Page 129 of Dream On, Liar

“I have a good reason to be upset. Your fans made that two minute visit into ten. My fries and soft serve are probably ruined.”

“I paid them to make fresh ones as I clicked some pictures with the fans, so they’re fine.”

Surprise flickered her expressions before she led me to what looked like a private area of the port.

“Are you sure you asked for permission?”

She nodded. “Well, I slipped the security guy fifty dollars. So we’re fine.”

“What?”

“It’s okay. I had already set that aside for a possible midnight snack, and cab fare. I also had some for my drinks too. But considering you got all my drinks at the concert, and my food. Even if I pay for my own fare, I’ll save money.”

“That’s not how that works.”

“Sure it does. It’s called girl math.”

I shook my head, before grunting. “You’re not paying for your own cab fare.”

“Still getting a full on experience, huh?”

“Just eat your snack.” I said, settling down next to her on the stony beach as the ocean air kissed our skin. I watched amused as she ripped the paper bag and pulled out the fries and sundae together, before dipping the fry into it.

A satisfied moan left her, her eyes closing as she savoured the moment.

Leaving her be, I opened my own bag and for the next few minutes, we both sat in silence, enjoying our food as the sound of waves crashing filled the air. No uncomfortable silence, just moments of our own peace.

Slowly, Maeve’s head fell onto my shoulder, making my head turn. Her eyes were closed, a small smile settled on her lips. Blonde stray hair flew with the ocean hair, framing her face beautifully. “Maeve?”

Her eyes opened, and like she had expected it—or maybe she just didn’t mind the proximity, she watched me softly, without moving. “Yeah?”

“You ready to head back?”

“I like it here. It’s quiet.”

I raised a brow. “I thought you enjoyed the chaos.”

“Sometimes, well, most times,” Her gaze flicked to the ocean. “But I love the quiet. Where I’m not expected to be anything. You know?”

“Yeah, I know.” I said softly.

Her eyes met mine again. “It’s why when I learned about why you had lied that night made me realise I’d made a mistake.”

Understanding filtered through me. “It’s why you released the statement.”

“Yeah,” She replied. “When Samyra had told me who you were that night, I thought you knew who I was. And you wanted to get closer to my father or something.”

I frowned. “Has that happened before?”

“You’d be surprised.”

Reaching out behind her, I gave her bow a tug. “I noticed you because of this. And, well, your laugh.”

“My laugh?”

“I overheard it over the crowd and the music. I thought it was better than anything I’d ever heard.”

“You’re lying.”