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Michael poured Wayne a cup of water. “Come on. Have you had too much caffeine today? You’re all wound up, man.
Wayne stomped toward the back room and hovered near the oven, with his hands stretched out over one of the prep counters.
Elise has been lying to me.
She came all the way out here to get her damn little story, find her father, and break her writer’s block.
I should have known. I was just a rich California woman’s adventure.
It’s not like we’ve done anything. Maybe she made sure of that. She didn’t want to cheat on whoever this guy is.
Heck, maybe she even told him about me—told him that some guy on the island is falling for her!
“Wayne? Are you spiraling?” Michael called from the front.
Wayne coughed twice, opened the oven, and removed the scones a little too early, just for something to do. “Nope. Just getting some stuff ready.”
“Because I don’t think you should believe a single thing that comes out of my uncle’s mouth,” Michael said.
Wayne heaved a sigh and dropped the tray of scones to the side. “You know, it doesn’t matter at all to me. If Alex wants to try to create drama out of thin air, let him. It’s almost the end of September, and I am really ready to hibernate.”
When Wayne returned to the register, Michael rolled his eyes. “You’re just going to build thicker walls around yourself, aren’t you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I just think you should talk to Elise about whoever this guy is before you make any harsh decisions,” Michael said. “Maybe there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation as to why this guy is on the island.”
“I don’t see why that’s necessary.”
On cue, Wayne’s phone buzzed to reveal another message from Elise.
ELISE: So, how about one of those Rum Runners? Tonight?
ELISE: Sorry for double-texting. I’m having such a good writing day and need someone to celebrate with me. : )
Before Wayne could think twice about it, his thumbs snapped over his phone to write back.
WAYNE: Actually, I think I’m pretty busy tonight. Congratulations on your writing, though.
As Wayne set the phone down, Michael heaved himself over to catch sight of what he’d said. He hissed and said, “Oh. That’s harsh, man. I can feel how cold these words are.”
“They’re not cold. Maybe I actually do have plans.”
“To do what? Watch the game alone at your place? Drink until you fall asleep?”
“Maybe I wanted to invite you over, idiot. I’m still trying to get the full story of your three-year-stint-away out of you. I don’t have time for any random women from California.”
Especially when it seems like she was lying the whole time.
