Rebound (Boomerang #2)(27)

“Not just family, Ali,” Graham says. He seems to want to correct everything and everyone all the time. I’ll need to give his controlling nature serious consideration later. I don’t like being controlled. By anyone. “Philippe calls you that,” he continues. “So did Ethan.”

Alison’s eyes drop to the drink in her hands, and her mother frowns. Something just happened, but I’m not sure what it is.

“Speaking of Ethan,” Graham says, “I heard you had him as an intern this summer.”

It takes me a moment to realize they’re talking about Ethan Vance. But how do they know Ethan?

“I did. Quality guy. I hated to lose him to grad school, but I still see him socially. You know him?”

“Oh, yes. Great kid,” Graham says. “Smart and driven. Hell of an athlete, too. He was with my Ali for a few years in college. Shame it didn’t work out, but you know young love. Flash in the pan and all that.”

Oh, shit. That’s what this is.

Vivian sends him a warning look, but I’m more focused on Alison, who turns white, and Mia, who closes her eyes for a long second. She looks like she wants to teleport out of here—and why wouldn’t she?

Ethan and Alison dated in college.

And now Ethan’s with Mia.

And I brought Mia here.

Jesus.

Graham’s looking at Alison in a way that seems condemning somehow, and her eyes are becoming glossy.

“I had no idea,” I say, looking from her to Mia, who’s starting to turn a little green.

“No idea about what?” Graham asks.

Alison answers for me. “Ethan is dating Mia now.”

“Oh, dear.” Vivian glances at her daughter with a look of concern.

“Nonsense,” Graham says. “Bygones! Right, Ali? We’re all civilized human beings. Mia took the prize this time, but another young man will come along for my girl.”

Alison ignores him. “Ethan’s a great guy,” she says to Mia. “I mean . . . I’m sure you know that. I’m glad you two are together. And . . . happy and everything.”

“Thanks, Alison,” Mia says, but her expression is strained and a little panicked. Her hand flattens on her stomach. “Um, I don’t mean to change the subject, but do you guys have any Dramamine? I’m feeling a little off.”

“In the guest bath,” Vivian says. “I’ll get them.” But Graham’s hand reaches for her wrist, keeping her there.

“Weston!” he yells.

Mia hops up. “No, it’s okay. I’ll get it. I know where it is.”

I excuse myself and follow her inside. Right now, Mia’s priority one.

“Adam, it’s okay,” Mia says as we hustle to the head. “Really, it’s okay. I’m fine.”

I step into the small bathroom with her and shut the door behind us. She immediately bends over the sink and splashes water on her face.

“Shit. I’m sorry, Mia. Damn it. You should have said something. I’d never have brought you here if I’d known.”

She peers up at me, water dripping off her face. “This deal is so important for the company, and I thought I could do it. I didn’t think we were going to discuss Ethan. Dear God. Why is the floor moving so much? Did someone put acid in those drinks?”

“Hang on.” I open a cabinet and find a bottle of seasickness tablets, handing her one. Mia takes two more from me. “Wait, those are really strong. One should be—”

“I feel like I’m going to die.”

“We’ve barely been on the water fifteen minutes.”

“I know, but I’m a land animal. A chair animal. Beds. Couches. I’m a comfortable stationary-place animal. But don’t worry. I’ll survive.” Mia slumps against the door. We’re still on choppy water. The yacht is still moving around a lot, the floor pitching beneath us. “I’m the one who’s sorry for being a terrible date.”

“No. You did nothing wrong. I just wish I hadn’t dragged you here.” I should go back to the Quicks, but I have a second to process all of this now.

Ethan and Alison.

That was a surprise.

I want to know more, and I also don’t.

“Were they serious?” I ask, the rational part of my brain losing.

Mia pushes her hair away from her cheek and nods but doesn’t say more.

I think of the condemning look Graham just sent Alison. He blames her for the end of the relationship. Does that mean Alison left Ethan? Did she betray him?

I can’t picture it. I can’t see Alison as a girl who’d deliberately hurt someone. She’s a nurturer. She rescues horses. She hugged me when I was a complete stranger. Kindness is her default gear.

There’s a story behind this. Between Alison and Ethan. And even though it’s none of my business, I want to know it.

I’m about to ask Mia another question when she groans and bends over her stomach. “Ugh. Ow. Ahhhh. Adam, please get out. I’m going to be sick.”

“It’s okay. I’ll stay—”

“No! Please. Go.” She shoves me out of the bathroom. As she’s closing the door, I catch a glimpse of her whirling toward the toilet.

“Adam?”

I turn to the voice, and Alison’s right there.