Page 37 of Good Boys Don’t Bite

“Because you're standing twenty feet away.”

“Twenty-eight.”

“You counted?”

“I estimated.”

“Creepy.”

Elliot leaned against the wall beside him. Their shoulders nearly touched. Nearly. Ronan noticed Elliot's eyes travel toward the kitchen. Looking for Dylan.

“Having fun?” Ronan asked.

“Sure.”

“Convincing.”

“I'm having a wonderful time.”

“You hate everyone here.”

“I like several people.”

“Name three.”

“Claire.”

“Not here.”

“Exactly.”

Ronan laughed. Elliot smiled. For a moment, the tension disappeared. Then Dylan emerged from the kitchen. He was talking to someone. A blond guy Ronan didn't recognize. Dylan saw them. His eyes flicked between Ronan and Elliot. He smiled. Elliot's expression remained perfectly pleasant. Dylan approached.

“Elliot.”

“Dylan.”

“You enjoying yourself?”

“Immensely.”

Ronan nearly choked on his beer. Dylan noticed. Elliot ignored him.

“I've been meaning to ask,” Dylan said. “You were at Halston Saturday, right?”

The atmosphere changed. Mason. Elliot's smile faded appropriately.

“Yeah.”

“Cops talk to you?”

“Tuesday.”

“Me too.”

Ronan looked at Dylan.

“You didn't mention that.”