Sophie looks between us. Nick glances around and lowers his voice. “Holden was the last one to join with Bella. Like … he procrastinated spending time with her and us.”
I shrug when she looks back at me with surprise. Nick continues. “With you, it wasn’t a curiosity. It was an instant infatuation.”
“What have I missed?” Roman asks as he kisses Sophie’s cheek and takes the chair Diana left.
“My mother on a rampage.” She grumbles.
“Pure chaos.” I agree.
“Let’s make an agreement to avoid pissing off Diana. She seems to hold a grudge.” Nick nods.
“And knows some very colorful insults.” I take another drink of the tequila sunrise.
We get to talking until Gunner joins us. He pulls up a chair, and we talk about the luau tonight and what the plans are for tomorrow. Roman leans towards Sophie. “We’re all going to be busy for four hours before the wedding.”
“I think I can manage.” She rolls her eyes.
“With your mother?” I ask. “Miles will be with us.”
“It’ll be my job to keep her sober. We can’t let her shout anything during the wedding or talk to Bella at the reception. That will just be … bad. She’ll be embarrassed, you guys will be embarrassed, and Bella’s day will be ruined.”
“You don’t have to pretend to like her.” Gunner rolls his eyes. “Trust me. It’s understandable if you don’t.”
“She’s just stressed. I don’t like her right now, but I’m sure after the honeymoon, she’ll be warm and sweet.” Sophie shrugs.
Nick and I exchange a look. Bella can be sweet, she can be loving, she can be a true dream of a person, but she can also be petty and manipulative. She’s smart as a whip and can be understanding and kind.
But since meeting Sophie, Bella seems … colder than I remember. But I think Sophie could manage that with anyone. She’s sunshine personified. In fact, this experience may be the first time I’ve seen her the least bit jealous.
As we wrap up brunch Sophie asks what we should do. Roman’s phone rings, and he groans. “It’s work. Text me where you guys go, and I’ll meet you there when I can.”
He kisses Sophie softly and whispers something in her ear. She giggles and rolls her eyes. I nudge her, wanting to know what he said as we walk on the beach together. She looks at Gunner, trying to buy a soccer ball off a kid.
“He said to remember you guys chose me because of me, not as a consolation prize.”
“It’s true.” I shrug.
“I don’t know why she bothers me so much. My mom doesn’t even get under my skin that much and she flirts with you all shamelessly. Bella’s just … I don’t know. More than fucking my dad, she showed you the lifestyle.”
“She’s not the first one we shared,” I inform her, wanting desperately to take her hand. “But honestly … Sophie, have any of us told you about our relationships in the past?”
Nick turns to look at me.
Sophie shakes her head. “Well, Roman told me a bit about his, but that’s all.”
“There’s a reason none of us are bothered by sharing. Especially if it means getting you.” I say.
Nick joins and sighs. “This conversation should wait until private, Holden. Not that it shouldn’t happen, it absolutely should, but let’s wait on this.”
“Why? Are you guys going to fight or something? I might be into watching you fight.” She winks.
A soccer ball hits me in the chest, and Gunner chuckles. “Let’s go. Pick up game on the beach. I call Sophie on my team.”
“I’m insulted, Gunner. You know I used to play.” Nick grumbles.
“Yeah, but let’s face it. Sophie’s a great distraction and what better way to win?”
She gasps. “You’re insulting my soccer skills? I’ll have you know I played on an intramural team in college.”