Pax keeps his sights trained on me for an extra few seconds before taking the bait and diverting his attention to Rosie.
I’m really going to owe that girl one when this is all said and done.
“Me too,” Holland mumbles from the couch. She throws her arm into the air and rolls onto the floor with a thud. “Ow.”
Pax sighs and picks her up, throwing her over his shoulder. “This one has had enough. I’m going to take her home.”
The way he easily tosses her around makes me second-guess whether or not I actually stand a chance against him. Maybe it’s best if I don’t find out. I either need to avoid him or get him on my good side if I’m going to keep my secrets hidden.
He says his goodbyes and carries Holland through the front door, disappearing into the night.
“Are those two a couple?” I ask Claire when I realize I’ve never actually seen them hold hands or kiss, but they’re always together.
Claire and Rosie laugh at the same time.
“They’ve been best friends since kindergarten,” Claire tells me.
Rosie adds, “Meaning, they’re in love, they just don’t know it yet. We know it. Everyone knows it. But for some fucking reason, they’re still absolutely unaware.”
I raise my head slowly. “Ohh. That explains it.” I shift the focus of the conversation. “Thanks for the save.”
Claire darts her attention to me and then Rosie.
“Hey, what are friends for?” Rosie takes a sip from her cup.
“Wait, you’re not actually contemplating taking time off?”
Rosie rolls her eyes and grabs Claire’s wrist. “And miss a moment with you? Are you crazy?”
And it may only be a tiny fraction of relief, but at least I know that even if I’m not there, Claire will have Rosie there looking out for her.