DINNER PARTY

2

AFTER Mrs McClure, who I call Jemma, sets the table with food she calls us to dinner, "Dinner!", still waiting for Leo to come downstairs.

Whenever I see him I think of that kiss...

I wish he thought of it too. I wish he longed for it to happen again like I do, but different this time. This time it'd work.

"Dinner!" She says louder, but she ends up just shaking her head, "Rox can you go get Jace please?" Jemma asks and I nod as Mr McClure, Lucio, comes outside.

"Lucio!" I say, giving him a hug. He's been on a business trip for the past couple weeks. "Oh hey Rox!" He says giving me a hug as he passes me to the table.

I go back into the large home, finding the stairs in the foyer and walking up them. Soon I walk into Leo's  room as he buttons his jeans.

"You ever heard of fucking knocking, Roxy." He asks calmly, a smirk on his face as he turns towards me, the muscles in his back flexing as he smiles, it's a mischievous smile that I shake my head to.

He's wearing baggy black ripped jeans, his strong arms showing as he rolls the bottom of his pants up, and puts on a black belt. He normally doesn't wear a shirt when it gets this hot.

"Well did you not hear the thousands of times your mom called you to dinner?" I ask as I lean against the doorframe and he chuckles, turning to me and making that face, where he trails his tongue across his teeth and his blueish greenish eyes sparkle.

My stomach does flips as he walks closer to me, "Yeah I did, but I wanted you to come up here so I could see you in that ugly dress." He says sarcastically, "Also she didn't call me a thousand times you drama queen." He comes closer to me before reaching behind me and opening the door.

It's always like this, where we make fun of each other unless it's one of the few times we are nice to each other. It's a mutual agreement to just be mean.

I guess it hasn't always been like this, we used to be really close, but then when I was like 8 I realized I liked him and at that point it was just a silly crush. But this, it's not... not just a silly crush on your best friend's older brother.

He got distant but still hung out with me and Rose when his friends weren't over, and that's when the being mean agreement started happening.

Then after the kiss it just got worse, so now we make fun of each other as he acts like my older brother. Instead of like my friend.

He's just my older brother... who I've kissed.

I walk out of his clean room, he keeps it perfectly pristine, and he catches up with his long legs. He was 6'4" what was I supposed to do? I'm only 5'2 1/5" and this guy's a fucking giant.

"Pearl is coming over tonight, she was running a little late though so she just got here." He says in his deep voice and I groan.

"Pearl?" I ask and he chuckles as we go down the stairs, "Oh I'm sorry does my girlfriend upset you?" He asks and I scoff, "It's the opposite, I'm upset that She's like perfect." I say and he squints his eyes with a smile.

"Oh shucks Roxy, Thank you for approving of my girlfriend." He says and I ruffle his hair and pat his back, "You're welcome, Leo." I say and he growls, getting to the bottom of the stairs and to the intricate front door.

"Why do you call me Roxy?" I ask innocently and he smirks at me, "Why? Do you like it when I call you Roxy?" He asks and I raise and eyebrow as he fake moans, "Oh Roxy!"

I laugh, as his back is turned from the front door, Pearl standing in front of it, super confused. "Look behind you, Leo." I say with victory in my voice and he turns around and shakes his head with a laugh.

I go down the stairs all the way and pat him on he back, looking up at him as he stares at me with big, teal eyes.

"I'll leave you to explain that." I say and he just chuckles, looking at me. I give him a big grin and look at perfect Pearl.

I give her a smile before taking a breath in, "Come outside once you guys are ready, which would preferably be in about thirty seconds because I'm hungry." I say, walking outside and to the picnic table.

"Leo invited Pearl." I say as I turn the corner and everybody groans, "I know." I say, kissing Lucio's cheek and taking my seat next to Rose.

"God she's so perfect." I whisper and Rose nods, "Yea, But he doesn't seem to care about her much. That's the sad part. I mean I know he'd make a great boyfriend for somebody but honestly anybody that wasn't that perfect." She says and I chuckle.

"He needs somebody with a little character, a little less boring to their life. Leo has been through some stuff, I mean he was almost murdered for gods sake. You of all people would know about that, you were there too.  He needs someone who understands him a little." She says and I nod, thinking of what happened to him.

It hurts my heart, because god Leo could have died.

"I just want them to stop making out so I can eat." I say and she nods, rolling her eyes and I laugh.

Soon Leo and Pearl came outside, Pearl's blonde hair perfectly done in two buns on the sides of her head. She smiles at us, her rosy cheeks perfectly tinted.

I turn away as I see Leo look at her, he's been dating her for almost two months, and she's basically been over to most of the dinners. We all hate it, but they're all supporting. Except for me.

I never really talk to Leo about his girlfriend because to be frank I'm jealous. He never has a girlfriend before her, and maybe he just feels the need to settle down now since he's almost 18 but he kisses her. He goes over to her house and comes home smelling like sex.

I want that.

"Hello Pearl." Jemma greets and Lucio nods towards her. She smiles, "Hey guys! Roxy." She nods towards me before turning towards Mr and Mrs McClure.

Okay she might not like me and Leo's relationship. But that's stupid because all we do is make fun of each other! Either way she definitely doesn't like me right now.

But there's a reason to hate her!

Ladies and gentlemen, we got em.

"Hello Mr and Mrs McClure," She says as they sit down opposite of me and Rose.

I let a breath out, "Can I eat because it's hot outside and I'm starving." I say and Dave growls at me, "Honey be polite!" He says, punching my arm as hard as fucking possible.

I grab my arm and wince, "Oww..." I say painfully, sniffling with tears in my eyes that fall soon enough.

"Fuck!" Leo screams, eyes full of genuine and pure hatred towards Dave.

My mom's face went red, and Dave swallowed in fear as he looked at Leo. He made a large clash with the plates and stood up looking at Dave.

I told you he was always there for me.

He walks over to Dave with no emotions, and Lucio is prepared to grab him if he gets himself into a fight. But Leo grabs Dave's neck and smiles sarcastically.

"No offense Dave, but I could say the same to you." He growls, pulling him closer as he towers over him. "Just a little reminder this is not your house and you are not apart of this family, only she is." He says, pointing the me and besides the serious situation my heart flutters.

"So don't do anything else or I will kick you out without a second thought and if you touch her again you will get more than my voice." Leo says, throwing Dave down and walking towards me.

He grabs my arms and pulls me towards him tightly, "you okay baby?" He asks, the nickname making my heart flutter.

"Yea.." I say as he gets up, smiling at me sadly before giving one last glare towards Dave and finding his way out, Pearl following.

As Mr and Mrs McClue get up yelling at Leo about manners and my mom starts yelling at Dave, I turn to Rose, realizing we are the only ones left at the table, and give her a fake smile.

"Family dinners suck with Dave and Pearl. They kill the mood." She says and I nod as we chuckle.

We start talking about the party, knowing that we went to a pool party at Eric Hilton's, and that Rose made out with James Blake. They sorta have a thing, which surprising enough Leo is fine with?

I guess he likes James though while every guy I have said one thing about is on his long no-go list.

We stare at each other, trying not to laugh. "What are you two girls doing?" Jemma asks, an entertained mom look on her face, we shake our head quickly. "Nothing! Nothing." We say in a jumble of words as I pick up my fork and take a mouth full of salad.

And as I swallow it Jemma looks at us and laughs, "I know about Eric Hilton's party." She says and we let out a chorus of 'what? No!'s and 'how's.

She stares at us as if we are dumb and raises an eyebrow, "I own his home. We are his landlord. I own his entire neighborhood. I am an investment woman." She explains as if we are dumb, but somehow it's funny,  and me and Rose burst out laughing.

"Anyways, I would do some sort of discipline but I know, all of us know, that won't work. So we will let out the surprise now," she starts, putting her napkin down on her lap as I furrow my eyebrows, "What surprise? You hate surprises!" I say and she chuckles.

"I hate surprises for me." She says quickly before looking at us all with a large grin, "We are going back to the beach house!" She says and Rose squeals.

I look at her with awe, "Am I going?" I ask and she looks at me, we both know the answer, "When do I ever get away from you?" She asks sarcastically and I laugh as I get up, a permanent smile on my face as I give her a hug.

Lucio just sits down at the table once he walks in on us, staring at me and I get the message, leaning in and giving him a hug too. "As your dad I should get a hug too!" He says, since he basically is my dad after all these years.

"Hey!" Dave says, poking his head out of the door but I quickly say, "Nope." As I pass by him and sit down next to Rose again.

"We don't have a room for you in the beach house though, honey, as you know. So you'll either sleep on the couch, with Rose, or with Jace." She says, winking at me and my eyes go wide.

How does she-

Of course she knows.

Stupid mom gossip and everything and I hate my life.

"I'm good with the couch." I say, and she nods her head reluctantly, Rose gasps and I stare at her.

"I would sleep with you but god knows how many boys you will try to find." I whisper and she presses her lips together, backing off as I nod.

"You can sleep in the couch in my room, the beach gets freezing at night no matter how warm in the morning. My room will be warm." Leo says Pearl on his arm as he comes back down to get food after his protectiveness overload.

"Okay.." I say and he looks up at me, staring at me as we look at each other.

"Did you go to the party, Roxy?" He asks, his voice cold as stone and I nod, pushing my lips together and looking at my lap.

"I told you not to go-" He starts but Rose stops him, "You are not her guard Jace, you're my brother not hers understand that. She's just my best friend leave her be, plus all of the guys are scared of her except for Blake." Rose admits and Pearl pops up.

"Oh Blake Harbor? He's a great model!" She says and I smirk a little, he's the only guy who has confidently talked to me. "He's also a major douche, though." Leo mumbles and I roll my eyes.

Like I said.... no-go list gets another member.

"He's sweet to me. That's what matters right?" I say and he looks up at me with dead serious eyes, "You know Ted Bundy took his victims out on dates before he murdered them, but it's okay because he was nice!"

I lean over the table my boobs in his face and my lips next to his ear, "Blake's also a great kisser.. he grabs my waist and my boobs and is so passionate-" I whisper, but he pushes me away. He shakes his head and takes another bite of his food.

He hates when I kiss other guys, and so I always tell him. "I'm going to get you back for that." He mumbles angrily. "I'm going to drag you by your ear into Gabby Hamilton's house if you don't shut up, Jace." Rose says and we laugh.

Gabby Hamilton was obsessed with Leo, and since he got a girlfriend she's been writing him love notes and everything, acting like she's anonymous.

His eyes go wide as he growls, "Fine. But if she- either of you go to a party, you're wearing sweat pants and a big T-shirt." He says and Rose smirks, "Easier to take off-" she starts but he stops her.

"Rose I'm going to kill you-" he starts but I laugh with Rose, "Just tryna get my best friend laid!" She screams as we get up from the table of bad news, grab our food and go up to her room.

"ROXY!" He screams after us and Lucio and Jemma chuckle, stirring their iced tea.

"Thank you!!! Bye!!" We scream as we run away.

"Well he's in a pissy mood." Rose explains and I shake my head, "Its either because he's always like that, or because he had to explain to Pearl why he was moaning my name as he walked down the stairs." I say and she shrieks, "Oh my gosh!"

::;;

I lay down on the couch, thinking. About what? I have no idea. It's 2 am and I just can't go to bed.

It's dark outside, all of the lights are off, and I came down here an hour ago, trying to figure out why I couldn't sleep.

so far all I've got is that I think it's because I'm going back to the beach house, the last time I was there me and Leo... we kissed. And nobody ever found out.

But... what if he hates me again.

That hurt me.

I slowly stand up grabbing dirty dishes around the house and washing them before walking up the stairs in the foyer.

My room was in this hallway, and it was right in between Leo and Rose's rooms. And as I hold my cup of water someone opens the door of Leo's room.

Pearl steps out, wearing her flowery dress that is now ripped down the middle and turned into a robe.

Well... someone was eager.

Wow..

I stop in my tracks, wide eyed as she looks at me awkwardly and walks past. Hitting my shoulder purposely.

What did I ever do to her?

I walk to the doorway of Leo's room, seeing him lying in his bed. "Come back for seconds?" He asks and my heart beats faster as I hear his voice. His deep rough voice.

"No," I say, turning on the light as he looks at me and gulps.

I was wearing my pajamas, which was a sports bra and his old plaid pajama pants from middle school.

He stares me up and down, his breathing heavy as he lays there, shirtless with only his shorts on.

His large bullet wound scar is on the side of his torso, it's presence surprising me. It was almost 4 years ago, he was fourteen and I was twelve when it happened.

::;;

FLASHBACK

MARCH 3, 1985

I lay down next to him in his hospital bed, his wired hand wrapping around my waist and rubbing in soothing circles. Tears slipped from my eyes as he held me there.

"Please don't cry, Roxy. I hate it when you cry, I'm right here," He says, lifting up my head and staring into my eyes, "I won't leave you." He says and I shake my head.

"But you could have!" I say, kissing his cheek and staying there, my forehead leaning against him. I didn't want to move, so I didn't.

"I'd do anything to protect my family, you know that. You're apart of it too, I'll always protect you Roxy. If you stop crying when we go down to the beach house this summer I'll buy you those drinks you love, and you can sleep in my bed whenever you want, now or then." He says, kissing the top of my head and pulling back to see my nod.

But I can't get the image out of my head. It all happened because Jemma is a super amazing lawyer, so his mom had just finished an intense murder trial where she proved the murderer was the murderer. We were picking Lucio up from a doctorate convention.

We were going to meet him at the airport, so when we got there he was already at the door, waiting. We all got out and hugged him, but I turned around from my spot in front of Leo and went to put his stuff in the car.

We all heard a loud bang.

It was earsplitting, I covered my ears with a screech as I turn around, but I didn't know what I'd see.

The sounds of faint screams were actually close, they were right next to me as Leo collapsed on the floor.

Leo has jumped in front of a bullet for his dad, and due to how tall he is, it went directly through his lower left stomach.

I fell to the ground as Mr McClure rushes his family to the car, but I wasn't part of this family. I was safe but Leo wasn't. I took off my long sleeve shirt and wrapped it around his torso, grabbing my jacket from the car and putting it on.

Mr McClure screamed into his phone for somebody to help as a guy runs out of the airport and helps Leo, I felt helpless as I watched him stare at nothing, his eyes full of pain.

"Where's Roxy..?" He asks slowly, his eyes empty now, looking at nothing. "Is Roxy... okay...?" He asks slowly, his eyes slipping closed.

::;;

END FLASHBACK

"I brought you your water," I say, putting his water bottle on his nightstand.