Page 60 of Shifting Sands
“We really know how to throw a party, don’t we?” Anson exclaims, clapping Parker on the shoulder. “We’ll have to work hard to top this at your wedding.”
Parker flashes a tight smile. “Just remember, your wedding is first, jackass.”
The whole table erupts in laughter.
“I think we’re going to head out,” Sebastian says, and everyone agrees. Lennon raises his hand to flag down the server as they stand, but I wave him off.
“It’s already covered.”
He gives me a look, but doesn’t argue.
I follow them to the door and gently tug Brandee’s elbow to pull her back. “I’m going to stay and help close up.”
“But it’s your night off,” she replies.
“I know,” I respond.I don’t want to leave Leonard here alone in case Dirk comes back, looking for trouble,I think to myself, but don’t say aloud. “I just want to help.”
“Okay,” she says, and I can hear the disappointment in her voice.
“My truck is at Sebastian’s, so I’ll catch a ride,” I say, leaning in to kiss her cheek. I whisper, “Will you wait up for me?”
“I’ll try,” she replies, standing on her toes to kiss the tip of my nose.
I follow them to Seb’s Bronco, help her into the back seat, and wait for them to drive away before returning inside.
Brandee
I’m quiet on the way home. It was a strange night. It’d started out amazing, and for the most part, it was great. However, Brew’s mood changed once the fight broke out. He seemed apologetic, as if he felt it was somehow his responsibility.
“You okay back there?” Avie says, turning in her seat to face me.
“I’m fine.”
“I’m sorry about what happened tonight. I promise this isn’t how our nights out usually go,” she says with a frown. “I guess Sandcastle Cove didn’t leave the best impression.”
I laugh. “Are you kidding? That’s just what happens when you go out. Sometimes, you wake up with a black eye, and other times, you wake up in your neighbor’s bushes, wondering how you got there.”
Sebastian chuckles. “I guess we’re not that different from your local crowd, huh?”
“Not at all. Sandcastle Cove is literally the coast’s answer to Balsam Ridge.”
“That’s nice. We’ll have to bring Leia up to see your mountains one day,” Avie says.
“I’d love that.”
Once we arrive, I say my goodbyes and head back to Aunt Ida’s house. I peel off my clothes and jump into the shower before putting on an oversize T-shirt and panties. I grab a pillow and the comforter from the guest bed and carry them to the couch. Felix peeks out from under the armchair, his golden eyes full of curiosity.
“I’m sleeping out here with you tonight,” I tell him. “I’m waiting for our favorite person.”
The cat lies back down on the hardwood floor and closes his eyes. Snowflake pads in from the kitchen and jumps on top of me once I’m settled under the covers. She circles a few times, kneading the perfect spot with her paws, and then plops down.
I turn the television on, hoping to stay awake, but my eyes are heavy, and exhaustion pulls me under.
The last thing I remember is the flicker of the TV and Snowflake’s purring snore lulling me to sleep. I tried—I really tried—to stay awake. But I lost the fight. But now the tendrils of consciousness are wrapping around me as I roll over. The couch is too soft, too small.
And I feel him.
Not see, not hear—feel.
