Page 30 of Knockin' Boats
“Hello, bi guy right here,” Cash said. “You know dating women doesn’t mean you can’t be attracted to guys.”
“Yeah, look at me,” Brooks said. “Before Skylar, I never looked at a guy that way.”
I frowned down into my drink. My brow creased as I tried to think through what they were saying. But I was reeling too much to make sense of it all.
“Ash can’t be into me. That’s just…”
“What?” Cash asked, sounding a little annoyed. “And don’t say impossible. Bi people exist.”
“I know!” I raised my hands. “I couldn’t be friends with you andnotknow. You sleep witheverybody.”
Brooks snickered, Skylar hid a smile, and Cash huffed. “I donotsleep with everyone. I have some taste.”
“Maybe alittle.”I held up my thumb and index finger a fraction apart.
“You’re an asshole when you’re drunk.”
“I’m not drunk.” I reached for the bottle to pour another refill and missed. “Er, well, I didn’t eat much before my shift.”
Skylar stood. “I’ll go get you something from the kitchen.”
I grabbed his wrist. “Don’t tell my mom!”
He patted my shoulder. “Your mom went home already. Don’t worry.”
I released Skylar, slumping in my chair. “What a fucking day.”
Between the interviews I’d done while Hudson was out with a group and then the tour I’d led after, it was an exceptionally long day.
One with a lot of mind-fuckery.
“Shoulda let Ash fall into the lake,” I mumbled.
Skylar placed a glass of water in front of me. “Drink that. And here’s some pasta and bread.”
I took a bite of bread roll, chomping as sullenly as my neighbor kid Shua had when I’d told them I couldn’t take them out wakesurfing without their parents’ permission.
“Why are you all here?” I asked suddenly. “The resort isn’t open until Friday.”
“We were just enjoying the quiet while it lasts,” Skylar said. “Soon, everything changes.”
Like it hasn’t already?
The food and water sobered me up pretty effectively by the time I left, but Cash insisted on tagging along to make sure I was safe, so I tossed him the keys.
“You can drive me home before you go bug Declan.”
Cash looked caught out. “Who says I’m going to see Declan?”
“You were really quick to volunteer to play designated driver, and since his bed-and-breakfast is close by…”
“Whatever. I’m just being a good friend.”
I clambered into my personal boat. “Sure, whatever you say. But I’m not so drunk that you fool me.”
“Just drunk enough to pretend Ash didn’t kiss you?”
“I wish,” I muttered.
