Page 58 of Red

His fingers brush mine on the table. “Are you happy being here? I know you didn’t expect to show up at a place like this after getting lost.”

No one’s ever asked me that before at any time in my life.

“I am.” Aly would be. “It’s nice to feel like I’m a part of something. That you want me here. Home before was . . . lonely.” I take a sip to ease the burn that comes from the truth in my words, sweet pineapple and the fire of tequila slipping down my throat.

“I’m glad. We’re all a family here, even the idiots.”

I laugh. “How many of you are there?”

He drums his fingers on the table. “We’re officially at seventy-two since you’ve arrived. Then adding camp staff, probably closer to ninety. It’s a lot to take care of everyone. I know we can get more to support our cause; a few go to town to recruit.”

A cause . . . is that what this is?

“Oh, wow, that’s quite a bit.”

He looks past me. “We’ve lost a few, though. The beasts are ruthless, but we got one a few months ago, so I know we can get another.”

I grip my chest as the walls of the trailer narrow around us. My breath gets short as heat rages across me.

His voice used to ground me—It’s okay, I’m here. Now there’s only silence.

I wipe the tears from my eyes before they are seen.

“It’s okay, Aly, I promise they won’t hurt you.” His rough hand touches mine on my glass.

“Thanks. It’s, um, pretty scary to think about.”

Tripp waves for another round. We sit and drink. A few men come in and talk to Tripp, and he does the courtesy of introducing me, though I keep to myself. The tequila goes down smooth. The room gets a bit louder as the late afternoon shifts to night. He orders us food directly at the bar. I guess it’s one advantage to being the boss. My body sways a bit to the music. I let my heat fire in my fingertips, melting the ice in my glass.

“Aly.” I turn to see Gretch hobbling through the door. “I thought I lost my new best friend.”

I’ve never heard those words from anyone since I was a kid—a best friend.

Smiling, I drop off the stool to hug her. The floor moves, and she tightens her grip.

“How many of those have you had?”

“I . . .” Counting with my fingers, I lose track. “I shot a gun today and hit the target.”

The corner of her mouth rises, eyes filled with warmth for her new best friend. “Amazing. We can go again tomorrow. I need to re-sight mine after falling with it.”

“She’s got a wicked shot.” Tripp stands and wraps his arm around my shoulder. I lean into his body. He does look good.

Gretch’s eyes go wide as she grips my hand and tugs me from under him toward the bar. “I’m getting us a drink; I’ll bring her back.”

Tripp accepts the lie, as a full drink sits on my side of the table, and goes to talk to another group of men.

“Aly, how did you manage to get the hottest man here to fall for you in days?”

“Tripp?” I ask.

She pulls me in closer. “Yes, girl, do you need a rescue mission?”

I giggle. “No. No, I’m good. Tripp is nice.” He’s supportive, a great teacher. I sway to the music, waiting for another drink.

Shaking her head with amusement, she hugs me. “You give me the signal if you need me.”

“Thanks,” I hiccup. “I’ve never had a girlfriend like you.”