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Well, dang, how had I forgotten about that? I’d promised Hank that I’d do some counseling or something. “Not yet. Hang on, I’ll put it on my to-do list before I forget again.” I pulled out my phone.
She huffed and put her head on my shoulder. “You’re supernatural.”
I shook my head. “I’m a hot mess. You’re about the best friend ever—how did four years go by?”
“I don’t know. I’ve been really focused on school, I guess.”
“Hey, stay the night. I have an empty office up here.”
“Thanks, but I need my apartment to recharge my battery. I’ll see you tomorrow, with my doomed boyfriend.”
I did a few dishes then texted Hazel, begging for emergency housekeeping the next day. She responded with a thumbs-up emoji.
The party carried on downstairs while I got ready for bed. I made it until ten then turned off the sound system throughout the house with a satisfied grin. People stayed but it was quiet enough in my bedroom.
My morning workout was solitary. Kate staggered out while I was swimming and got on the bike. Forest was next, lifting and doing pushups. I had to take a lot of breaks, dizzy and a little nauseous as the alcohol worked its way through my system. As I rested against the side of the pool, my head in my hands, Layla stomped outside and stood over Forest.
“There is puke on my toilet. That was your friend, not mine, and you better wipe it up right the hell now.”
Forest shuffled back into the house. I chuckled, meeting Kate’s eyes. Her mouth quirked up, but she seemed stressed and distracted. I pushed away from the side of the pool to float on my back, staring up at the blue sky, then forced out a few more lazy laps.
There was an email from my lawyer when I sat down in front of my laptop with coffee, a plate of fruit, and a fresh scone. My parents were back from their cruise and living in a vacation rental while the house continued to be worked on. They were concerned about me but glad I was safely away from Austin and staying hidden. I sighed. It didn’tsound like they missed me all that much but who could blame them?
The email said that the police were holding their cards close to their chests but from what my lawyer had heard from her sources, a sting operation to catch the stalkers was in motion. In other words, they hadn’t been caught yet.
I got out of the house to chase down decorating leads from Michelle. I came back with a couple of sturdy plastic event tables, tablecloths, and open top drink coolers to set up for the barbecue. Hazel, thank heaven, was there by lunch so we had clean bathrooms and surfaces again.
I’d decided to go with a lacy summer dress, a bit shorter than tea length with a halter tie, a fedora hat, and strappy sandals. Plus a bit more makeup than usual to cover up for the excesses of Friday.
Antonio was very happy with the new tables and after he’d positioned them to his perfectionist heart’s delight, I got busy carrying down drinks, ice, the cute paper plates I’d found, and whatever else Antonio decided was ready. I’d just turned on music, going for more of a New Orleans Mardi Gras feel, when the doorbell rang.
Amber stood on my doorstep, with a sulky Zach. “Shug,” I said, cocking my hip, “you know you don’t have to ring the doorbell. I’d beg you to move in here if you weren’t such an introvert. Hi there, Zach, very nice to meet you.”
They came in and we exchanged more pleasantries, Amber unusually tense. Zach was appealing in a nerdy sun-starved kind of way.
“Head on down to the pool,” I said, “and try some of the appetizers out there, and there’s chilled wine as well.”
They ambled off, silent and stiff. I frowned at Amber’s back. She must really like that guy…
More people arrived—medical students that Kate had met atschool. Dillan greeted a few people in the driveway and led them through to the backyard. A couple of Layla’s friends, girls that had been over the night before, came in and said friendly hellos.
I was about to close the door when a slender man in a suit, walking up the driveway, caught my eye. It was Peter. He smiled at me and I smiled back, stepping outside to meet him.
“Hello,” I called to him. “Your spidey-senses must have been tingling. You’re just in time for the barbecue.”
He hugged me—that was a first and very nice. “I warned you what would happen if you didn’t call.”
Actually, I’d forgotten about him, if I’m being honest. “I’ve been extremely busy with this house and registering for school. It’s still mostly empty in there but I promise you the work has been endless. Come in and have some food. How have you been?”
“Too quiet,” he said as we stepped inside. “I took a trip up to Portland and toured the art galleries. Ah, I can smell the churrasco. Hello, Antonio, it smells amazing.”
“Peter!” Antonio came out of the kitchen to clap him on the back. “Yes, churrasco today. Sally will show you.” I had become Antonio’s careless and lazy assistant. Nonetheless, he ruled the kitchen. I carried things and didn’t complain.
Peter followed me outside, conscripted into carrying a plate of cheeses. “No, I think I believe you about the work around here. The giant pink flamingo must have taken half a day to inflate at least.”
I grinned at him over my shoulder. “Pool parties are serious business when you have a nine-month rainy season that could start any minute.”
“Yes, the unicorn munching on avocado there is somber stuff.”
