“I’m part of the us, though.” I remind him. “And all I can do is assume the worst unless you guys tell me otherwise.”
“Same.” He nods to me. “Roman’s really worried.”
“I don’t want to go back and play games.”
“Well…” He hesitates and glances back to the set up and stage and tiki torches. “There’s an obvious out. I’m more than happy to give it.”
I dab at my wet eyes. “Which means Bella wins and gets all night with you guys and I’m driven away.”
“Or you stay and try to stay under the radar.”
“Impossible.”
“That’s what I’ve got.”
I sigh and give in, walking back to the table with him. He rubs the hand I wrapped around his arm and I rest my head on his shoulder. I feel waterlogged, tired, and honestly, ready to go home. I feel like we’ve been here for weeks. There are too many games being played, too many eggshells to walk on.
When Holden sits me back down, Bella is gone, hula dancing with a bunch of girls on stage.
“You missed the hula contest, sweets.”
“Good.” I take a bite of the salmon and savor it.
Roman reaches for me, hesitates, then focuses on his steak. We eat in relative silence, other than Nick and Gunner arguing about what game is going to be played next. The guys are called up to do some kind of hula hoop game and all of them leave except Roman. His jaw is tight, eyes steady on the ocean.
“If you’re pissed say it,” I order.
“You broke the rule.”
“Bella broke it first by touching Gunner,” I argue.
“And two wrongs make a right?” He turns to face me.
“I know you’re not pissed at me for asking Holden to walk with me. You’re pissed because of some bullshit reason that I don’t understand. All you had to do was talk to me, dummy. And you didn’t even do that.”
“You’re yelling at me. Now?”
“Oh, I’m sorry. Does it not fit into your schedule?” I hiss. “Let’s see what mine looks like. Talking to my mother because I’m so upset and jealous and frustrated and don’t feel like I can talk to you guys about it. Keeping my dad from having words with you because I’m trying to handle this between us. Holden watching me cry. And now arguing with the one man I’m allowed to touch at this whole fucking wedding.”
Roman snaps his teeth together and sets the fork down.
“Oh, and don’t forget me asking a direct question and being told the answer isn’t important.”
“That’s not what I said.”
“That’s how it felt. Holden told me that you all are worried Bella’s going to do something stupid. Why was that so hard to say?”
“Because nothing is going to happen. It was pointless to bring up.”
“Really? Because she’s had her hands on Gunner, she happily took my seat, ignoring her husband to be, and she’s been very intent on making the other guys seem single.”
“This is a pointless fight.” Roman shakes his head. “We’re not having it here.”
“Okay.” I nod, and sniffle. “Give me the key card.”
Roman looks at me, his eyes burning. I put my hand out. When he doesn’t move I arch an eyebrow. “I have other options, including my parents. Or I’ll go walk the beach, but I’m not staying here.”
“Sophie.”
“Non trattarmi come un bambino.” I glare at him, then get up. “How’s that for Italian?”
He watches me walk to the hotel. I’ll sit in the lobby before I’ll spend another minute there.