Page 64 of Hotter in the Hamptons

“It certainly is.”

“I mean, I guess it’s not super surprising, given Aly’s whole thing,” Colette replied, waving her hand.

Lola could sense the bait dangling before her, but she couldn’t help herself. “Aly’s whole thing?”

“You know. Her thing for straight girls. I mean, you are straight, right?”

Lola was a good nine or ten inches taller than Colette, a fact that seemed to have no bearing on Colette’s ability to make her feel small as the words hit her right in the chest. Lola shrank back, unsure how to respond.

At that moment, Aly walked into the kitchen, eyes flicking between Colette and Lola, her former lover and her current…what? “What’s up, guys?”

“Colette just asked me if I’m straight,” Lola said, trying to keep her voice light. “I haven’t answered yet, because who cares?”

Colette laughed. “Sure. Right. Hey, Aly, what did your lit agent say about the article? Was the editor happy with how it did?”

Aly looked like she wanted the floor to open up and swallow her.

“What’s she talking about?” Lola asked.

“Oh, you don’t know?” Colette asked, feigning innocence. “Aly’s trying to get a book deal. Cultural criticism. The editor at Knopf wanted her to have a couple more viral pieces before they sign on. Why else do you think someone like Aly would profile someone like…you?”

Someone like me?

“Colette!” Aly’s voice was suddenly sharp. “Seriously?”

“What? It’s not even a big deal—influencing and all that, it’s all silly anyway. You said it yourself, so I’m sure Lola isn’t offended. I mean, she’s here with you, right?”

Lola’s throat tightened. She felt the burn of tears behind her eyes. But there was no chance she was letting those free. She’d been to influencer parties and industry events; she’d had the most cutthroat things said to her with a smile and a swag bag. Colette wasn’t going to make her crack because of a petty comment.

But boy did this one sting.

“Excuse me,” she said. “I’m going to go get settled.”

She kept her stride firm as she left the room. Aly called after her, but once she was out of sight, she flew up the stairs, finding their bedroom quickly, their luggage already on the bed. She saw there was an en suite bathroom and promptly locked herself in it.

Within seconds, Aly was knocking at the door. “Lola, can we talk?”

“Just give me a minute,” she said and sat on the cold tile floor.

“Please,” Aly said. “Let me explain.”

Lola did not want Aly to explain. “I shouldn’t have come here.”

“Please don’t let her get to you,” Aly begged. “Please let me in.”

Lola wanted to be left alone to try to untangle what the fuck had just happened. But she felt guilty for leaving Aly out in the room, so against her better judgment, she unlocked the door. She didn’t get off the floor, though.

Aly closed the lid of the toilet and perched on it, her elbows on her knees.

“I was going to tell you,” Aly started. “I mean you already knew I wanted to write a book. But I wasn’t trying to use you to get a bookdeal. Youhaveto believe me. I was just doing what my team wanted. I’m so sorry.”

Lola cradled her hands under her chin. “I believe you,” she said. “And I get it.”

“You do?”

She nodded, a little bit vindicated that she was right—Alyhadwanted to go viral. And she understood it, even if it stung. She even admired Aly’s ambition. She was right to try to go viral to get a book deal. She just wished it hadn’t been at her expense.

She already felt exhausted by this weekend, and they’d only been there thirty minutes. “It was more hurtful that she said you have a thing for straight girls.” Though Ryan had warned her of this weeks ago, it hit harder coming from someone who actually knew Aly well. It made it more real—and possibly more true.

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