Page 11 of Faking it For Summer

“Maybe, but if that was meant to be a joke, it was a fail.” I’m about to start bitching and moaning again, but I can tell from the look on Juniper’s face that she doesn’t want to talk about this for much longer. “I’m excited for tonight. I hope Preston has some discount cocktails tonight. I want to party my ass off and not worry about spending all the money on my credit card.” I grabsome cucumber sticks and take a bite. “This is not hitting the spot.”

“Make yourself busy. It’ll be a while.”

I step into the living room, and a feeling of contentment fills me. I love our little apartment. It’s not fancy, nor is it large, but we’ve decorated it to the best of our ability with the meager bank account funds that we have. There’s a large white sectional couch that occupies most of the floor space in the open-plan living area. The floors are a light pine wood, and we have one large, colorful Moroccan wool rug in the center of the room. The walls are adorned with photos of us throughout the years, along with our families, and different paintings and photos we’ve taken of the island. A candle burns on the circular table, and a lemony scent fills the air. My phone vibrates just as I’m about to take a seat on the couch.

“It’s Luke. I’ll be right back.” I hold up my phone and hurry into my bedroom. “Lucas Haverbrook, are we crazy?”

“Yes.” There’s silence on the line for a few moments, and then he continues, “I’m going to video-call you.”

He clicks off, then my screen lights up with a new call, and I answer immediately. His blue eyes look tired and amused. He holds up the invitation in his hand. It is the same invitation that I received.

“Yep. I’m still mad,” I mumble, though I’m trying to process why I’m so upset. Is my hurt radiating from jealousy, bitterness, or loneliness? I’m still not one hundred percent sure.

“Not as mad as me, I’m sure,” Luke says dryly and flips the invitation around.

He’s sitting in the living room of his apartment, which I’ve only ever seen on video, and he’s dressed in a nice button-up shirt. Which is unusual for him in the evenings. He normally goes to the gym after work, so he’s normally in a shirt and sweatpants when we talk.

“Wait, what did your note say? You never told me.”

“Oh, listen to this.” He clears his throat. “Hey, bro. You’re invited to the wedding of the year. Yeah, baby, your big bro is getting married. Can’t wait to see you at the festivities. Pity you’re a workhorse and have no one to bring, but, hey, hope you’re still happy for me. The best Haverbrook son.” He stops and rolls his eyes.

“Holy smokes, Batman,” I growl. “Your brother is rude as hell. I don’t know why he would do that.”

“Yeah, he’s an ass. I don’t care about my note, but yours was intentionally hurtful … given your history.” Luke frowns, and his boyish, handsome face contorts into one of anger.

One of the nicest qualities that Luke possesses is that he hates it when anyone hurts me. He’s always been protective of me and my feelings, which oftentimes feels annoying, but I’ve always appreciated how he’s been there for me.

“Do you want me to say something to him?”

“No way,” I answer him quickly. “Don’t you dare say anything. I don’t want him to think that I care. Because I absolutely don’t.”

There’s nothing worse than being rejected by someone who never really noticed you. I’m sure that Rex thinks that he’s being funny, but that almost makes it worse.

“Okay then.” Luke puts down the invitation, and I see his jaw clench as he stares at me.

For a moment, my heart softens because I think he’s genuinely concerned with how I’m taking everything. The note, while rude and mean, is especially hurtful to me because of my youthful crush. The thought stings that Rex could be so cruel, but it doesn’t surprise me. Not deep down.

“I’ll be okay. No need to worry or look so concerned. I’m upset, yes, but I’m not crushed or anything. It’s not like we ever dated and …” My voice trails off as I see Luke scrolling throughsomething on his iPad and frowning. “Um, Houston, are you there? What’s going on? Are you even listening to me?”

“Sorry, Mia.” He sounds aggravated, and it’s at that moment that doubt creeps in. Maybe he no longer wants us to pretend to be dating. “I was looking through my work calendar. I can’t believe that he thinks I can take off two weeks to come and spend time in Coconut Beach, partying with him and his fiancée, who I’ve never even heard of before.”

“That’s why you’re upset?” Understanding courses through me, followed by disappointment. It was nice, momentarily thinking that Luke was that hurt for me, but I should have known that work always comes first for Luke. Always. “Can’t you take a vacation or something? It’s not like you’ve been to Coconut Beach or anywhere for years. If I made your sort of money, I’d be taking epic vacations every couple of months.”

“I make epic money because I’m here, brokering deals and investing, not because I’m jet-setting around the world.” He sighs and runs his fingers through his slightly overgrown, dark hair. “And I seem to remember that you like the fact that I make epic money.”

“I do?”

“Isn’t that why you wanted to marry me at forty?” He chuckles, and his face comes closer to the screen. His blue eyes are twinkling as his lips twitch. “Or was it because of my devastating good looks?”

“You’re hardly Ben Affleck.” I scoff, and he bursts out laughing.

“I thought you preferred Matt Damon?”

“Have you seen Ben lately?” I lick my lips and picture the handsome actor. “He is looking absolutely scrumptious.”

“I didn’t realize you’d met him in real life.” Luke leans back on the couch, picks up a glass of something, and takes a sip. “Are you holding out on me, Mia?”

“Yeah, he came to Coconut Beach, and we had two very hot and steamy nights, and I just never told you about it.” Sarcasm drips off my tongue. “Seriously, Luke, like Ben Affleck would ever come to Coconut Beach.” I laugh loudly and derisively. I like our small, close-knit, and highly gossipy town. “The Bees would be all over me if any movie star came to town and gave me the time of day.”