Unexpected

Chapter 20

GABRIEL 

After promising everyone in the house that I'd be back in a couple of hours to talk, I tagged along with Jo and went to have lunch with Maria.

I'm sure Jo, like me, noticed the curious looks we got from everyone when we finally left her room freshly showered, but she chose not to comment.

For some reason, she thinks we should be discreet. It's obvious they all realized there's something going on between us. Which doesn't mean I won't be asking them to keep their mouth shut.

The little restaurant Maria found us is amazing. The food is great and the customers are older than the people who often recognize me on the streets. Which really works for me. It's been ages since I've hung out with my sister in this way, so it's perfect to relax without people asking for pictures or recording us.

Maria has been discussing the details of a case she is working on and I am so proud of all the hard work she is doing. She is working hard to establish her name as a lawyer, and it is inspiring to witness her enthusiasm for her job.

"So, that's why I keep telling you not to marry a lawyer." She points her fork at Jo. "They're the worst."

Jo rolls her eyes. "Why are you always hooking up with lawyers, then?"

"I said marrying them, not sleeping with them." She winks at Jo, and I throw my napkin at her.

"Ew." I shudder. "Too much information."

"What?" Taking a sip from her glass of water, she pauses for a moment. "You're the only one who can have a string of meaningless sex on your trail?"

I choke on the beer. "What?"

"I've told you about their little orgy at the beginning of their tour, right?" She turns her gaze towards Jo and I am left speechless.

"Maria," I try, but she speaks before I can finish my sentence.

"They're all still dealing with the consequences of it. The press is all over them." She stuffs her mouth with food, and my eyes dart to Jo, who raises her eyebrows at me.

"What kind of consequences?" Jo asks, and I swallow.

"Nothing to worry about." I give Maria a pointed look.

"Of course." She gives me a cheeky smile, unable to take the hint. "Reason why your lawyer, manager, and PR flew all the way here to join you guys."

"Don't you have work to go back to?" I make eye contact with the server, and he soon approaches us.

"Is everything okay? Can I get you guys another drink?" he asks.

"Another beer please," I say, turning to Jo, who's watching me curiously. Great. The last thing I want is to talk about that fucking party Josh set up in London.

Martin, Aaron, and Lena took us by surprise earlier today, and no matter how hard I tried to not let it bother me, I knew something significant happened. Everyone is aware of how much we cherish our time off and the importance of it. I explicitly asked them not to come. There was no room for misinterpretation. So, the fact that they disregarded my request has left me feeling a little uneasy. But since Jo got up as soon as they arrived, I'll have to talk to them later to see what the hell is going on.

"And for you, ladies?" The server breaks me away from my thoughts. "Can I get you anything?"

"I'm good, thanks," Jo says, and Maria gives him a smile.

"Me too."

"Hey." Maria squeezes my hand, her eyes studying me close. "I'm just joking around. I didn't mean to offend you."