By the time we’ve got the fire going and chairs set up around the edge of the fire pit, the rest of ourfriends arrive. Holt’s five brothers are here, along with Gray’s best friend, Kylie. I don’t know her all that well. She’s a few years younger than me and lives out in Seattle with her husband.
Gray says her husband is a douchebag, but I’ve never met him, so I’m not sure if Gray’s being judgmental or truthful. Could be both, I suppose.
Another car pulls up to our growing group, and I grit my teeth when I see who it is.
What the fuck is she doing here?
CHAPTER 7
Farrah
Ishut the refrigerator door with a long exhale that makes my lips vibrate. Whiskey meows, sitting stoically by his food bowl as if he hasn’t just finished his dinner.
“Don’t look at me like that. You’ve had plenty.”
With a tail swish, he saunters into the living room to climb his cat tower. One day, I want to build him a whole wall he can use as a jungle gym. Until I buy a house, he’ll have to make do with the small one that barely fits in my apartment.
I grab out some bread and peanut butter to make a sandwich. I could’ve made dinner, but I just don’t feel up to it tonight. My shift at Desi’s Diner this morning knocked me on my ass, and I couldn’t be bothered to do more than shower after I got home.
I pathetically eat my sandwich standing at my counter as yet another lonely Saturday night looms ahead of me. The thought of texting Gwen and Gia pops into my head, but I quickly dismiss it. I’m sure they’re both busy tonight.
I’d rather be alone than receive a pity invite to whatever they’re doing.
As I clean up my dishes, a knock on the door makes me freeze.
“Farrah? Are you home?” Gwen’s voice allows my muscles to loosen. I wipe my sudsy hands off on a towel and then open the door.
“Hey, what are you doing here?”
“I thought I’d stop by to see if you wanted to come to a bonfire.” Her grin is full of mischief.
“Right now?”
“Yep. You don’t even need to change.”
I glance at my wide-leg, flower-embroidered pants and purple long-sleeve T-shirt. I suppose it’s cute enough to be in public. “Let me grab my coat.” Without closing the door, I reach over to the counter to grab my purse, then tug my jacket from its hook on the wall.
Gwen claps her hands once we’re walking out to her car. “Do you know Grayson Reed?”
“Tall guy with tattoos on his arms?”
“Yep, that’s him. He’s friends with Holt and Gia. He sent out a mass text to everyone, inviting us all out because they need some bolstering right now. Holt’s in-laws are putting up a big stink about him dating Gia. It’s horrible.”
Holt lost his wife three years ago and is finally finding happiness again. Every time I saw him pick his girls up from school, he always looked so sad. Since he met Gia, his whole disposition has changed drastically. “I hate that they’re not being supportive of Holt and Gia.”
“Me too. I’m not sure Holt would’ve made it through losing Hannah without them. I hope they come around soon, but I have a feeling this is just the beginning.”
“Grief is such a beast to conquer. And then when you think you’ve got a handle on it, something comes up to knock you right back down.”
Gwen squeezes my arm in silent support. She knows howhard I took my grandmother’s death and the downhill slide that came with it.
We’re in her car, driving out of town, before I recognize where we are. It’s been years since I’ve been out here. “My grandmother’s house was just over that hill.” I point out my window.
“Really? That’s quite the coincidence.”
“Grayson lives out here?”
“Uh, no, not exactly.”
