Mutely, I nod.
Her eyes narrow. “What’s going on?”
“I have something to tell you.”
Her eyes drift over my shoulder and her lips spread into a thin line. I turn my head, to see what has her attention, when I see Brennon and Rianna emerge from the house. Both of their hair is messy and she’s no longer wearing shoes. Elise’s face falls, before she turns and strides out of the room.
Once Rianna has disappeared into the small crowd, I stalk towards Brennon.
“You’re a piece of shit,” I snarl at him. “Elise is way too good for you. Everyone knows it.” My hand flies forward and my drink splashes onto his face. He stumbles back in shock, swiping at his face. I don’t wait to see what intelligent response he has. I hurry through the house.
I find her leaning against the mailbox, head in hands, sobbing.
“Oh, Elise,” I say, gently rubbing circles into her back.
“Why would he do that?” she cries. “Each time we get serious, he does something to screw it all up!”
“He doesn’t know a good thing when he has it,” I tell her, refusing to compare myself to him in any way. “Also, I threw my drink at him.”
She chokes on her breath and peers at me through her fingers. “You what?”
I grin. “It felt pretty great.”
She’s silent for a moment, before she bursts into laughter.
“You’re the best friend I could ever ask for. Nick is damn lucky to have you.”
I smile half-heartedly, pulling her to my chest.
If only that was true.