Back in Seattle….
Elliot's House…
Elliot POV
We've landed back in Seattle and Taylor dropped me off at home about 10 minutes ago. It's nice to be back. Don't get me wrong, I like Vegas but I didn't want to be there and ruin their vacation. I'm actually surprised Christian listened to me and agreed to return to Seattle instead of staying in Vegas and ruining things for the girls. He just can't seem to understand the way he does things isn't always the right way, especially when he doesn't know the person. I know it was hard for him to relinquish control of the situation but it's for the better. I wish I could tell everyone what I know but it's not my place. It's going to come out sooner or later and I don't want to be responsible for the fallout. Besides, I would never do anything like that to anyone. Especially someone I love and consider family.
I head to the kitchen and grab a beer from the fridge. I pop the cap and as I'm taking my first swig my phone goes off. I look at the screen and see notifications from Instagram and Facebook along with a message from Kate.
K: You need to check out any social media
I wonder why? Curious, I open my phone and go to Instagram and my eyes nearly pop out of my head. Holy shit! There they all are, on display, for the world to see; There's no hiding now. I'm sure Taylor and my brother have seen this by now and if not they will soon. I love that song. Wow, they look so good together dancing in front of the fountain. I actually have to laugh, it's so comical though, because Rhi is so short and the guy she's dancing with is super tall and she barely comes up to his shoulders. He looks smitten and she actually looks happy, and a little surprised too. It's about time someone treats her right, she deserves it. I just hope that this doesn't cause problems in the future. Only time will tell. Shit. It just hit me. I think Luke has a thing for her. I overheard Taylor telling Luke to back off and let Ryan and Reynolds handle it. Apparently it's because he stands out too much and can't blend as well. I totally agree, he's huge and reminds me of the hulk, temper included sometimes. From Taylor's side of the conversation it sounded like Luke got upset and threw a fit, but I could be mistaken. I totally get it, the attraction. She's beautiful and has the best personality to the point that she usually gets what she wants. Yes, she sometimes acts like a spoiled brat and yes, it's annoying and frustrating at times but after the shit she's been through she deserves to be spoiled and catered to. I've never known her to use her past to her advantage either which makes her even more attractive.
I hear a pounding on my door and I move see who it is and as I look through the peephole I see Taylor standing there, looking quite angry.
Sighing, I open the door. "Ok Taylor, let's get this over with." I say to him, exasperated. "I really don't want to deal with this tonight. It's been a rather long and shitty day. What do you want?"
Taylor looks drained as he looks at me and blows out a hot breath. I'm sure he's been through the ringer with Christian, he puts up with a lot of his shit and demands. I don't know how he does it. I'd kill my brother if I had to deal with that.
"I'm sure you've seen social media by now?" He asks.
I roll my eyes and groan. Not this again. "Really? You came back here for that? Yes, I've seen it. What's the big deal? Let them enjoy themselves. This has nothing to do with anyone but them. Let her be happy for a change, she's been through enough. Why the fuck can't you guys just stay out of it?" I grumble at him. "Christian has some serious issues if he thinks that he can do whatever he wants, even if someone gets hurt. You tell him to keep his fucking nose out of it and let it be. No, wait, better yet, I'll tell him myself. No need in putting you in the middle any more than you already are."
I'm so fucking pissed at him I just want to punch someone or something.
Silently, he watches me as I lift my bottle to my lips and take a long swig of beer. Fuck, I wish I had something stronger right now; A good three fingers of scotch would be fantastic right about now. Maybe even a couple of shots of Patron like Rhi does, but a beer will have to do at the moment. We're standing in the doorway carefully eyeing each other silently. I haven't invited him in my home and I don't know if I will at this point. I'm really done with all this bullshit.
Breaking the silence I ask, "So, Taylor, why don't you tell me what's really going on and what the issue is? Maybe we can help each other make this easier for everyone." I look at him, waiting for an answer, not really expecting one.
I don't understand what the big deal is with their obsession with the girls' vacation. We're standing in the doorway when the sound of my phone ringing pierces the silence.