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“So… what were you guys up to?” I ask finally, unable to bear them being silent anymore.
“We were talking about your little affair, actually,” Andries deadpans, and I feel my cheeks heat with embarrassment. What could Dan and my brother possibly be talking about when it comes to Dan and my relationship? I can only hope nothing too graphic. I shoot a look at Dan, but he smiles reassuringly, and it helps me relax a bit.
“And, um…” Andries continues, coughing into his hands when he can’t find the right words. “Dan told me Johan left because he saw you two making out on the beach. Not that I like that explanation, but I appreciate his honesty, and well… as long as you two behave in front of me, I guess it’s none of my business what you guys do behind my back.”
It’s clearly difficult for him to get those words out, which makes me appreciate it even more. At first, I’m unsure of how to respond, but I’m so over talking myself in circles that I opt for pulling my brother into a hug. He’s stiff, which makes me laugh, but it also helps alleviate some of the worries I have for him. I want him to know that I love him and that I’m here for him, even if I don’t know the correct phrases to get the message across right this second.
“Thanks,” I say quietly, blowing out a breath.
“You’re welcome, El.”
It feels like the three of us are closing a chapter when Andries pulls away from my hug, looking between Dan and me without any hate in his eyes for the first time. He obviously doesn’t like that we’re together in a way, but his grudging acceptance is a step forward that I really didn’t expect all of us to take today. I’m so happy about this forward momentum, but Andries’s gradual acceptance also makes me feel a wave of remorse.
Remorse, because he’s trying to make amends with Dan and me, and at the same time, we’re still hiding things from him. The cocaine scandal that Roxanne is in the center of burns in my chest like hot coal, impossible to ignore. His bride-to-be is currently being investigated for criminal charges, and we’re keeping it from him. We’re guilty by omission.
It makes the olive branch that he is offering very, very bittersweet.
14
Elise
I shouldn’t be surprised,but as soon as we get home and walk out to the terrace, somewhat somber from our beautiful but melancholic trip, everyone that has remained at the villa wants to see us.
Lili and Robin are in the infinity pool, and while Lili is floating serenely on a raft, tanning, Robin looks thrilled to have all the men back.
“Finally!” he exclaims. “I’ve been so bored. You guys up for more volleyball? A rematch?”
He sounds like an excited kid, but it would take an act of God to make me play freaking volleyball again. Even thinking about it makes my nose ache, and I rub it absentmindedly.
The request for a game, though, makes Andries and Dan perk up like they’ve been given a shot of espresso straight into their veins.
“Hell yes!” Dan exclaims. “Let me go change. El…you want to join?”
“Absolutely not,” I tell him straight away.
“I’m in,” Andries declares, as if there was any doubt. “How about you, Roxie?”
Roxanne is sitting in one of the lounge chairs, her dark eyes hidden by a large pair of cat eye sunglasses. She’s in a scarlet two-piece, her skin shimmering with tanning oil, and it’s hilarious to me that Andries would even ask her if she wanted to play volleyball. She looks perfectly content right where she is.
“No thanks, love,” she says, confirming my guess. “I’m good right here.”
“Okay.” Andries shrugs, giving her no emotion one way or the other. I’m desperately trying to get a read on how they’re acting with each other, but my brother is making it nearly impossible.
The two men head back inside to change, and Roxanne lowers her sunglasses, watching them go. Now that I can see her entire face, she looks absolutely exhausted. The things she’s dealing with mentally seem to be zapping her of all her energy and vibrance, and I feel for her. But, she’s made her own bed, and she’s lying in it because of her own choices.
Once Dan and Andries are out of sight, Roxanne stands, grabbing her black lace coverup, and pulls it on before fixing her gaze on me. “Elise, can we talk? In private?”
I raise my eyebrows, surprised. “Roxanne, no offense, but I’m not the one you need to be talking to in private right now. That’s my brother.”
She shakes her head emphatically. “Not yet. So, will you talk?”
I suppress a groan, but agree. “Alright, lead the way.”
She slips her feet into her sandals and I follow her into the house. Roxanne skips both our suites and instead takes us to the dining room, checking the hallway and shutting the door behind her when she’s sure we’re alone. Instead of sitting in a chair, she paces the floor, nervous energy radiating off her. I have no such qualms, so I go ahead and pull a seat out and sink down into it, figuring that this conversation is going to be a long one. I wish I had a drink, something alcoholic preferably.
“I know I already apologized to you over text, but I need to do it in person, too,” she starts as she rakes a hand through her short hair. “I shouldn’t have said what I did, especially in front of everyone. We’ve both been making strides to be better to one another and I hope I didn’t destroy that yesterday, but I understand if you feel like you need to reconsider the… understanding that we have with one another.”
“It was low of you,” I tell her, my eyes fixed on her hopeful expression. “But I’ve said things I regret, too. I’m not worried about what you said yesterday, if you’re being honest, then I can let it go. What I can’t move past, though, is that youstillhaven’t been honest with Andries. Do you know exactly how serious this all is getting?”
