Page 29 of The Truths We Find

“Listen. Yes, Dani and I dated. But it was years ago.” The next words physically hurt as they come out of my mouth. “She’s obviously in a great thing with Sam and I can see how much they care about each other. The fact we’re working together is a huge coincidence and there was no evil scheme to get back in her life.” I turn to make eye contact with Dani, so she really hears my words. “Am I glad you’re back in it, hell yeah. Because I’m really happy to have my friend back.” I smile. Then turn back towards Sam. “So, we good?”

“I won’t say we’re good, but I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. The fact is, Dani is going to need all the friends she can while I’m gone, and if that’s going to include you…” He rolls his eyes. “Then I need to figure out a way to trust you.”

“Gone?” I question. “What’s going on?”

“You didn’t tell them?” Sam turns to Dani.

“Alexa was the only one I told,” she whispers.

Sam looks to me. “I’m deploying in a couple days. Eight months. Iraq. While I’m gone, I need both of you”—his gaze shifts between Alexa and me—“to watch out for Dani for me.”

“Babe, I can take care of myself,” she chimes in.

“I know you can. But it’s good to have your friends standing by just in case,” Sam replies.

“I’ve always been there for her, Sam. You would know that if you weren’t always off doing something else instead of coming home at night,” Alexa hisses.

“Alexa!” Dani snaps.

“I know you don’t like me very much, Alexa, and that’s fine. As long as you’re there for Dani, then I can deal with it.”

“Hey, something we both finally agree on.” She downs the rest of her drink.

“Sam,” I say, grabbing his attention and looking him right in the eyes. “We’ve got Dani.”

“Thank you.” He nods.

“Well. Now that we’ve established that I need babysitters for the next several months, who needs another round?” Dani asks.

“You practically still have a full glass,” Alexa laughs.

Dani snatches the short glass and chugs the clear liquid, her cheeks flushed. She smacks her lips and smirks. “You were saying?”

She nudges Sam to move out of the way so she can get out of the booth. “I’m gonna use the restroom and then hit the bar. Same drinks for everyone?”

We all nod and I watch her head towards the hallway with the restroom sign.

“Actually, I need to make a call really fast. Be right back.”

I use the excuse to make my way down the same hallway Dani just went, and wait for her to leave the restroom. She comes out a few minutes later, nearly running into me.

“We have to stop meeting like this.” I grin.

“What’s with you meeting me in hallways outside bathrooms?” She chuckles.

“If I remember correctly, you crashed into me the first time. I was just an innocent bystander.”

“Yeah, not my proudest moment.” Dani smiles. I forgot how beautiful it was. It can light up an entire room, and fill you with joy, even on your darkest day.

“I’m sorry about Sam,” she says.

“You don’t have to apologize. I get it. But I meant what I said. I’m really glad you’re back in my life.”

“I know I fought it at first, but honestly, me too. I’m not saying we’re back to best friends, but at least now I don’t feel like I want to punch you in the nuts anytime I see you,” she giggles. “So, progress?”

“I would definitely call that a win.” I take a huge chance, and lean down, wrapping Dani into a hug.

Her arms stay by her side. I don’t expect her to respond, and that’s fine. I’m enjoying whatever contact I can, and the fact she isn’t pushing me off is a win in my book. A few moments later, my torso is enveloped by two small arms, with Dani’s head resting against my chest. I take my hand and stroke the back of her head, causing her to squeeze me tighter. The closeness makes my cock twitch. I shift slightly so she doesn’t catch on to what’s happening. All I want is to stay here for as long as possible, but it’s only a matter of time before someone comes looking for us, and knowing our luck, it’ll be Sam.