Page 27 of Lead Me A Stray

MACK: Suit yourself…

PIPER: What does that mean?

MACK: Guess you’ll find out, won’t you?

PIPER: Mack…

PIPER: MACK!

15

PIPER

The Neon Saloon is already busy by the time we make our way inside with Rory dragging me toward the large oak bar as if we’re still in our early twenties and not almost thirty. Despite my earlier griping, I do like it here.

And when was the last time we went out anyway?

I hate that I can’t remember. That our lives have been consumed with work and we’ve forgotten how to have fun. Maybe it’s because the guys I’ve dated in the past haven’t been into a night of dancing, or maybe it’s just that I forgot how to make time for myself.

But maybe that’s justme.My mother raised my siblings and me to work hard, and we all stuck to that, ping-ponging around the country after she passed away. She was the glue that held us together, and once she was gone, we never went back to our hometown—like the thought of being there was too painful without her.

Now, Dallas tries to be our glue, mothering us the best he can and firing up the group chat if he hasn’t heard from us in a few days. I can’t remember the last time we were all together—Ainsley’s wedding, maybe?

That can’t be right.

PIPER: When was the last time we were all together?

AINSLEY: My wedding

LEVI: Didn’t we have a weekend together after that?

AINSLEY: No, my dick of an ex-husband never would have allowed that

LEVI: I have a glitter-bomb package in my online cart at all times—there’s no expiration date on revenge, big sister

DALLAS: There’s no expiration date on felonies either

LEVI: You’re such a buzzkill and also I already looked—it’s definitely not a felony

DALLAS: You’re too pretty for prison

LEVI: That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me

Chuffing out a laugh,I shake my head, my heart aching becauseImiss them.

PIPER: After you’re done debating the merits of glitter as a revenge plot, could we try to plan something in the next few months?

PIPER: Ainsley, we could come to you

DALLAS: I’ll track down the best dates to fit everyone’s schedules and report back

LEVI: It’s a wonder no one has snatched you and your color-coded spreadsheets up already

DALLAS: I hate you

Knowingthey’ll be at it for a while, I pocket my phone and scan the bar for Mack, frowning when I don’t see him. His radio silence since this afternoon has done nothing to ease my nerves, but I think that’s the point. He wants me anticipating whatever he has in store tonight, and honestly, I’m excited.

“What are you drinking?” Rory says over the crowd. Her normal drink is a Manhattan but I haven’t had ausualin a long time.