“You know, we were friends in high school, Sloane and me,” he started. “I thought I knew her pretty well until I read some of that blog. I don’t get why she felt the need to post all of that. Seems embarrassing to me.”

Brady decided, right then and there, he didn’t like Derrick all that much. Not his smug expression or his condescending tone. Still, Brady was a professional and trained in the arts of customer service, AKA not kicking everyone’s ass when he felt like it.

But that didn’t mean he couldn’t pull a Carol and go the passive route.

Brady quickly dug in deep and tried to remember the limited knowledge he had of Derrick Kennerly. It wasn’t long before Santana’s voice popped into his head, along with the story she’d told him and Dixon a few months ago. Brady was a hypocrite, because all it was was gossip.

And, in that moment, he loved that he had it.

“I don’t get why dudes send women dick pics and expect to be banging them at the end of the night, either, but a lot of dumbasses still do.” Brady shrugged. “I guess everyone has their reasons for how they act online. Some people truly think their naked schlongs are appealing to the opposite sex, or any sex, really. That’s way more embarrassing than what Sloane did. At least in my humble opinion.”

Dewey sputtered into his beer, confirming the gossip Santana had heard held weight. Dick-pic-sender Derrick was nowhere near amused. He tried, instead, to play it off by pretending he wholeheartedly agreed before ordering a pilsner. Then he asked Dewey if he wanted to head out to the patio and enjoy the night air.

The night air was sticky and hot and total shit to sit in, but Dewey was ever the accommodating guy. He followed Derrick through the bar to the side door, but not before catching Brady’s attention and all but laughing again.

“I didn’t know they were friends,” Santana said, emerging from the kitchen. She had her phone in one hand and a fry in the other.

“Why does everyone in Arbor Bay think they should know everyone’s business?” Brady griped back. “Who cares who’s friends with each other?”

That earned a laugh from Santana. “Because it’s Arbor Bay, that’s why.” She stuck the fry in her mouth and handed him the phone. “We’re limited in the unknowns around here. And, speaking of things I didn’t know: You hung out with the Robertson twins, Ruby, Sloane, and your ex today. On a boat. Wearing those shorts.”