Page 28 of Detour

G etting off work later that night is bittersweet. The sweltering weather brought lots of customers, keeping me pleasantly occupied my entire shift. But it’s left me overheated and drained as I pull up to Creekwood. The tips stuffed in my bag help perk me up though, as does the smoothie—with spinach, lots of it—I stopped off for on my way home.

It’s been calm at the wash since Joe’s off for vacation. Luckily, I haven’t shared another shift with Amity since that dreadful day. I have a pretty good guess as to where those missing tips went but I don’t know what to do about it. Joe was Team Amity last I saw him and I doubt one flimsy accusation will change that.

Bag in one hand, smoothie in the other, my phone rings. When I peer down, it’s another UNKNOWN caller. This has been happening all week. I still haven’t answered any and they’ve yet to leave a message. Next door is silent and my door is locked just as Drew promised via text this afternoon. He was peppering me with questions during my break. I gave him enough information to pacify him while not exactly revealing anything either. If I want to prove how strong I am on my own then I can start with handling the three guys next door.

Walking into my apartment feels like walking over hot coals on a summer day. The stifling air hits me square in the face making me groan. I forgot to tell Drew to turn on the air conditioner before leaving. Damn it.

I rush over to the A/C, cranking it full blast then quickly change into my bikini. A towel over my shoulders, hair in a messy bun, and I’m off to the pool a few minutes later.

The water feels heavenly as I jump in. The sun now behind the building, gives my sunburn a necessary reprieve with the delicious shade.

I take my time swimming under the cool water trying to lower my body temp that feels dangerously high. Popping my head up after a lap, I catch sight of some people decked out in swimsuits entering through the gate. My meddlesome neighbors bring up the rear of the motley group and as soon as I see them I consider leaving. My earlier vow to be strong even when it comes to them springs to mind and I decide I’m not done yet. They can swim, or splash from the looks of some of their more dolled-up friends, around me.

One of their guests—one of their cute male guests—greets me from the ledge, so I make my way over to him. He introduces himself but before he can ask my name Beckett yells from across the pool, “Hey, neighbor girl! Working out some pent-up energy?”

The guy, Tony, looks at me with confusion so I ignore my tall neighbor to explain how we know each other. When he remarks how convenient that must be, it’s my turn to look confused.

“You’re beautiful. If you lived next to me, I’d find every excuse possible to knock at your door.”

“That’s nice and creepy all at the same time.” We both laugh. “Actually, I’m pretty private so even if they did come knocking, I’d just ignore it. So far it’s only been a couple loud parties though.”

“Lucky. Their parties are notorious. Living right next door, you can drink all you want then stumble home. No cab bill for you.”

I have yet to attend, let alone drink at one of their “notorious” parties, but I don’t care enough to correct Tony. Instead, I just nod, swishing my hands over the water.

He continues talking but I soon grow bored. He’s cute with a decent body and a great smile. I can’t help but notice he’s lacking something though. Tattoos maybe? I’ve never liked them before, but now…

Coty’s relaxing on the steps in the shallow end with a girl planted beside him. His head is cocked toward her, smiling at whatever she’s saying. She has a hand on his bicep, close to his chest. There’s a familiarity to her touch. She has beautiful black hair piled on top of her head with big hoop earrings framing her tan, delicate face.

Coty’s eyes drift over to mine, locking me in place as Tony drones on like white noise. My heart beats faster as the seconds pass. I cut the connection by glancing at Marc. He’s lounging at a nearby table with a somewhat feline quality. His shoulders draped loosely over the back of his chair, he yells something in Spanish at the girl beside Coty. I watch fascinated as she stands up, approaching him slowly with a teasing smirk playing at her full lips. Before Marc can react, she flings her hands at his face, sending streams of water all over him. He lunges for her instantly and she backtracks. Beckett intercepts her with one arm, then deposits her into the pool. When she reappears, she cusses at the cackling duo.

“Marc’s sister.”

I bring my attention back to Tony, raising both eyebrows.

“That’s Marc’s sister,” he tells me. “She’s off limits to all the guys but she’s got a thing for Coty. Always has.”

“Have they ever hooked up?” I hold my breath awaiting his answer.

Snorting, he says, “No, nobody crosses Marcos.”

“I thought he hated me when I first met them.”

“He doesn’t like most people. He’s ride-or-die for his close friends and family but that’s it. His family’s fucking loaded so he’s suspicious of everybody. Don’t take it personally.”

I consider what Tony just shared, looking Marc over again. He exudes such a fuck-the-world attitude with his sleeves of tattoos and general detached attitude that I never would’ve guessed he grew up rich. It’s not fair to judge but other than his custom BMW, he seems just like his roommates. I mean he shares an apartment with two other guys. Their apartment is definitely nicer than mine but not fancy by any means. There has to be a bigger story there. I tuck that tidbit away for later.

Tony surprises me by reaching out to brush my shoulder. I quickly push his hand away with the flick of a wrist and a scowl on my face.

“Sorry, you had-”

He’s cut off as I’m yanked forward by a hand on my ankle causing me to yelp. Coty surfaces right in front of me, gliding his body up mine as he stands, water cascading down his stormy face. He pins a hard stare at Tony, then grabs my waist, pulling me to the deep end. The movement is so fast I wrap my legs around him to keep from going under. He drags me from the middle of the pool to the ledge. I squeeze my knees around his torso when my center gets too close to his naked stomach, allowing me to hang a safe distance from his hard body. He spins us so I’m blocked from the others then puts his hand behind my back effectively saving my skin from the rough cement lip.

“Let me down. You should know better than anyone how good of a swimmer I am.” I pop an eyebrow, daring him to argue.

He only shakes his head. “You’ll run.”

“Do you need something then?”