AllFreeNovel
Share Us
All of us walk out front and I follow Oak to his car with Adrianna. The others go with Gav as his SUV is a six seater. Adrianna and I get in the back together and she shuffles a little in her seat as silence ensues.
“So, Adrianna, what are your plans for after graduation?” Oak asks.
She winces. “Not a lot, to be honest.”
Oak is the only one in this car who is in the dark about the plan, but that will change tonight. I need to break it to him and Gav that I’m going with Adrianna, as long as she agrees. Once we’re at the restaurant, I’ll take them both to one side and explain.
“How about you two?” Adrianna asks.
I gently slide my hand onto her thigh and squeeze, which results in her tensing up. She’s obviously paranoid that Oak and Eva will see, but it’s impossible. “Relax,” I murmur.
She glares at me, which only makes me harder than nails.
“Have you got amnesia?” Eva asks, laughing. “I already said earlier we’re spending the summer in Alaska. Except for the date of Nat and Elias’ wedding. There’s no way I’m missing that.”
Adrianna shakes her head. “Sorry, I’m distracted. Alaska should be peaceful.”
Eva pulls a face. “Yeah, not totally convinced about it, to be honest.”
Oak shakes his head. “You will see what you’ve been missing, Mrs. Byrne.”
She smiles at him. “If you insist.”
“You will. It’s beautiful up there,” I say.
Adrianna glances at me. “You’ve been?”
I nod. “Yeah, it’s brimming with wildlife.”
“Sounds nice. I’m sure you’ll like it, Eva.”
Eva sighs. “Probably, it’s just I’ve got southern blood. Maine is cold enough.”
A comfortable silence falls between us, but Adrianna still looks uncomfortable as I keep my hand on her thigh, squeezing gently.
“Where are we eating?”
Eva turns and I quickly shift my hand off Adrianna’s leg. “A new all you can eat buffet called Cosmo. It’s meant to do all kinds of food, from Italian to Asian and Mexican.”
I smirk. “All you can eat suits me.”
Adrianna nods. “And me.”
Eva chuckles. “I thought you’d like that idea, Adrianna.” She turns back to face the front and I slide my hand back onto Adrianna’s thigh.
This time, Adrianna swats it away and gives me a warning glare.
“Here we are,” Oak announces.
He parks in the parking lot and he and Eva get out, but I grab Adrianna’s hand briefly. “Cheer up, baby girl. In no time, you’ll be starting your new life.”
She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. I wonder what she’s thinking, but as always, she’s a closed book.
* * *
I pullmy jeep off the main road in the middle of nowhere, driving down an unmarked track. It may be secluded, but I know the path to this place like the back of my hand. After all, I spent just under two years living up here in my cabin.
I notice Adrianna shudder.
