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“Damn, cuz.”
“Better keep your mouth shut about it, too. If they’re headed back home, we can leave.”
“And if they’re not?”
“We’ll follow them.”
“Why?”
He cut his narrowed gaze at me. “Did you question your CO this much? Is that why you were cut loose early?”
“Asshole,” I hissed, shaking my head. “My CO thinks I fucked his underaged daughter. I didn’t.”
“That’s messed up.”
“Yup. Don’t tell anyone until I talk to my parents.”
“I won’t.” He turned back to his phone. Ray was the strong silent type, unless he was singing. I trusted him with my life and to keep his mouth shut. “Doesn’t look like they’re leaving town.”
“I’ll follow you then.”
“K.”
Not long after we left the clinic, we parked in front of a restaurant. It was almost three and it would get dark soon. I was surprised Storm and Hero would let their girls go out alone. Driving during winter and at night wasn’t safe. The country roads got icy, and deer came out after dusk. They could hit one or end up in a ditch. Why would they let them leave the compound without a prospect? Things sure had changed since I left.
Raymond got out of his truck and waved for me to follow. I turned off my Jeep, got out, and trotted toward him.
“What are we doing?” I asked.
“Getting a beer.”
“But they’ll see us.” I sensed he wanted them to, which surprised me.
“Yup.”
“Okay.”
We entered the establishment and were met with a Seat Yourself sign. I searched for the girls and found them in a half-circle booth. Before I could point them out, Ray took off toward them. I trailed several feet behind him, my stomach tightening with each step I took. This was not how I’d planned to see Ember for the first time.
“What are you doing here?” Birdie asked him, surprise in her voice.
“Came in for a beer. What are you doing here?” He threw her question back at her gruffly.
“Doesn’t matter, does it?” I stepped forward to reveal myself. “Hey, ladies. I’m home.”
“Dante!” Birdie flew out of the booth and lobbed herself into my arms. “We weren’t expecting you for five more weeks.”
“It’s good to see you.” I hugged her tightly, noting my cousin’s snarl. He didn’t need to worry. My feelings for Birdie had changed and touching her now proved there was nothing there anymore.
She pulled away. “Join us!”
“We are,” Ray said through gritted teeth. He directed her to get into the booth and sat next to her.
“Jeez, who’s grumpy? Ray, as usual.” Birdie rolled her eyes.
I couldn’t help but laugh, but my amusement vanished as my gaze connected with Ember’s. She hadn’t gotten out of the booth to greet me, only Tara had.
“It’s so wonderful to see you, Dante. Your mom didn’t mention you coming home today.” Tara hugged me like any auntie would.
