Page 13 of Covetous

“Whatever.” Laughing, I roll my eyes.

“I’m serious, though. I love y’all.”

Liv’s impression of Ian and me as the perfect couple is based on the image I present to her—an image I present to most people. Whenever Ian and I have problems, there are only three people I feel comfortable confiding in. Ms. Sharon, because she’s been like a second mom to me. My friend Novalee, because she’s a great listener and the kind of wife and mother I hope to be one day. And Esme, because she knows me better than anyone. But even they don’t know everything.

I keep my family at a distance from my relationship problems. The worst thing that could happen is they end up hating Ian over an argument or situation that I’ve long since forgiven him for. Winning Niko over to Team Ian was the easiest because they belong to the same Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Yasmine and my dad followed suit shortly after.

“Did Esme say anything to you about problems in her relationship?” I redirect our conversation to Esme and Victor, feeling out of the loop that I even have to ask. Esme has always confided in me about her relationships. But now, it seems like she’s keeping secrets from me. My chest tightens at the thought that she may not trust me anymore. When did Esme stop sharing her secrets and problems? Since she’s been with Victor, my subconscious answers. Other than their amazing sex life, I’m in the dark.

“You know Esme. She will say everything is fine in her relationship, even if it isn’t.”

You have us confused. “She’s never kept something like that from me. We tell each other everything.”

Liv winces. “Yeah, but this is different.”

I’m afraid to ask, but I scrounge up my courage and ask, “How so?”

She huffs. “You know that I know, right?”

I swallow hard, pushing my glasses up my nose nervously. “Know what?”

“That you once had a thing for Victor.”

A pit forms in my stomach. I told Esme that in confidence. Why would she tell Liv? And why bring it up now? Unless…

“Does Esme think I still have feelings for him?” I blurt out, unable to keep the panic out of my voice.

“No,” Liv responds, her voice resolute and unwavering. “God, no.”

Relieved but also confused by the whole situation, I let out a shaky breath. “Then why did she even bring it up?”

“I don’t know. It was just one of the things she mentioned in passing. It wasn’t that deep. Honestly, I was shocked when Esme told me you used to like him because you’re you, and he’s…him.” She lets out a small laugh. “But I get it. He’s sexy as fuck.”

The urge to agree with Liv is strong, but I resist. “He’s always been…popular.”

“Popular.” She scoffs. “He’s a fuckboy masquerading as boyfriend material. Those are the most dangerous kinds.”

Memories flood back from just a few weeks ago when Ian called him Skylar’s “fuck toy” and earlier this week Isabella referred to him as a “manwhore.”

“Maybe he’s changed,” I offer, trying to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“For Esme’s sake, I hope so,” Liv says with a hint of doubt in her voice. “But I don’t know, girl. If anyone can break our girl’s heart, it’s Victor.”

“Yeah,” I agree, my thoughts lingering on the possibility.

Esme takes a long, unimpressed look at me, her gaze lingering on my mint-green cami dress that hugs my waist and flares out at the hip. She pauses at the ruched bust. “You’ve got the curves and the boobs to pull it off,” she comments with an air of detachment. “But it wouldn’t hurt if it was a tad bit shorter.”

I bristle at her suggestion. “You know that’s not my style.”

Seeming unfazed by my irritation, she shrugs indifferently. “I’m only trying to help you out.”

I didn’t ask for her fashion advice, and I’m not in the mood for it tonight. I’m still annoyed that she told Liv about my old crush on Victor. Everyone knows that Liv can’t hold water. What if it gets back to Ian? It’s unlikely, but still a possibility.

“I think I’m good. Thanks, though.”

With that tense back-and-forth hanging in the air, we gather our belongings and step out into the evening. The city lights flicker like distant stars against the backdrop of a dusky sky as we navigate our way through the familiar streets. The scent of rain still lingers from a brief afternoon shower; it mingles with the aroma of street food wafting from downtown eateries.

When we finally make it to Harry’s, we’re disappointed to find our regular table already taken. Other tables are vacant, but for old time’s sake, we decide to wait until our favorite spot is free again.

---