We got along. He made me happy. He always made me laugh. He respected me, he was nice to me, he cared about me…It was hard to figure out why I hadn’t ever seen him as boyfriend material. But really it wasn’t that hard. I just hadn’t seen him, or any other guy for that matter, because I’d been closed off to the idea of anyone but Colby. What I felt for Colby started so young, it was as if I’d conditioned myself to believe no one could be him. Then my mind drifted back to the kiss on the patio, and once again I was reminded why no one could be him. That kind of chemistry didn’t happen with just anyone. It was hopeless. Until Colby himself told me he’d never see me as a girlfriend, I’d probably keep pining for him.
“Oh shit,” Landon muttered. His spine stiffened and I followed his gaze to the back corner where Luis and Colby stood, looking ready to kill one another.
I shot up and so did Landon.
Calmly but quickly, we made our way over, trying not to attract any more attention than necessary.
“Hey, time to go.” Landon placed his hand on Colby’s shoulder.
Colby didn’t move. He and Luis were now in some sort of epic stare-down.
Not sure if it’d help, but I moved in. I stood next to Colby and gently touched his arm. “Hey, let’s take off. The party is over.”
Luis shifted his focus onto me. “This is your fault. Just like everything else,” he spat.
“Don’t talk to her like that.”
“This is a family matter.”
“I don’t give a shit what you think it is. You won’t talk to her like that.”
“Yeah, what are you going to do about it? Hit me again?”
Both of Colby’s hands balled into fists and I was pretty sure we had our answer, but before I could diffuse the situation, Landon stepped in.
“Damn straight, he’ll beat your ass. And I’ll help him if you disrespect Isla or any other girl for that matter. Now do us all a favor and fuck off.” Landon eyed him like Luis didn’t even deserve the energy a punch would waste. “C’mon, Colby, let’s go.”
Colby caved and let Landon lead him off. We didn’t even make it but a few steps when Luis said, “Your whole family is nothing more than trash. I see why Isla hangs out with you.”
Landon spun around, and while I’d expected Colby to take the first swing it was clear it’d be Landon. But to my surprise, Colby stopped him.
With an icy stare, and in the coldest tone I’d ever heard come out of him, Colby said, “No amount of money can hide what you really are. Remember that. Because I’ll never forget. You can’t silence everyone.”
Luis forced a laugh that almost seemed a means to cover some other emotion. Like maybe fear or worry? Considering it was one I hadn’t seen before, I wasn’t sure. Then he shook his head. “I have no clue what you’re even talking about.” He laughed again, mumbled “pathetic,” then walked away.
Landon looked like sheer will was the only thing holding him back from following Luis and pummeling him. “That—”
Colby held up his hand. “It’s fine. He’s trying to instigate something. He’d love for one of us to throw a punch so he could slap assault charges on us.”
“He should know—”
Colby shook his head. “Not worth our time. C’mon, let’s go.”
“I’ll walk you out.” When we got into the parking lot I turned to Colby. “I’m sorry tonight kind of went to shit. My brother can be a real asshole.”
Colby nodded. “Don’t let him treat you like that, okay? He has no respect for women, so just, you know, stand your ground.”
“I know. Honestly he doesn’t have respect for anyone. But I’m done trying to please him. He’s, I don’t know, just never going to forgive me, and I’m done trying to prove myself.”
“Forgive you?”
I glanced at Landon then back at Colby and shrugged. “Family stuff.”
The guys exchanged one of those looks again, but just then the door to the restaurant opened and Grandma stepped out. “Oh, there you are. Luis said you left, but I just couldn’t believe you’d leave without me so I came to check for your car and—”
“Grandma, I’d never leave you. Luis was confused. I’m just saying bye to Colby and Landon.”
“Good night, Ms. Diaz. Happy birthday again.” Landon lifted a hand and waved.
“Thank you. I’m so happy you all made it. I wish the rest of your family could have.”
“They were sorry to miss it,” Colby said, then turned to me. “We’re going to go. Sorry about all this.” He motioned toward the building. “But we can talk more later.”