“You do realize that she has much more money than I do,” I said and saw him flinch. “Talk to me. What’s the real problem? It’s not like you hadn’t figured out that I have money. I distinctly remember you looking me up on the Internet at lunch and announcing my net worth to everyone.”
When he didn’t say anything right away, Tim answered for him.
“Sarah.”
Wolf flipped Tim off and shook his head.
“Have you talked to her about what’s going on with you two?” I asked.
Wolf’s already pained expression got worse. It was clear that he hadn’t, and that he had no idea.
“Let me make a suggestion. Instead of picking on the rich kid,” I said with a big smile, “take advantage of his good nature and let’s buy some food. When we get home, go spend some time with Sarah.”
“Dude, fix this. I really want to spend time with Tami, and she told me that wasn’t happening with Lurch here in my room,” Tim said while pointing at an offended Wolf.
“You could always hook up when I’m not there,” Wolf retorted feebly.
“Just make sure you do it on his side of the bed,” I suggested.
They both gave me blank stares.
“You don’t want to have to sleep in the wet spot,” I said and then had to dodge Wolf when he tried to smack me.
“You’re sick,” Tim said with a smile. “But that’s why we like you. Come on. I suddenly feel fine spending David’s money.”
Apparently, so did Wolf.
I took them to the deli and bakery sections, explaining that I didn’t plan on cooking for everyone all week and wanted to get stuff that was ready to go.
I did learn something new and exciting. The girl at the bakery gave me a flyer that said I could go online and order what I wanted, and they would deliver it. That included alcohol. All I had to do was set up an account. I was starting to love the conveniences LA offered. This was something else that was missing back home.
We were well on our way to filling one cart, so I sent Tim to get another one. He came back with Manaia. I looked at Manaia and Tim.
“Alcohol.”
“They might need help with that,” Wolf guessed.
“I got this. Don’t forget to get ‘girl’ food for breakfast,” Tim reminded us.
I took Wolf to the meat section and then produce to get plenty of fruit. We next hit the dairy area, and we were done. We met Tim at the front so we could check out. Manaia had helped Tim pick out the wine. From the quantity of alcohol, I was afraid we had enough to open our own bar.
“I figured we would have a party at some point,” Tim said.
“That’s a good idea,” Wolf agreed as they both looked at me hopefully.
I felt like I was their cool uncle or something. So, I did what any cool uncle would have done and agreed with them, while in the back of my mind worrying that it might not be the best idea. I knew how out of hand a party could get.
My fear was that in LA, it might be ten times worse. The responsible part of me reminded me that I was only renting. The other part reminded me of my life goals—no regrets! Screw it, we were having a party.
◊◊◊
We came back, and all the girls were taking advantage of it not being freezing outside to catch some rays by the pool. Tim and Wolf helped haul in groceries and left me to put it all away while they changed into swimsuits. Brook came in and helped me.
I handed her the flyer.
“If I missed anything, just order it. They said my account would be open by tomorrow morning,” I explained. “Please don’t abuse it and don’t give the account info or password out to anyone else.”
My login and password were written at the bottom. I’d signed an application that allowed them to charge my debit card.
“Halle’s mad at you.”
I gave my girlfriend a curious look.
“You invited her brother for a day on the water but didn’t invite her,” Brook explained and looked at me in reproach.
“It was supposed to be a surprise,” I tried.
“More likely, you forgot.”
“Maybe,” I admitted.
Brook rolled her eyes.
“Do I have to drag it out of you?” she asked as she crossed her arms.
That didn’t have the desired effect because she was in a bikini top, and it pushed her breasts together and up in a most interesting way. She looked at where my eyes had gone and took a step towards me.
“What … oh, uh, yeah. Everyone is invited,” I assured her.
Brook smiled and twirled around to go back out. She looked over her shoulder and wiggled her butt. Damn.
“Open some wine for the girls,” she ordered.
“Send Cassidy in to help me bring it out.”
“She’s busy working,” Brook chirped.
I looked out back, and Cassidy was sound asleep in a recliner. God forbid I interrupt that. By the time Tim and Wolf came down, I had opened a couple of bottles and set out glasses. I figured they could fetch and carry for the group outside.
◊◊◊
I’d picked up pizzas and bag salad for dinner. Everyone had a good time settling in. Wolf and Sarah spent some time taking a walk around the neighborhood to talk. Wolf’s body language told me that there were still problems in paradise.
