My Favorite Souveni- Penelope Ward , Vi Keeland Page 0,68

your sister’s friend.”

“How is she?”

“She seems young and shallow.”

“Sort of like my sister…” He laughed. “No wonder they’re friends.”

“So, you don’t care that you’re setting Duncan up with someone like that?”

He chuckled. “I don’t think Dunc is going to care. She’s attractive and will hopefully get him out of the funk he’s in.”

“Do you really think setting him up with someone who can’t offer him more than a pretty face is helpful?”

“Trust me, what he needs right now is a good lay. I told you, he’s hung up on that chick he went on a road trip with—the one who went back to her boyfriend. He needs a distraction. He doesn’t need to be getting involved with someone right now while he’s traveling. He just needs someone to get his mind off things. From my understanding, based on what Leah told me, Kimber’s perfect for that.”

I was so frustrated. And the fact that Matteo had discussed me cryptically with Brady made me uneasy.

“Okay, well…try to get here as fast as you can.”

“I’ll do my best.”

I was just about to hang up when he said, “Hazel?”

“Yeah?”

“I can’t wait to see you.”

I sighed. “You, too.”

Brady was still being so sweet and considerate. But I couldn’t appreciate it tonight. I felt sick to my stomach as I tried to remind myself why I was here. It was my opportunity to see Matteo, to read him, and to make sure he was okay.

After Kimber returned from the bathroom, the two of us made more small talk. She showed me some modeling photos of herself on her phone. It was the first time we actually had anything to talk about since the photos led to me mentioning my photography business, and the conversation evolved somewhat from there.

When I spotted Brady and Matteo walking into the restaurant, my heart began to pitter-patter.

I waved to let them know where we were seated, even though the hostess was clearly already leading them in our direction.

“Holy shit. That’s him? With the longish hair?” Kimber licked her lips.

Down, bitch.

I swallowed. “Yes.”

Her jaw dropped as she took in Matteo, and that made me more nauseous.

“He’s even hotter than Leah said.”

Wearing a black wool coat and dark jeans, Matteo did look handsome. My heart clenched as I longed to be back on our road trip, when things were so much simpler. If only I could have snapped my fingers and made that happen, erasing this whole complicated mess we’d gotten into. The fact that I was admiring Matteo with Brady right there also made me feel a little guilty.

Brady kissed me on the cheek. “Sorry to make you wait.” He then looked to Matteo. “Duncan, this is my sister’s good friend, Kimber.”

Kimber made googly eyes at him. “Really nice to meet you.”

“You, as well.” He didn’t look at me as he sat down next to her.

It took a while before his eyes finally landed on mine.

I got up the nerve to say, “It’s nice to see you again, Matteo.”

He nodded and forced a smile.

Kimber immediately struck up a conversation with him, leaning in and twirling her hair. She definitely seemed to want him. And why wouldn’t she? I couldn’t say I blamed her. But I was burning up with jealousy watching it all go down.

Matteo seemed to perk up a little more with each minute that passed as he listened to her go on and on about her recent night out to see Hamilton on Broadway. That morphed into a conversation about music, and it seemed like they were actually getting along pretty well.

Then Brady chimed in, “What Duncan is neglecting to tell you, Kimber, is that he’s a pretty damn good musician in his own right.”

Her eyes widened. “Gorgeous and talented? Wow, you’re just the whole package, aren’t you? What do you play?”

My eyes were glued to her hand on his arm. I wanted to scream, “Don’t touch him.”

“Guitar, and I do some singing,” Matteo answered humbly.

“Some singing?” Brady laughed. “His voice is incredible. You should hear him.”

Kimber squeezed Matteo’s arm. “I’d love to.”

As impressive as it all seemed, this girl had no idea just how much of a catch Matteo was. She didn’t know him like I did. Because not only was he gorgeous and talented on the surface, he was respectful and giving. He was just as beautiful on the inside.

Every second that passed while they were talking and seeming to get along really well was pure torture. I wanted to wiggle my nose and disappear like the chick