Axel gave Jackson a cool look. "Careful. You sound bitter."
Jackson coughed. "I am bitter." His gaze slowly shifted to Dylan, eyes narrowing. "What about you?"
Dylan blinked. "What about me?"
"Don't tell me you can't join either," Jackson said. "I already booked my family villa. Ocean view. Drinks. Lots of Premium beef. Barbecue. Fireworks. All the works."
Dylan froze. Plans with Stella immediately surfaced, overwhelming his mind. Quiet dinner on the balcony, while romantically looking at each other. Fireworks in the background. Their first New Year together. The thought alone made his chest tighten with rarely known joy.
"No. I absolutely can't! I can't and won't join you guys! Sorry!" But the words refused to come out of his mind to his mouth.
He simply stared at them, mouth opening slightly before closing again. His silence spoke louder than any confession.
Jackson stared back. Then his shoulders slumped. "Unbelievable."
Collins laughed dryly. "So that's how it is now."
