AllFreeNovel
Share Us
We occupy two of the hay bales nearest to the water, and I watch the sparks and embers fly off the tips of the flames that are licking the night sky like an offering. Mesmerized, it takes a moment for me to realize Courtney has joined us.
“Has she talked to him yet?” I hear her whisper, not so softly, to Ally.
“No, I haven’t,” I answer for myself, swinging my gaze over to her.
“Well, what’re you waiting for?”
“I haven’t seen him yet.”
“He’s over by the keg.”
“There’s a keg?” Ash asks, looking over her shoulder.
“Yeah, Caleb just brought it.”
My eyes widen, and my fingers squeeze my plastic cup. “What? Why is he here?”
“He’s a family friend,” Ash tells me. “Ryan has known him for a long time. Way before he became a deputy.”
“I didn’t know that.” Panic starts to set in, and I scan the crowd, but I’m sitting too close to the fire to see that far past it.
“Everyone knows everyone, Ellie. It’s a small town.”
“But I didn’t think…”
“We know,” they all say together, giving me a look.
Sucking in a shaky breath, I look out at the black abyss of the ocean, then up to the cresting moon in the sky full of stars.
“I’m going to get another drink.” I down the rest of my cup and then head off to the bar after seeing Tyler has walked away.
I keep my head down as I walk to avoid any stares I might get, but end up bumping into a large body, their arms coming around me to steady me.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” I say quickly, looking up to see a smiling Caleb.
“It’s okay.” His arms fall to his sides and I take a step back. “How are you? I didn’t think I’d see you here.”
Laughing nervously, I tuck a piece of hair behind my ear. “Yeah, uh, I’m here to…” Looking off behind Caleb, I’m met with Tyler’s steady gaze. Shit, this really isn’t how I wanted him to know I was here.
“I was just getting another drink,” I tell Caleb. “I’ll see you around.” Making a quick getaway, I beeline for the bar and make a very strong drink, needing the liquid courage before talking to him.
But after taking a huge gulp, I turn to face Tyler, except he’s not there anymore.
Great.
I scan the growing crowd as I walk back towards the fire, but I don’t see him again.
“I need more alcohol,” I mutter when I sit back down. Crossing my legs, I lean forward on my elbows.
“Well, drink up, and then go get another,” Ash says.
“She shouldn’t be drunk to talk to him,” Ally counters.
“She needs some liquid courage,” Courtney adds.
“How about she just does what she wants?” Mel offers.
“Thank you, Mel. How about I do whatever I want?”
