A Guide to Being Just Friends(27)
“Everly’s mom is very pro sex,” Stacey said.
Even though her cheeks went pink, Everly laughed with the others.
“Nothing wrong with that,” Fiona said.
“Unless you’re her daughter,” Hailey said, meeting Everly’s gaze.
Appreciation filled her warm brown eyes. “Exactly.”
Fiona picked up her drink. “That’s fair. My mom takes all of my quizzes but I told her she’s never allowed to tell me the answers. Even if it’s just which nail polish you should pair with your summer drink.”
“Your articles and quizzes sound so fun,” Grace said.
“I love making them. I love writing happy-making articles. The reason I recognized you guys and the house is because I was researching the magazine to write a fun article on which house matches your personality. I like to know the outlet I’m working for so I always do some prereading. You guys did a beautiful job renovating.”
Both Noah and Grace beamed. “Would you like to see it?” Grace asked.
Fiona hopped up. “Yes, please.” She looked down at Hailey.
Feeling atypically flustered, like she had too many facts to digest, Hailey nodded. “Of course.”
Wes met her gaze. “We’re going to start the burgers. We’ll play volleyball after dinner. Either of you vegetarians?”
She shook her head.
He stood. “You want cheese or chocolate on yours?”
The laugh burst from her lips. “Very funny.”
He was who she thought he was. Just because she had some hang-ups about rich guys who took advantage didn’t mean Wes was a pompous ass who would do the same. Besides, this time, her heart was in absolutely no danger. It wasn’t even involved. Just to be sure, they were definitely coming up with that guide he’d mentioned.
11
The last few hours squashed many of Hailey’s worries. Rich or not, these people were friendly, funny, and incredibly welcoming. Noah and Grace made delicious burgers, Chris and Everly worked the BBQ, while Wes conveniently dropped it into the conversation with Rob that she was the maker of the salads he’d been talking about. Turns out Jaycee—the multisalad lady—worked at the gym Rob owned.
Hailey knew even cities of thousands and thousands had overlapping circles. Hollywood was like one of those steel circle puzzle games, nearly impossible to get the pieces to disconnect. This felt similar but in a good way for once.
“I’d love to stock some of your salads in my cooler. They’re awesome. I’ve been toying with the idea of adding a café to the San Verde location but I’m still on the fence. I get some power bars and a few select baked goods from Tara. Would you be into a weekly preorder?” Rob said.
Would she be into a steady income regardless of the amount? Hard yes. “Absolutely. I can come by this week or you can drop by the shop and we can look at the menu. I can show you some of the more popular ones or I can customize them if you’re looking for something specific.” She sounded breezy, right?
Stacey came out from the house. Her sun-kissed skin and bright eyes made Hailey think of Kate Hudson, whom she’d met once. Like Stacey, the actress was every bit as lovely and completely down-to-earth. She joked about being a big radio star when she wanted Rob to grab her another drink but it was clear she didn’t take herself too seriously.
“Tara isn’t joining us. She has a council meeting for the San Verde Shop Association.”
Hailey’s brows scrunched. She’d said next week.
“Are you part of that?” The ocean breeze fluttered through Wes’s hair, tousling it across his forehead.
“Tara mentioned it but she said it was next week.” Had she misheard her?
“I’m sure Tara can give you the details,” Stacey said. She clapped her hands together, looked around the group. “Time for some volleyball. Who’s in?”
The gleam in her gaze made her look like a warrior. She set it on Wes. “You and your brothers are not on the same team this time.”
His brow furrowed as Noah said, “Hey. Just because you lost.”
Grace lifted her brows, crossed her arms over her chest. “Which you brought up how many times?”
Noah sidled up to Grace, wrapped his arms around her stiff frame. “Aw, Gracie. You know I love you even if you can’t play volleyball.”
When he nuzzled her neck, Hailey saw her lips fighting laughter. She pushed at her boyfriend. “It’s the stupid sand.”
“Sure. Of course it is,” Chris said, leaning down to press a kiss to Everly’s forehead. “You playing, babe?”
She shook her head. “No thanks. I’ll do some cleanup.”
“You don’t have to do that, Evs.” Grace now had her arms wrapped around Noah’s waist.
“Trust me when I say I’d rather do dishes than play volleyball with any of you.” Everly looked at Fiona and Hailey. “No offense. But you’ll see.”
“This feels ominous,” Hailey said, standing. Gym wasn’t her best class in high school. No surprise, she’d aced Foods. Loved Drama.
“I think we should be scared,” Fiona said, setting her empty drink bottle on the tabletop.
“We’re perfectly nice people to play with,” Rob said. He tossed a volleyball he’d procured like magic in the air, catching it with one hand repeatedly. “Well, most of us.”