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“Uh-huh. And I made it there all by myself this morning.”
There’s a challenge to her words, but also a hint of teasing I’m relieved to hear. I know I was overprotective last night. Just like I know letting her walk off alone in the dark wasn’t an option.
Since it’s still light out, I don’t insist on going with her this time. I trust she’d tell me if that’s what she wanted.
I nod and then head for the campfire, only pausing to grab a beer out of the cooler.
I take a seat next to Finn and crack the cold can open.
“How did it go?” He doesn’t bother with any small talk. Or keeping his voice down.
I smile before I sip. “Great.”
Finn’s exhale is overdone and dramatic. “Thank fuck.”
I roll my eyes, but I’m still smiling. “How was fishing?”
“Good. Caught a couple of trout.”
“Same spot?”
“Uh-huh. It was super crowded, so I didn’t have high hopes. Did better than I was expecting to.”
I nod, then drink more beer.
“How far did you guys go?” Finn asks.
“Hazard’s Beach.”
He whistles, long and low. “Damn. That’s…what? Seven miles?”
“Eleven, according to my phone.”
Another whistle. An owl hoots in the distance, the low sound echoing through the trees.
“So you literally wore her down?”
I snort. “Sure.”
My stomach grumbles, wanting more sustenance than beer. I get up to grab a hot dog, lathering it with plenty of ketchup.
Grace appears beside me, reaching for the mustard. “Fishing sucked,” she informs me.
“No one made you come.”
“Jordan said it was just our group.”
“What do you have against Brooks?” I ask.
She huffs. “You know that’s not who I’m talking about.”
“No, I don’t, actually. Because Cassia is part of my group. She’s my girlfriend. She’s been my girlfriend for years. And she’ll be my girlfriend, up until the day I ask her to marry me. So whatever fantasyland you’re living in? Whatever lies you’re telling McKenzie or anyone else? We’re. Never. Going. To. Happen.”
I leave her standing there and return to my seat in one of the Adirondack chairs.
I eat and listen to the various conversations, not paying close attention to anything until Cassia reappears with wet hair. She grabs some food and then takes the seat closest to me.
I’m distracted by Finn shoving some of the fish he caught and cooked in my face. I take a tentative bite while he watches with rapt attention.
