Irvin's POV
I settled into the plush leather couch in Ryker's living room, whiskey glass in hand.
Jazz music hummed softly in the background.
Ryker and Benjamin sprawled nearby, their gazes locked on me with curiosity and disbelief.
"What's this we're hearing about you and that girl?" Ryker said, exhaling smoke. "You're literally everywhere with her," Benjamin chimed in.
I stayed silent. My friends expected me to respond, but I didn't.
"So it's real?" Ryker finally shattered the quiet. "You're dating that Hughes girl?"
I took a deliberate sip, the alcohol searing my throat. I nodded without looking at them.
"Is this some game you and Caroline are running?" Ryker pushed. "Look man, I get she's attractive, but she's a Hughes. That family—"
"She's different," I said, keeping my voice level.
My friends exploded in laughter.
"Irvin, Hughes girls act helpless to get jobs in wealthy homes, then sleep with the owners for cash," Ryker sneered. "They're revolting."
