Page 28 of Arrogant Playboy

Daniel: Fuck that’s heartbreaking.

Matthieu: I know.

There’s a knock at my door, I’m not expecting anyone.

Daniel: Have to go, someone’s here. Keep me in the loop.

When I open the door, I’m surprised to see the entire gang there.

“We didn’t think it was good for you to be alone at the moment,” Alex says.

“And we bought cupcakes,” Eloise adds.

“And alcohol,” Jasper says, waving a bottle of scotch in his hands.

These guys. “Guess you better come in then.”

The gang comes in and starts to make themselves at home. Thankfully, they decide to steer the conversations away from Paris, knowing that I might not want to talk about that just yet, and I’m grateful for that.

“I can’t believe Rosie is best friends with Emily. How small is this world?” Ivy states after one too many champagnes.

“Who’s Rosie?” Jasper asks.

“She’s the cute redhead from work?” Lauren asks.

“Yes,” Ivy answers.

“Is that the girl you warned Daniel not to touch a while ago?” Eloise asks.

“Yes.” Ivy nods. I feel like I’m in a ping-pong match between these girls.

“And has he?” Lauren asks.

“What? No,” I answer way too quickly.

All my asshole friends burst out laughing not believing me.

“But he wants to,” Jasper adds, holding up his scotch.

“No, I don’t.”

“She’s cute,” Lauren states.

“Rosie would be kind of perfect for Daniel. And if Emily and Louis get back together you could be a foursome. But she’s my best designer.” Ivy giggles then frowns.

“Don’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon,” I say sadly, taking a sip of my scotch.

“Whatever you need, we’ve got you,” Alistair says, getting up and giving my shoulder a squeeze as he walks past.

“Things aren’t good. I’m worried about my brother,” I confess to my friends, the room falling silent.

“It’s an unfortunate situation. You remember Nate and Camryn went through something similar. And, of course, my Ivy with her crazy ex,” Alex adds as he leans over and kisses Ivy’s temple. I remember all those dark days with my friends.

“They are all going to need time,” Ivy says quietly.

“I know.” I nod, sipping my drink.

“It’s not just the people who went through the tragedy that it affected, it’s the people who witnessed it, too. You, your cousin, Rosie and her friends, you all need people around you,” Ivy explains.

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