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His smile would light up the entire town of Lake Howling, and then he was gone.
“Lights out!” Syd squawked.
Chapter 25
Ryan tugged the brim of his Lakers cap lower as he studied the cards in his hand. It was card night in Lake Howling, and he’d been invited, and he was getting used to having friends like these ones back in his life.
“Did Shay get away?” Buster asked him.
“He did. Left last night, and reluctant to do so. Apparently, Lake Howling is like his hometown in Ireland.”
“Unlikely. Nowhere is like here,” Newman added.
Around him sat Jake, Tex, Buster, Newman, and Fin Hudson. There were more; they were eating pizza on the deck, and he could hear the rumble of their voices.
He’d already been in Lake Howling close to a month. Originally, he’d planned for three days. His family, his friends, and Faith were all factors holding him here. Factors he knew would have him thinking of this place when he did go. When commitments called him back to LA.
He’d told Faith the truth before leaving her in the cabin. The day he’d found her lying motionless and bloody had been one of the most terrifying of his life. That day confirmed to him what was inside his heart. The love he felt for her was big and fierce, and somehow, he had to make her understand they needed to be together.
“I hear your mom and Mac walked into the Hoot holding hands yesterday,” Newman said.
“Don’t, man, seriously,” Ryan said, dragging his thoughts back to the present. “I don’t need to know what they get up to.”
This was followed by hoots of laughter.
“They don’t do that; the kissing is the only thing,” Ryan protested. “Tell me I’m right,” he pleaded.
“Oh, you young, deluded boy,” Tex said. He wore a Longhorns cap. Buster had a visor and glasses, which Jake had told him was because you could read every good hand in his eyes.
“Mac booked our honeymoon suite for next Saturday,” Noah said around the cigar he was rolling around his mouth. Apparently, he never lit it, but it gave him the look he was going for.
“Stop!” Ryan pressed his hands to his ears.
“I wondered who had the ace of diamonds,” Jake said, looking at Ryan’s hand.
“Look at it this way, bud,” Newman said. “As far as stepfathers go, Mac would be a good one. I mean, think of the stuff he comes with. Credit in The Roar, and stepdaddy will be able to keep you in those sweet-smelling soaps you rock gods like to wash with.”
“I hate you assholes,” Ryan snapped, laying out his hand, which held a run of really pretty red cards.
Everyone groaned.
“That’ll teach you for baiting me.”
“I thought you said he was going to be easy pickings?” Noah glared at Newman. “‘He’s got buckets of money, and we’ll all leave here tonight better off for it,’ you said.”
“I thought he’d be like this dumb musician. Hell of a shock he’s not.”
Ryan smiled and dragged the pot of money in the middle toward him.
“It’s not like you need that,” Buster groused.
“None of you do either,” Ryan said. “I know you’re all wealthy. I heard about the investments Newman has you all doing, so don’t play poor with me.”
“When will you learn to shut your mouth?” Tex glared at Newman.
“He’s family.” Newman shrugged.
Buster grunted, then got to his feet. “I need pizza, then I’m winning that back.”
