Page 83 of Through You
“Indeed! Happy birthday.” I offer my gift but her hands are full.
“You can put it on the table over there. The guys are in the back.”
I can’t stop myself from asking. “All three?”
“Yeah. Go ahead. I’ll join you after I pass this food around.
Okay?”
I place Raquel’s gift on the table next to the others and make my way to the garden. As soon as I arrive I spot Raquel with Daniela, Apolo’s girlfriend. They stand next to each other, staring at something. I join them, and notice they’re watching Artemis and Apolo, who are surrounded by a group of girls.
“Who are they?”
Raquel jumps, clearly startled by my sudden appearance.
“Those are my cousins,” she explains, letting out a deep breath.
I purse my lips. “I need a drink.”
Daniela feels the same way. “Come with me. I know where the vodka is.”
“Hey, go ahead and enjoy yourselves.” Raquel gives us a thumbs-up. Daniela and I exchange a look in agreement, and we each grab one of Raquel’s arms and drag her along with us.
Vodka shots come and go, and I’m enjoying myself. I feel quite at ease with Raquel and Daniela. The only friend I have is Gin, so any opportunity I get to hang out with other girls makes me happy. I’m not saying that Gin’s company isn’t enough; it’s just nice to talk with different people.
We sit in a corner of the courtyard. Raquel leaves our side every so often to spend time with other guests, which doesn’t bother us in the least. After all, this is her party and we don’t want to keep the birthday girl all to ourselves. In the end, she always makes her way back to us after she’s done playing hostess.
“Cheers!” Dani raises her glass. “To the stupid brothers Hidalgo!”
I join their cheer. I truly enjoy the great vibe I get from these two girls.
“Cheers!”
Dani grumbles after finishing her drink. “Look at her. She’s making eyes at him, putting on an innocent act to snare him.”
I follow her gaze to Apolo. He and one of the girls are alone together, talking. I examine the girl from afar—she has a baby face and appears younger than him.
“Nah. I don’t think he’s into her. She looks about his age, and Apolo tends to like girls who are a little older than him.”
I’m not saying this because he was confused and tried something with me; I just know him. Even though Apolo is young, he’s very mature for his age, so he’s always been attracted to girls who measure up to or exceed his level of maturity.
Dani looks hopeful. “Really?”
“Without a doubt. Apolo, unlike his siblings, has always been easy to read.”
Raquel shoots me a curious look.
“You mean Artemis, right?”
I smile in response to her question. Her inquiry doesn’t end there.
“Do you get along with him?”
I glance at the iceberg and watch him as I speak.
“He is . . . someone who can be difficult.”
“Oh shit,” Dani mumbles, getting my attention. “Is there something going on between you and Artemis?”
