“Agreed,” Knox says immediately. “Ten o’clock. Not a minute sooner.”
“Thank god,” Fallon groans. He walks over to the cabinet where we keep the “good stuff.” He pulls out a bottle of single malt whisky he’s been saving for a special occasion. “We need a toast. To the Evans dinner. To surviving.”
He pours five shots. He slides a shot toward Knox, one toward me, one to Sarah, and keeps two. He holds one out to Amber.
She shakes her head. “I’m so tired, Fallon. My eye is throbbing, my arm stings, and I think if I drink that, I’ll pass out on the floor.”
“I’ll take hers,” Sarah offers.
“No, it’s okay. I can take it,” I say.
“If you say so!” She laughs, winking before taking her shot.
“Another?” Knox asks.
She shakes her head. “No, thanks. I actually have to run. But seriously, great job, guys. Fallon, I’ll call you so we can set up that thing I was telling you about.”
“Thank you for sticking around and helping,” Knox tells her.
She smiles before gathering her things and leaving.
“More for us,” Fallon says. He clinks his glass against Knox’s, then mine. “To Blade & Butter.”
“Won’t you walk her out?” Amber asks Fallon.
“Nah. She’s having her boyfriend pick her up. Now, let’s drink.”
“À notre succès. Santé,”Knox says.
“Santé,”Fallon and I reply.
“Santé!”Amber repeats.
We drink. The whisky burns, smooth and smoky.
Amber stands there, rubbing her arms. She looks exhausted. The adrenaline is wearing off, leaving her pale and swaying slightly.
“I should go,” she says softly. “Maisie.”
“I’ll drive you,” I say, setting my glass down. “I’m done anyway.”
“Are you sure?” she asks. “You’ve been working all day.”
“Eli,” Knox says, his voice low but firm. “Go. I’ll lock up.”
“You sure?”
“Go. This mess will still be here tomorrow.”
I grab my coat and help Amber with hers. We walk out into the cold night air. The snow has stopped, leaving the world crisp and white.
I open the passenger door of my car for her. She slides in, buckling her seatbelt with a sigh.
When I get in, the car is quiet. I start the engine, letting it warm up.
“You were amazing today,” I say, backing out of the spot. “Even with the… incidents.”
“I felt like a liability,” she admits, staring out the window.
