dick? Exactly what sacrifices did you make?”
Liam extends his arm, holding out his hand for me to take, pulling me in next to him as I do. “Don’t worry, it was my pleasure.”
“Gross. You better be lying.”
He smirks, letting my hand go, but keeps our pinky fingers connected as we walk. “Don’t be jealous. Grey’s only kidding—you’re the only girl for me, Van. Pinky promise. But be good so things can get better between you and Caroline. Think of the position Grey is in. You know he’d hate her forever if you ask. Don’t ask.”
Liam’s right. It can’t be easy for Grey to maneuver between best friend and step-bitch. I’ll never require he does that, but this is going to suck.
“Fine, but if she’s a dick to me, I get to be one back.”
They both laugh, looking over me and at each other.
“Thank you,” Grey answers as Liam adds, “This invitation is an olive branch. It’s baby steps.”
If I thought this was actually a peace offering, I’d be happy to take it. However, tossing us in the same room together means we’ll either fight it out to the death or wear each other out. But I’m there, worn-out and over her. It’s been too long dealing with her eye rolls and snarky-ass remarks, and I give. It’s fucking childish, and I’m over it.
I pull from both of them and stop my stride, pointing to the girls’ bathroom. “I have to go puke now.”
My joke fails. It’s met with matching contemptuous glares, so I smile and lift my arms in surrender. “Joking. I have to pee. I’ll meet you in class. I’m super pumped about my new bestie.”
Pivoting, I walk toward the restroom and smack both hands on the heavy door to push it open, then take the few steps through the entry that leads around to the sinks. A long snorting noise sounds off the tiled room, bouncing through the airy space, just as my eyes meet Caroline’s through the mirror.
She wipes her red-rimmed nose and stares at me with no expression as she dips her nail into the small container she’s holding. Bringing her powder fingernail to her nose, she snorts it up violently, squeezing her eyes shut and tipping her chin up.
I don’t bother to acknowledge her as I walk toward the stall and close the door to do what I came here to do. I flush, standing to shimmy up my panties, fully aware that she hasn’t left, but wishing I’m wrong before I open the door. The moment I do, she turns and stares straight at me again, this time her face steeled and ready for war.
“What?”
My voice is louder than I mean for it to be, but I’m irritated with this game.
“Are you going to run off and tell on me now? Be a snitchy little bitch?”
I square off to the sink, two down from her, and pump the soap into my hand. Waving my hand under the faucet, I pause for the water.
“Because you’re doing coke in the bathroom? No, Caroline. I’m not going to tell. I honestly couldn’t give a shit.”
My voice sounds devoid of any interest at best. I’m not affected by her cokefest—I’ve been there, fucking done that. Ten times over. Caroline’s face breaks into confusion as I glance at her through the mirror, rubbing my hands together to rinse the soap.
I’m not surprised she’s confused. Catching me doing something damning would be her best day ever. It’s a classic mean-girl move, like the towel bullshit, but I’m past this. I may have thrown down with her at the beginning of school, but I genuinely don’t have any interest now. The truth is, we’re the same. We’re both guilty of wanting to be the center of their attention. I just have it. And if the roles were reversed, and my boys were hers, I’d annihilate Caroline.
I look over my shoulder at her and shrug. “Listen, Caroline, I don’t have to be your enemy. We can be friends. All of us…”
I reach out and take a paper napkin to dry my hands as she mulls over my words.
“So this is blackmail. I have to play nice, or you’ll tell.”
I let out a frustrated breath as I throw away my towel. “No. No blackmail. There’s no angle, Caroline. Let me give you a piece of unsolicited advice. Stop living up to your stereotype—mean, rich, druggie, and lonely. When you’re ready to be an adult, I’m here.”
I push out of the door, angry and regretting my decision to play nice, when I run directly into the dean. My shoulder hits his chest, and I jump back, looking apologetic.
“Miss Kennedy. Is there a reason you’re late for class? Meeting with friends in the bathroom?”
I glance over my shoulder and back to him, knowing Caroline can hear.
“No, sir. I was alone. Girl trouble, you know…periods and cramps. God, it’s a mess down there.”
He straightens his jacket, looking uncomfortable. “Ah, yes. Very well. Get to class.”
“Absolutely.” I smile, letting the door shut behind me.
Despite the interesting start to the day, it’s lunch that’s shocked everyone into silence. All it took was Caroline to stand across from me and apologize.
“Did you just—” Kai says, not finishing like he’s been struck silent.
Liam smiles approvingly, saying her name affectionately, while chewing a mouthful of pasta. “Carebear.”
She gives a small roll of her eyes, but it’s Grey’s approval that’s the biggest, and he motions for her to sit down. Tension leaves her shoulders immediately, and I can tell the silence she’s been drowning in was unbearable for her. It had to be in order to pull an apology from those perfectly painted bright pink lips.
Caroline smooths the front of her skirt, back ramrod straight.
“I was wrong to treat you the way I did.”
Jesus, that had to be hard as hell. Despite the bullshit the guys tried to sell me, this is an olive branch. She’s dragging herself over the coals, as well she should. I want to say, “I’m happy our little talk sunk in,” but that would put us right back where we started, because it’s condescending, so instead, I say, “Water under the bridge, Caroline.”
“And thank you…for earlier today.”
Her ice-blue eyes connect with mine, and I know she means when I saved her from getting her ass expelled by the dean. Nodding, I turn my attention to Grey, who’s looking at me with appreciation all over his face.
“If the estrogen conversation is over…Can we get back to more important topics and discuss how savagely we’re going to hand Red Oak their asses tonight?” Ethan throws out, leaning over Caroline and lifting his hand for a high five.
Caroline reaches up and pulls his arms down as Kai sniggers. Her dramatic offense even pulls a quiet laugh from me. She’s been gone too long; Ethan’s forgotten who he’s messing with.
“You would think that’s important. Let me remind you, the only important event during the month of October is my birthday.”
“What about Halloween?” Ethan counters, doubling down.
Yikes. Kai connects eyes with me over the table, and I grin. Caroline is going to feast on his heart. She turns to Ethan, flipping her hair over her shoulder.
“Classic pre-slaughter move,” Kai whispers over the table at me.
Liam chuckles, leaning back in his chair, entertained by Ethan’s stupidity. We all are, sitting silent. All we need is popcorn and we’d be complete. It’s like watching National Geographic and knowing the antelope will be killed.
“I need you to elevate to my level, Ethan. You’re killing my brain cells with every word. Remind me why you sit here? Because you’re the cock? Or you love cocks…I can never remember the jargon.”
Grey winks at me, as amused as Liam, bringing his hand underneath my hair and running his fingers up and down the back of my neck. I feel myself lean into his hand, but before I can analyze that, the show in front of us takes over.
Kai puts his chin on his hand and leans forward, as if he’s overly interested. “Do you love cock, Ethan? Because…me too.”
Ethan blushes, and I laugh loudly, as he mumbles about it being “coxswain” and how they aren’t funny.
“E. They’re only fucking with you.” I giggle. “But never forget a girl’s birthday trumps all. We tend to get pretty wicked over them.”
He rolls his eyes but nods and smiles, as I blow a kiss his way, before turning to Caroline. “Speaking of your party, is it a costume party? I haven’t read the invitation yet.”
“Good God no. The only costumes allowed are ones designed by the couture greats. Halston, Dior, Prada…you get the gist.”
I smile at the horror in her expression over the idea.
“Well then, I have a slinky deep red Valentino jumpsuit. Maybe with a high pony? Too much…not enough?”
“Red’s good on you.”
“Thanks. What are you wearing? I feel like you’d have it planned out.”
The guys are staring at us in quiet amazement, but this is how girls bury the hatchet. We talk about something that’s common ground, until we figure each other out, and since I can’t ask about the guys, clothes it is. She brushes her hair over her shoulder again, this time with excitement.
“Something lavish, outrageous, too dressy for the occasion. You know, so that nobody forgets.”
Liam glances up from scarfing his food, giving her a quizzical look. “Forgets what?”
Her lashes bat as her smile grows. “That I’m better.”
I let out another laugh, and she joins, but what’s funny is that she’s sincere. Grey’s stepsister is a handful. Maybe not friends, but allies. Allies I can do.
Liam wipes his mouth and throws his napkin down, before laying his arm across the back of my chair, right under Grey’s hand. He looks at Ethan and grins. “It’s going to be a massacre tonight.”
Caroline doesn’t say a word, shaking her head and looking at me. She’d never be mad at Liam. I get it—he’s impossible to be mad at. Grey removes his hand from my neck and high-fives Liam over my head. I laugh, ducking down, even though I’m clear of them.
“Settle down with all the testosterone.”
“Right,” Caroline commiserates before standing. “Listen, I’ll be there with bells on. However, right now, I have to go and meet with the alumnae committee to discuss what I’ll be saying during the award ceremony for our father later today.”
Her words are targeted directly at Grey. But he’s suddenly on his phone, refusing to look up or acknowledge that she’s spoken.
“What award?” I toss out, trying to melt the ice-cold reaction that’s moved over Grey.
“Evan is being recognized as a leader of business by the alumnae. He basically donated a new building, and we’ve been invited to say a word.”
Her eyes land on Grey again, but he keeps playing on his phone as if he hasn’t heard a single word she’s said.
“Anyone want to come with?” she pushes again. Uh-oh.
I tap Grey’s wrist gently, leaning sideways toward him. “Grey, I think Caroline is speaking to you.”
Filthy Little Pretties Page 17
