Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 81285 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81285 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
“Nah. She didn’t see anything. ‘Cause if she did, she’d be giving you hell about it and ask a million and one questions.” He leaned in close as he whispered, “Besides, I’m pretty sure she’s walked in on us before.”
“That doesn’t make me feel any better.”
“It is what it is.”
Presley glanced back at me and rolled her eyes before quickly turning her attention back to Skid and Laken. “Can I get you guys a beer or some iced tea?”
“I’ll take a beer,” Skid answered.
“Tea for me,” Laken answered. “And Bay will have the same.”
“You’ve got it.”
Presley skirted over to the fridge while Skid and Laken took a lap around the kitchen, “Damn. This place is cleaning up good.”
“Yeah, it’s coming together.”
“I really love the flooring,” Laken added. “It looks great with the cabinets.”
“Thanks. They were Presley’s idea.”
“Not surprised.” Skid tilted his head back and inhaled deep. “Man, it smells good in here.”
“It should. I’ve been slaving over the stove for hours.”
“Lies,” Presley fussed. “Vicious, vicious lies.”
“So, it’s takeout again?”
“Hell no,” I answered. “Presley’s made one of her concoctions, and she never fails to impress.”
“I don’t know about all that,” Presley scoffed. “But hopefully it’s edible.”
Baylor stepped in front of me and stared at me like she was trying to figure me out. After several seconds, she finally asked, “Do you have a rabbit?”
“No. I can’t say that I do.”
“A dog?”
“Nope. Sure don’t.” I gave her a shrug. “I don’t have any animals, but maybe someday.”
“I have a rabbit.”
“I see that.”
“No. A real one.”
“Is that so?”
“Skid gave her one for Christmas,” Laken interjected. “I wasn’t sure it was the best idea, but Baylor’s done good with her.”
“Hmm. Maybe I’ll have to get a rabbit one day, and then, he can make friends with your rabbit.”
“And they can have baby rabbits.”
“Well, look at that.” I shot Skid a look. “She catches on pretty quick.”
“Too quick,” Skid grumbled. “And you two can forget it. One damn rabbit is enough.”
Presley came over carrying our drinks and handed Skid his beer before passing Laken and Baylor their teas. Baylor accepted hers with both hands like she was afraid she might spill it. I watched them all for a moment, and for the first time in days, maybe even longer, things felt normal.
Good even.
Skid dropped into a chair and leaned back. “What’s the next project?”
“I’m thinking I’ll take a break for a bit.”
“Ah, breaks are for the weak. It’s time to get this thing done.”
“The bedroom could use a fresh coat of paint. The porch, too. And I need to work on the shutters.”
“I can swing by tomorrow and give you a hand with that.”
“By give me a hand, do you mean stand there and watch while I do it?”
“Absolutely.”
“Alright. Sounds like a plan.”
Laken laughed, and Presley shook her head. Even Baylor giggled, even though she had no idea why. And I couldn’t help but laugh right along with them.
I caught Presley watching me out of the corner of my eye, and there was softness in her expression. It looked like she was almost relieved. I knew she’d felt it, too.
The fog that had been hanging over me since that night wasn’t gone. Not sure it ever would be. But tonight, it had loosened its grip.
I had my girl by my side, friends at my table, and a little girl with her bunny. And for the first time in days, I felt like myself again.
And for now, that was enough.
30
PRESLEY
ONE MONTH LATER
“Iwould love to go to the mountains for a few days.” Jenna took a sip from her lemonade before adding, “A little cabin by a creek or one that’s way up high with all the views and fresh air. Oh, and a hot tub. A hot tub is a must.”
“Sounds great.” Tallie grimaced. “But I don’t think I could survive without cell service or internet. That would be more like a nightmare instead of a vacation.”
“There are plenty of places with internet,” Jenna replied. “But I’d just as soon go without it. Someone could use a break from all the club stuff… not that he’d ever take it.”
“They could all use a break.”
Laken shifted in her lounge chair as she told us. “I’d settle for anywhere with a beach. Baylor’s never seen the ocean, and I’ve only been once.”
“Oh, I love the beach.” Tallie sighed. “The sound of the ocean, sand in your toes, and finding seashells. There’s nothing better.”
“Add a margarita and Lawson in a speedo, and I’d be all in.” Jenna giggled. “Not that it would ever happen.”
“I’d pay money to see it,” Tallie snickered. “Big money.”
“Oh, me too!” Tallie agreed.
I smiled and took a sip of my iced tea, letting the warmth of the day settle over me. The sun was bright, but not unbearable. It was still early, but a day like this was a sign that summer was just around the corner.