Page 50 of House of Deceit

Mateo walks in. His pajamas are shiny leopard print. Molly and I share a look but quickly tamp down the giggles that want to come out.

“Thanks for inviting me, Charlie! It’s so nice to be included,” he says, hugging me. I can feel my ribs crack beneath his arms.

“We love hanging out with you! Those are some fun pajamas,” I say with my last breath.

As he releases me, I try to suck air deep into my lungs as discreetly as possible.

He hugs Molly, air kissing each cheek.

“My boyfriend likes to say I’m an animal in the bedroom. He bought me these.” He puts his hands in his pockets and moves about, showing the different angles of the gaudy fabric.

“That’s very nice of him. Help yourself to a drink,” I say, indicating the dresser behind me.

“Can I get you ladies anything?” he asks, grabbing a plastic cup.

“A spicy margarita would be great,” Molly says. “Charlie has gotten me addicted.”

I smile at her. “Make that two, please, Mateo.”

“Will do, my lovelies.”

Ice clinks in the shaker as he takes care of us. Rebel comes strutting in, her tight midriff on display in her yoga gear.

“Hey, Rebel. Do you want a drink?” I ask her, giving her a one-armed hug.

The yogi has quickly become one of my favorite people. With all of our free time, she has taught me a lot about her spirituality while helping me become more flexible through yoga. Nothing bonds two people together like accidentally farting in downward dog.

“Normally, I’d say no, but since it’s a special occasion.” She hugs Mateo from behind, who pauses his drink making to pat her hands around his waist. “Can you make me one of those, as well, Mateo?”

“Of course, darling.”

Keith is dressed in plain pajamas, a white undershirt and shorts, but I’m impressed he adhered to the dress code all the same.

“Hey, Grandpa,” I say to him, hugging him around the middle.

“Hi there, Red. Thanks for the invite. What movie are we going to watch?”

“Oh, you’re going to hate it. It’s going to be sappy, love city,” I tell him. “My wrangler picked the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice.”

Keith scoffs. He enjoys westerns almost exclusively, he’s told me before, but I knew he’d be here if for no reason other than I invited him. He goes around the room, greeting each person. He doesn’t hug anyone but me, but no one’s offended by the lack of physical affection. I’m the exception that proves the rule. As we all get settled in, enjoying our drinks, Parker walks in.

His gray sweatpants hang low on his hips and I am all but drooling. The white shirt is tight, showing the ridges of his abs. Maybe it wouldn’t be so difficult to play up a romance between us as Alec suggested, but the thought of using Parker makes me want to quit the show and damn the consequences.

“Hey, beautiful,” he says, kissing my cheek. Everyone hoots at us, mocking Parker’s greeting, but he’s not fazed.

Molly gives me a wink as I burn from embarrassment.

“Does anyone need their drink refreshed?” Parker asks, making his way to the drink station. A chorus of no’s reaches him, but it’s nice he thought to ask.

Once everyone is settled with their snacks and drinks again, we start the movie. Parker stands next to the bed, holding his drink, and motions for me to scoot over. I’m sandwiched between Molly and Parker and every nerve on my body is alive with his proximity. The opening credits scroll as Parker drags his finger up and down my leg.

The movie plays, but I see none of it while Parker’s hand rests within mine.

There are light snores all around. I’m almost hanging off the bed with Molly all but starfished on my side. Parker moved to the ground as she started falling asleep, giving me more space.

Sitting up on the bed, I consider going to sleep out on the couch. Sadness would consume me at the loss of a night in the room alone if I hadn’t had so much fun with everyone.

“Charlie?”

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