“Luca is here,” I tell them.

Dylan discreetly adjusts his dick in his jeans before sliding past me.

Standing up, Chloe tucks her hair behind her ear. I’m tempted to point out that her lipstick is smeared. “So, are you ready to have fun?”

Hooking my arm in her elbow, we leave her room and descend the steps. Mr. Reid is still there, glaring at poor Luca. I think Chloe’s dad has had an easy ride. He’ll never warm completely to Dylan, but at least Chloe’s boyfriend has stuck to his daughter for the last three years. Mr. Reid can rest assured at night that Dylan loves his daughter, even if he would have blown a gasket if he’d walked in on them five minutes ago.

Luca is new, and new boys awaken the protective side of Mr. Reid. I might not be his biological daughter, but Chloe’s dad has known me since his daughter turned four and decided we should be best friends.

“Come on.” With a hand on Chloe’s lower back, Dylan leads her outside.

Luca clears his throat, glancing at Mr. Reid over my shoulder before his eyes return to me. “You look great.”

I look stupid. “Thanks.”

“Are you ready to go?”

Wetting my lips nervously, I nod. “Sure.”

A part of me wishes Mr. Reid would forbid me from going. That way, I don’t have to spend the entire evening making small talk with the boy in front of me. Unfortunately, I’m not Mr. Reid’s daughter, so he says nothing.

We follow Chloe and Dylan to Luca’s car. They take the backseat, and I reluctantly get in the front. What do people say on first dates? Is that what this is? A first date?

One look at my house tells me my mom is away, as always. The windows are dark except for the lamp in my bedroom window. Seeing it shine some light in the empty house makes me feel less alone.

* * *

Hiding outside in the garden on one of the sun loungers, I stargaze. I make that sound like I’m alone. I’m not. The infinity pool is lined with girls in bikinis, despite the autumn chill, who shriek every time one of the boys cannonballs into the water.

Not only that, but Luca is here too, watching me on the sun lounger next to his. I suppose I should be pleased that he finds me interesting enough to stay by my side, but that would be a lie. I don’t mind being alone.

“Where’s Chloe?” I ask, looking around.

Luca takes a swig of his beer and shrugs. “They’re probably up in one of the bedrooms.”

It wouldn’t surprise me. Three years later, they still fuck like rabbits.

“Do you want another beer?” Luca asks.

I look down at my empty cup. “No, I’m fine.”

I really want to go home. I’m here for Chloe, but she disappeared as soon as we entered the house. Since then, I’ve put up with Luca’s incessant talking.