Page 32 of Dancing With Doubt

“Oh, good. We can catch up properly then.” Roxie’s grin grew huge as she tried to think of everywhere she’d take her friend. “You can rest tomorrow and then I’ll show you the best places to see here.”

“I’d love nothing more than to sit on Lincoln’s deck, watching the ocean, actually. Would that be okay for day one, at least?” June asked, and Roxie saw how tired she was when June let the mask slip a little.

“Whatever you want, babe. I’m not forcing you into anything.” Roxie picked up her own coffee and traded seats with Trevon to talk to Emily. Emily had signaled to her so Roxie went to see what she wanted.

“Lincoln told us not to bring presents,” Emily whispered. “But he told us this party was for you. Though he didn’t tell us it was your birthday. I got you this.”

“Emily, you didn’t have to get me anything, you know that.” Roxie protested but Emily forced a box into her hands.

“I did. You have given me so much, Roxie. I don’t think I’d be where I am right now without you, and I don’t think I ever thanked you properly for that. So whether it’s your birthday or not, I saw this and got it for you. Take it, please.”

Roxie looked down at the black and gold jeweler’s box and opened it. A pair of gold angel wings formed a pendant attached to an 18k gold necklace. “It’s beautiful.”

Roxie breathed the words out as she pulled the necklace from the box by the pendant.

“I’m glad you like it. You’ve always been there for me, and really, you’re my angel.” Emily sniffled but blinked away the tears. “I will love you forever, whatever you may have had to do, or the secrets you’ve kept over the years. I love you, my friend.”

“Aw, Emily. Don’t make me cry.” Roxie protested as she hugged her friend around the neck. “You deserve every bit of happiness you have now, no matter how you got it. I love you too, honey.”

“I’m so glad.” Emily pushed a lock of blonde hair behind her ear and smiled a watery smile at Roxie. “I want the full story as soon as you’re ready to tell me.”

“I will,” Roxie assured her, looking around for Lincoln now. “Have you seen Lincoln come back in?”

“No, where did he go?” Emily asked, looking around too.

“He went to get his phone. He might have had to hunt down the parking attendant or something. No worries.” Roxie smiled, but the air felt different around her. She felt stifled all of a sudden and worry gnawed at her belly.

Kai started to go back to his seat and Roxie caught his hand. “Kai?”

“What’s up, Rox? Everything okay?” Kai asked, a patient smile on his face.

“Have you seen Lincoln? He went out a while ago to get his phone but he hasn’t come back in that I know of.”

“Ah, maybe he went to the bathroom. If he’s not back in a few minutes I’ll look for him, alright?” His smile was confident, but Roxie couldn’t shake that weird feeling that something was wrong.

“Yeah, sure. Thanks.” She replied but her eyes were glued to the front door, not the hallway where the bathrooms were. The more seconds that passed, the more fear took over. Something was wrong.