Page 43 of Deepest Obsession

“Yeah, because he let you.”

I spin around to glare at Dominic. He’s standing a few feet away, with a relieved-looking Xander beside him. Everly is nowhere to be seen.

“You could always beat Brooke, though.” Alexander loops his arms through mine.

“Because I’m fucking tiny, you assholes.”

We turn to find Brooke descending the steps. She’s in a sea green sundress with little white flowers embroidered on it. She’s always been short, but seeing her next to the guys makes her look so small.

When she sees me, her jaw drops. “Oh my god, Sophia! It’s been so long.” Flying down the rest of the steps, she plows into me.

“Hey, beautiful.” I squeeze her before holding her at arm’s length to get a good look at her. She’s only two years younger than Xander, but she didn’t hang out with us too much. Still, I remember the spark of joy that was always in her eyes—the one that’s currently missing. “How’ve you been?”

“Oh, just fine.” She grins at me, but her smile doesn’t reach her soft brown eyes. “I moved back in with mum for a bit, but I’m about ready to go home. She’s driving me crazy.”

“You’re sure?” Xander’s tone is soft. He steps forward to put a hand on her arm.

It warms my heart. He’s always been there for his little sister, no matter what.

“I’m positive. At this point, she’s hurting me more than she’s helping.” Fiddling with the edge of her dress, she turns back to me. “Come get some mimosas with me. I want to hear about how you’ve been.”

Before I can say anything, she’s pulling me away. When I glance back at the guys, I notice that all three of them look concerned. Odd.

But I don’t pry. If she wants to tell me what’s going on, she will. Instead, I answer all her questions, telling her what I’ve been up to for the past five years. For some reason, Brooke has always felt safe. Like home. Opening up to her doesn’t feel embarrassing at all.

“I’m sorry everyone rejected you after your parents went bankrupt.” Brooke squeezes my hand as we walk the perimeter of the perfectly-trimmed lawn. “I was so caught up in my own drama back then. And I honestly thought most of it was because Alex broke up with you.”

“That was a part of it.” I sigh, trying to block out the wave of emotions threatening to crush me. After all this time, I still can’t think of my senior year without all the feelings that came with that time.

“Oh, Soph. I’m so sorry. And I’m so sorry Alex broke up with you. He really didn’t have a choice, I promise. Our dad—” She stops talking, her eyes glossing over. Shaking her head, she says, “He loved you. Just know that, okay?”

I bite my lip. The more I hear from the people around Alexander, the more it seems like his actions are sincere. He does want me.

“So you two are back together?” Her eyes are hopeful, albeit void of energy and happiness. “Or are you just...” She shrugs.

“Just what?”

“I dunno. Alex doesn’t really date anymore. He usually has some girl on his arm to keep mum from badgering him too much. But I haven’t seen him in a real relationship in years.”

“Oh. Well, uh, I’m not really sure what we are. So I guess just a fling or whatever.”

So much for his actions being sincere.

Brooke nods, taking my hand in hers. “I was hoping it was something more with you two. You make him less grumpy.”

I snort at that, and we head back to the tables. Food has been served, and my stomach is growling.

Spotting the guys, we make our way to their table. But something stops me, a burning feeling on the back of my neck.

I turn to find Tristan standing next to Everly’s chair, holding a conversation with her. But he’s staring at me.

Shivering, I turn away. It’s odd that he’s here, considering his rivalry with Xander. But I suppose the Hendricks’ lives have always been intertwined with the Goodwin’s. The elite have a way of sticking together.

Thankfully, the food is a good distraction. And we keep the conversation light, joking and remembering the good times we had as kids.

Blaze is in the middle of telling a story about pulling a prank on Brooke when I feel a strong hand gripping my shoulder.

Alexander shoots out of his seat next to me, his whole body stiff. “Fuck off, Tristan.”