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“You’re a doll, Marta.” Iris practically shouts this as she grabs her glass and sips noisily from the straw, catching the attention from all the boys at the table. She studies them, her lips still wrapped around the straw, her eyes wide before she lets it go to speak. “Oh, am I disturbing you?”
Rhett says nothing. Cal and Row send each other secretive looks while Brooks blatantly stares at Iris.
“Nice … dress,” he says, his gaze lingering on her chest.
Iris doesn’t miss a beat, thrusting her chest out, her tiny nipples poking against the fabric. “Knew you’d love it, Brooksie.”
The younger boys snicker, going silent when Brooks sends them a menacing look.
Rhett finally chooses this moment to glance down the table, his gaze sweeping over me in an almost dismissive manner. My appetite disappears when he resumes eating, shoving a piece of bacon into his mouth, smiling at something Row said to him.
“Men,” Iris says out of the side of her mouth.
“They’re annoying,” I add, nibbling on a piece of bacon. I need to eat something or I’m going to feel terrible for the rest of the day.
“Children!” Iris’s mother bursts into the dining room, a big smile on her face. “It’s so good to see you all congregated in here.”
“Hi, Mom,” Iris says while Vaughn waves at Summer.
“We have new people here this morning.” Summer’s gaze lands on the boys. “Brooks Crosby. I haven’t seen you in a while.”
“Hi, Mrs. Lancaster.” His cheeks are pink and he ducks his head, obviously feeling awkward. Iris snorts, but no one acknowledges it.
“And, Callahan … I remember you were here a few weeks ago. Nice to see you again.” Summer smiles at Cal.
“Thank you for having us. This is my brother, Rhett.” Cal points at him.
“Wait, you’re the quarterback.” Summer tilts her head to the side. “The one who’s transforming the athletics department at Lancaster Prep.”
“I don’t know if I’m transforming the entire program …” Rhett starts, but Summer cuts him off.
“I’ve heard plenty about you and how the football team has helped student enrollment,” she says. “We’ll have to make sure and attend a game soon.”
“I’d appreciate having you in the stands,” Rhett says, ever so diplomatic.
Iris kicks me under the table and I glare at her, unsure how she wants me to react.
“The reason I actually came in here was to warn you all that there’s a party being held at the house this afternoon for Paris and Pru,” Summer explains. “Their birthday is Tuesday but their parents wanted them to have an early celebration this weekend. They’re turning thirteen.”
Paris and Pru are Carolina and West’s twin daughters.
“A party for a bunch of thirteen-year-old girls?” Vaughn tosses his napkin on top of his empty plate. “I’m out.”
Hilarious, considering he’s the same age.
“Vaughn, you are most definitely not out. They’re your closest cousins besides Beau,” Summer gently chastises. The four of you have grown up together, along with Christopher. You are definitely going to this party. You are too, Beau.”
Chris is Sylvie and Spencer’s only son. There are five of them that are all the same age and they’ve always been close, just like Summer says.
Both boys actually groan in misery, making me roll my eyes.
“I was hoping you two would help.” Summer turns her attention to us. “There will be a total of fifteen girls at the party, along with some family, and I’m sure it will be complete mayhem.”
“What do you want us to do?” Iris asks.
“Just be present. That’s all I ask. Participate in any of the activities or games.”
“There are games?” Iris’s expression turns vaguely horrified. “That sounds like torture.”
