Page 42 of Not That Into You

“But that’s subjective, right? A full workload for you could be ten or twenty hours a week. While for me, it’s closer to eighty hours.”

Yes. Yes, she definitely thinks I’m a gold-digger mooching off her brother.

Though I shouldn’t be surprised; she’s a Stanhope. When Hayley moved in with me, Cameron had been convinced I was taking advantage of her. Much like his sister, he couldn’t fathom why someone with money would want to associate with someone like me.

But at least now I know why Grace is so uptight. If I worked eighty hours a week, I’d probably be a bitch too.

“Well.” I drain my coffee and put the mug in the sink, which probably breaches guest etiquette, but I really don’t care. “This has been a good talk, but I think I’ll go for a walk on the beach.”

Before Grace can respond, I head out to the back patio, walk past the pool, and take the path to the beach. Looking around, I spot only a few people in the distance and one person surfing. I breathe in deeply, enjoying the briny air and brisk breeze, my shoulders relaxing with every step I take away from the house.

Cameron may have grown up wealthy, but my image of him surrounded by ease and comfort is getting hazy around the edges after spending only one night in the presence of his family.

Rubbing my chest, I frown at my change in perspective.

It doesn’t really matter, though. Cameron’s still the golden boy. He still has more privilege in his pinky than most people experience in their lifetime.

As I continue walking down the beach, I eventually pull out my phone to check messages. Thankfully, I don’t have any emails from clients.

But last night before going to bed, I’d sent a message to Claire, Hayley, Anna, and Gina in our group chat. I’d silenced my phone before they responded, and now I have a number of new messages.

Monica: The Stanhopes are not a warm or welcoming bunch. Longest. Dinner. Ever.

Hayley: Oh dear. Don’t take it personally.

Claire: What’d you have for dinner?

Anna: Did they believe you’re in a relationship with Cameron?

Claire: Was there champagne?

Gina: Did they say anything negative about you?

Claire: Hello? Monica?

Hayley: Monica, where did you go?

Claire: OMG. Are you and Cameron getting it on?

Hayley: Please don’t go there.

Anna: Are you sharing a bed?

Hayley: Please stop

Claire: Come on, Hayles. What’s a little bump and grind between friends?

Hayley: Ew. Stop. Cameron’s like a brother to me.

Gina: And Monica and Cameron aren’t friends. Though that probably makes it more likely.

Hayley: ?

Anna: Because of the chemistry?

Gina: Yes

What the heck? Cameron and I don’t have chemistry. We have contempt and mutual loathing.

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