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She groans. “I know. Lord help us all.”
After the first band finishes their set, another one comes on stage and plays more modern songs.
“Do any of you want an ice cream cone?” I ask when Archer and I decide to get some, but they all shake their heads.
We take the opportunity to walk around and see how they transformed the city square for the festival. There are mini American flags waving in the ground along the parade route. Several booths have summer-themed jewelry and wreaths. I interlock my fingers with Archer’s and love being open about our relationship. It’s still surreal to me even after all this time.
We browse around for an hour, then find the ice cream stand that’s selling butterscotch hand-dipped cones. It’s so hot outside that by the time we get them, we have to hurry and eat them before they melt.
Once we’re done walking around, we go back to our friends and wait for the big fireworks display. The sun won’t set for a few more hours.
I’m so relaxed on the blanket, I feel like I could fall asleep. But as soon as the band starts a slow song, Archer asks me to dance. People and blankets are spread around, but I don’t care and stand up with him. He wraps his arms around me, then tucks his hands in my back pockets, firmly gripping my ass.
“This is perfect,” Archer whispers in my ear. “I love being with you like this.”
“I do too,” I admit, never wanting this moment to end.
Later on, Jerry and Belinda come over with Scarlett who’s wearing the cutest little T-shirt that reads My Daddy Fought for My Freedom.
“Oh my gosh. That tee is adorable.”
Tyler beams as he pulls her into his arms. “My sweet girl. Did you have fun?”
Scarlett sucks her fist, drooling all down her arm. I take that as a yes.
The sun finally sets, and there’s not an empty patch of grass as everyone anticipates the show. Glittery fireworks fill the sky, and I can’t help but look over at Archer. I inhale his scent and he meets my eyes before brushing his lips against mine.
It goes on for at least thirty minutes, and I soak up this moment with him and our friends. At the beginning of this year, I wished we could be together, and now, here we are. We’ve already been through a lot of struggles, but with Archer by my side, we’ve gotten through it.
Chapter Fourteen
ARCHER
Spending the Fourth of July with Everleigh and our friends was an amazing time. It was nice to forget all the drama for a few hours and watch her eyes light up during the fireworks.
Now that I’ve been at the gym for eight months, my client list has grown and has kept me busy during my shifts. Everleigh’s been working from home, but her shop is almost finished, so she’ll be able to go back soon. It’s supposed to be done by the beginning of August, just in time for back-to-school shopping.
After my first training session of the day, I walk down to the coffee shop. Even though it’s the end of July and hot as fuck outside, I enjoy leaving the gym and taking short breaks when I’m not booked solid. Plus now, thanks to Everleigh, I’m addicted to drinking iced coffee lately.
When I walk in, I order a cold brew. At this point, the owner expects my boring drinks, and while she no longer teases me about it, she always smirks. I know she’s thinking about it.
On my way back to the gym, I feel my phone vibrating in my pocket. I smile, hoping it’s Everleigh, but it immediately fades when I see an unknown number. Before I even read it, I know it’s from Krystal. I’ve now blocked at least a dozen of her numbers, but she always makes a new one.
Unknown: Do you understand that I’ll destroy your life and everyone else’s lives that you love.
Unknown: Your girlfriend won’t live to see the end of the year at this rate.
Unknown: Neither will your sister.
Unknown: Fuck you, Archer Boone. I hope when I finally end your life, you go straight to hell. Piece of shit.
At the end of her slew of messages is a picture of Annie, and then another one pops up of Everleigh.
I immediately drop my cold brew and stop walking. “What the fuck?” I grind out, staring at the images.
Unknown: You can keep ignoring me, but the fun has just begun.
My adrenaline spikes, and I rush back to the gym. My next client arrives in fifteen minutes, but I really can’t work in this state of mind, not when I have some calls to make.
Tyler gives me an uneasy look when I approach him. “Is everything okay?”
“I’m not sure. Can you cancel my next two appointments? I have some last-minute business I need to take care of.” I know I sound panicked, but I don’t have time to wait for his answer. Immediately, I go outside and dial Annie’s number. She doesn’t pick up at first, and I grow more anxious, so I text Everleigh.
