“You said it,” Paul responded.
“Well, in that case, who are you guys bringing to the party, given that the chances of finding a decent woman there are minimal?” Zach asked before drinking the last of his beer. He made a sign to the bartender to pour him another one.
“I might just go stag,” Jay answered. “And you, Paul?”
Paul took another sip of his beer. He hadn’t expected to have to mention Holly tonight. But it appeared that he couldn’t avoid the subject. Not that he would tell his friends much at all. “I brought someone for the week.”
Two pairs of eyes swung to him, pinning him with curiosity.
Zach was the first to ask. “Who?”
“She’s a friend of Sabrina’s. You might remember her. Holly.” He tried to sound as casual as he could.
“So she’s visiting Sabrina and Daniel and you’re taking her to the party?” Zach wanted to know.
Paul took a sip from his beer and looked at the row of bottles that lined the bar. “No, she’s staying with me at my parents’ place.”
Zach’s jaw dropped, while Jay whistled through his teeth. “You dog! How did you land her? That woman’s a stunner! Would have tried it myself, but she disappeared after the wedding and I didn’t get a chance.”
“Too late,” Paul said. Jay wouldn’t get to put his hands on her. Paul would make sure of that.
“Hold it!” Zach interrupted.
Paul tossed him a questioning look. “What?”
Did Zach know more about Holly? Was he maybe even one of her ex-clients? Not that Zach had ever mentioned that he’d hired escorts, or that he needed to, given that he could get anything he wanted from a woman for free. But then, would a guy like Zach really admit to having hired a call girl? Would the shit hit the fan before things had even started?
“If she’s staying with you, then what the fuck are you doing here with us?”
For a moment, his heart stopped. Then relief coursed through him. Zach was just joshing him. His friend had no idea who Holly was. Just like nobody else would know. Nothing would happen. His and Holly’s secret was safe.
“She wanted to catch up with Sabrina, so I told her I didn’t mind.” When both his friends gave him doubtful looks, he added, “And once she’s had enough of talking to her friend, she’ll be waiting in my bed for me.”
If only!
Zach slapped him on the back, but Paul knew he didn’t deserve his friend’s admiration. He was a fraud. He’d hired Holly to be his pretend girlfriend and now he was bragging to his friends that he was sleeping with her.
What a piece of shit he was. “Another beer, Steve.”
14
“Oh my God, I can’t believe you’re here!” Sabrina hugged her excitedly.
Holly chuckled. “Let’s not squeeze the baby to death!” She pointed to Sabrina’s baby bump, which, at almost five months, was now showing.
Her friend released her from her embrace and pulled her into the hallway of the Sinclairs’ home. It was quiet in the house.
“Where is everybody?” Holly asked as Sabrina led her through the open plan living room to the back porch.
“Daniel is on his way back. He was at the country club playing tennis with his father, and I guess they stayed to have a drink afterward. Raffaela is on her way to pick up James to go out for dinner with him.”
Sabrina took a seat on the outside couch and Holly sat next to her.
“I love this view,” Holly said, and motioned to the beach and the ocean beyond. The sun had already set, but there was still enough light from the houses along the beach to see the waves.
Sabrina ignored her comment and instead asked, “Why didn’t you tell me that you were coming? Where’s your luggage? How long are you staying?”
“Hey, one question at a time! And I wouldn’t just show up without letting you know and expect to be offered a guest room. I’ve already got a place to stay.”
“What? I won’t allow it. You’re my best friend. I can’t let you stay in a hotel.”
“I’m not staying at a hotel.” How could she tell her friend the situation she was in? After all, she hadn’t told Sabrina about her night with Paul. Because if she told her, she would tell Daniel. And then there was no telling what would happen. Knowing Daniel, he’d probably start a fist fight with Paul once he heard how he’d thrown her out of his house. Well, his parents’ house. Same thing.
“You’re not at a hotel?”