Page 131 of Crash & Burn

“Mateo, it’s not like you’re my dad, introducing me to a new flavor of the month. We’re adults.”

“I know that, but still. It is my first real relationship in years, and I want to do things a certain way. Seriously, it isn’t you.” I can’t lie. It does hurt my feelings that he doesn’t want me to meet her yet, but I get what he is saying.

“Fine.” I cross my arms.

“Don’t be mad.” Mateo shakes my shoulder, getting a small smile out of me.

“You’re the worst,” I say, lightly punching him in the chest.

He brings his hand to it, leaning back as if I actually had put power behind the punch. It makes me laugh.

Bastard. I’m trying to be mad at him.

“Do you want me to bring your camera back up to your room?”

I glance at my shoulder, realizing I still had it. “Oh, yeah.” I hand it to him after grabbing my wallet from the front pocket. I never carry a purse because I usually have my camera bag.

“Room key?” Mateo asks.

“Oh, duh.” I grab one of the two room keys I got when I checked in. Keeping one for me and giving the other to my brother.

“Don’t lose your wallet.”

“Okay,Dad.”

“Camila.”

I laugh. “You’re so easy to piss off.”

The six of us head over to Cityscape to celebrate the kickoff to the weekend, already a slight buzz from some drinks we had during the rehearsal.

Cityscape is a little different tonight than it was in the summer, the same string lights setting the perfect ambiance on the now-heated rooftop. The night is clear with a cool breeze but the blanket of a few glasses of wine and a Tequila Sunrise helps keep me warm.

The alcohol and Eddie at my side.

I let go of all my better judgment tonight, forgetting what I said earlier about keeping our hands to ourselves.

With his hands on me, I can’t think straight. The only thoughts I can manage to string together are how to not completely melt into his hands.

We are seated at a table on the rooftop, all six of us surrounding a low table while sharing a two-seater lounge chair with our other.

Drew and Emmett.

Annie and Luke.

Eddie and I.

Why does this feel so perfect?

My cheeks hurt from the amount I have smiled, my throat hoarse from how much I’ve laughed.

I sit back, and finish the last sip of what will be my last drink tonight if I don’t want to wake up hungover tomorrow for the wedding day. I look around at the five people who have come to mean so much to me, all in their own ways.

Drew, with her appreciation for love and life, always wanting everyone around her to be happy.

Annie, with her sass and her spunk, always making me feel like I have a ride-or-die at my side.

Even Luke and Emmett, getting closer with them to learn more of who they are behind the golden retriever smile of Luke and the gruff and tattoos of Emmett.