AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yeah. Harrison’s a tour guide with a whale-watching company up in Stewart, but mainly Adam is the real male fixture in her life, and I love their relationship.”
“Family is important.”
“To me, it’s everything.”
“Well…” He tipped his head from side to side. “Not everything.”
“You’re not close to your family?”
He snorted. “Not anymore. It was just me and my mom for a number of years.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. No father?” I took a chance when I asked, and nearly recoiled at his answer.
“The asshole left Mom and me behind in exchange for another. I haven’t seen him since I was twelve.” A low growl briefly rolled out. “I have zero use for people like that.”
There was a rawness to the edge of his words, the kind that had me wanting to dig and not shy away from. Clearly, there was more to his story than he was letting on.
What was he hiding? Did he have secrets like me?
Chapter Thirteen
We turned toward Moon Bay and drove along the edge of the sea, glittering like orange diamonds in the evening sun. Sinking deeper into the seat, I kept my gaze on the tuffs of tall reeds lining the road.
Without further conversation, we pulled into a makeshift parking lot under a giant banner decorated with music notes and the words Mount Wizard Music Festival.
David stopped at the gate and produced two tickets to the guard, who waved us over onto a patch of grass to park. He grabbed a blanket from the trunk and extended an elbow in my direction, which I happily took.
Walking beyond the grassy area, past the myriad of food truck options which were making my mouth water and stomach growl with their enchanting aromas, we headed to the top of the hill overlooking the stage nestled deep in the valley.
He immediately shook open the blanket and smoothed it out. “Figured, if we set up here, we can hear the music, but yet still have a conversation.”
I had to agree. If we were lower into the bowl, it would be way louder. Plus, we were off to the side so not in a high-traffic area, and if we turned our heads to the left, we could watch the sailboats float on by.
“I like this, it’s truly perfect.”
“Have a seat, and I’ll grab us some drinks. Anything you don’t like?”
I shook my head. “Nah, I’m pretty receptive to anything cold.”
He gave his bearded chin a thoughtful rub. “Something cold coming right up.”
I stretched out my legs in front of me, crossing them at the ankles, thankful I hadn’t worn the spanx; I would’ve been cut in half trying to sit in them for an extended period of time. My flats hung from the tips of my toes so I flipped them off and watched them fall to the wayside and then allowed my gaze to roam the sights.
Having never been to a music festival, this was a brand-new experience. So many people, just like the markets, and I was sure, had Summer known, she could’ve collaborated with them and set up a pop-up market or something. I needed to remember to tell her about this the next time I saw her. Would be great for her business and the vendors.
“For you.”
I jumped as he handed me an amber-coloured plastic cup. There was a smidge of condensation on the cup, and it slipped a little as I grabbed it.
“Thanks.”
“It’s a pear-based ale. I forget what they called it.”
I removed the lid and took a sip. Definitely had a subtle pear aftertaste, but overall, was quite delicious. “Wow.”
“Right? I should look into getting this for the restaurant.” He sat beside me, stretching out, and leaning on his right side.
“Do you have many on tap beers?”
