Page 42 of Shifting Sands
“He likes that she thinks he’s broke. He even asked me and Willis for ideas on what to do on a budget-friendly date,” Anson reports.
“So, you’re lying to her,” Avie says.
“No. I haven’t lied about anything other than telling her my place was a mess and that’s why we couldn’t go there. Everything else—”
“Is lying by omission,” Amiya cuts in.
I sigh. “I’m going to tell her. It’s just nice to spend time with a girl who treats me like everyone else.”
“I haven’t known her long, but she seems pretty down-to-earth to me. I don’t think she’s the kind of girl who would get clingy if she saw your big house or knew your last name,” Amiya says. “Yeah, she’s even friends with Garrett Tuttle and acts like it’s nothing special,” Avie adds.
“Garrett Tuttle? Really? She knows him?” Tabby asks.
“Yep. They grew up together, and she’s close with his wife. I almost peed myself when Erin nonchalantly dropped that bomb on me and Eden,” Avie explains.
Lennon’s eyes meet mine. “Don’t you know Garrett Tuttle?”
I nod. “Yeah, we’ve run into each other at a few tracks and charity events. And I know his brother Langford too. We met in Colorado. Stanhope Marshall, Grandfather’s buddy, is an investor in Langford’s resort, and he talked Brewster Sr. into investing.”
“I think Langford is married to her best friend. The mayor. Brandee works for both of them,” Avie says.
Sebastian shakes his head. “Man, she’s going to figure it out soon. All it’s going to take is for her or one of her friends to mention your name to Garrett or his brother.”
“She only knows me as Brew,” I reply.
“Exactly. Your name isn’t Steve or Brian. She mentions a Brew from North Carolina, and they’re going to put two and two together,” he insists.
I know he’s right. I need to tell her.
“I know. I’m going to talk to her. It’s just … we haven’t even gone out. Maybe I should just cancel our date,” I say.
“Why would you do that?” Amiya asks.
Heather walks up and asks if they’re ready to order, and Amiya waves her off. Lennon grumbles.
“It’s getting too complicated. I don’t want complicated. That’s why I was drawn to her in the first place,” I say.
She rolls her eyes. “Oh my God, can you be more dramatic? All we’re saying is, if you like her, then tell her who you are. Jeez.”
Tabby clears her throat, and all eyes go to her.
“I understand where you’re coming from and why you want to feel anonymous. It’s nice not to have the weight of expectations on your shoulders. While it might not seem serious right now, that can change quickly when you meet the right person. So, if you want to keep being just Brew, the mechanic and bartender, for now, that’s fine; we can keep your secret. However, if you ever want more than a brief fling with her, youneed to allow her to see the real you. That’s the only way she’ll be able to decide if she wants something more.”
I nod. “I know. But we’re both here for a couple of months, and then we’re going back to living our real lives.”
Tabby smirks. “Keep repeating that. That’ll keep your heart safe.”
Avie sighs. “For now, we won’t mention anything to her, so you have a chance to tell her yourself.”
Amiya shakes her head. “All right, but you’re taking a big risk here.”
“Thank you, everyone. I really appreciate it.”
“Now, you just need to hope that Sabel doesn’t find out and tell on you,” Anson adds.
“Now that that’s sorted, can we order?” Lennon asks.
I raise my hand to beckon Heather back over.
