Page 67 of Dream On, Liar

“First of all, I prefer dogs over cats any day. But mostly, I’d would never look after the cats who are tiny little reincarnations of the devil himself.”

“I’m gonna tell Milo that,” She simply replied. “You know he can understand what we say, right? Have fun saving yourself from him.”

“You’re literally proving my point for me.”

She ignored me. “Really, what did he do to you, and can I help take revenge?”

“She’s already done plenty,” I muttered before I could stop myself.

A wave of awkwardness blanketed us, and I knew the two next to me were expecting—hoping—for me to take my words back. When I didn’t, both Oliver and my sister sighed.

“Last question for you, Maeve. Do you also prefer dogs over cats? Fair warning, there is a right answer.”

“What if I said I like them both?” Maeve replied, clearly hoping to land on my sister’s good side.

“That would be the answer I’d expect from someone who’s worked in an animal shelter,” She answered, a grin tugging on her expression at Maeve’s raised brows. “But, we both know there’s one you prefer more.”

“How’d you know I worked there?” Maeve instead asked.

“I have my ways,” Raina grinned.

Maeve shook her head. “I actually prefer horses over both, but if I had to—I’d pick dogs, too. I’m sorry.”

Raina’s expression only bloomed, almost as though she’d given the right answer. My gaze flicked back to Maeve.

It remained there when she met my eyes effortlessly, a strange expression lingering in hers before she closed them as the wind picked up. Almost as though she'd felt lighter for some reason, she relaxed against the wind.

Her fingers moved across her skin as she pushed her blonde hair back, the small maroon ribbon kissing her pale skin. The urge to do the same reached me so suddenly and so powerfully that it tugged my heart into a wild beat.

Thankfully, Raina’s alarm went off then, and my senses snapped back into reality. “Shit. I’d turned it on in case we got lost in time.”

Before I could question her, she was already scrambling to her feet before the alarm had finished its second ring.

“Maeve. I’m sorry we have to run. I don’t want to leave my cats alone for longer than a couple hours.” Raina started as Oliver followed, moving with such unnecessary urgency that I couldn't help but stare. “Is there any where we can drop you?”

Maeve blinked, surprised by the offer as she stood up next to her. “I’m good, thank you. I want to stay back for a bit longer. Are you guys staying at the team’s hotel?”

Oliver shook his head. “We have a rental nearby.”

Raina nodded. “Unfortunately, not all team hotels are pet-friendly. I also don’t like leaving them in a small space for longer than I’d like.”

Maeve gave her a nod like she understood. “I thought the players had a mandatory stay with the squad?”

Oliver shrugged. “Special circumstances. It’s literally a five minute drive that they don’t mind. Plus, this is the only one—we’ll be back with the squad for the next two stops.”

“Is there a reason why you two are moving like the beach is about to burst into flames?”

Oliver gave me a look. “We’re making up for your lack of urgency.”

“There is no emergency.” I replied. “Your cats will be fine if we’re a few minutes late.”

“We can leave you to find your way back, if you’d like.” Raina shrugged, sharing an amused look with Oliver before turning her gaze back to us. “Just make sure to bring the blanket back with you.”

And the next instant, both of them were scurrying along, leaving Maeve and I in an awkward silence. I stood up before it could swallow us.

Grabbing the blanket, I gave it a shake to dust off the sand before folding it neatly.

“So, you finally remember, huh?” Maeve asked once I finally turned to face her.