He smiled at her, and she smiled back, but it was just a hint of a smile. “Are you alright?”
“Yes. Are you?”
“Always,” he said, reaching for her hand and clasping it in his for a few moments.
Movement to his right caught his attention and he looked up to find Cristie standing over the buffet table just a few feetaway, choosing some more foods to try. He immediately let go of Bailey’s hand.
Bailey folded her hands in her lap and sat quietly listening to all the stories everyone took turns sharing about Remi and all his cousins when they were kids, finally focusing on Havoc and his unwavering obsession with a tiny Analise when she was barely able to walk.
“I mean, she was pretty devoted to him, too,” Everly said. “She didn’t want to be on the floor with the other kids. She was a little nervous with too much activity, but the moment Havoc walked in and took a seat beside her, everything was suddenly alright in her little world. They just… needed each other, even then.”
Havoc and Analise smiled and leaned into each other. Havoc kissed her gently, then leaned his head on top of hers while the memories kept being shared.
Not much later Bailey finally decided that she’d stayed long enough that it wouldn’t be rude to ask Remi to take her home. “I think it’s really time for me to go home now,” she said, staring steadily at him.
“But we’re going to have a bonfire and shoot fireworks,” Remi said.
“I know, but I’m really tired. If you hurry maybe you won’t miss too much before you can get back.”
“Are you upset with me? Did I do something?”
“I’m just ready to go.”
“If you really want to go, I’ll take you. I just hate for you to miss the rest of the evening.”
“I’m sure. I really want to go.”
“Alright. You want some leftovers to take with you?” he asked, trying to be as lighthearted as he could.
“No, I just want to go home, shower and get in bed.”
“Let me tell somebody where I’m going so they’ll know I’ll be right back,” Remi said.
“I’m sorry,” Bailey said.
“No, it’s nothing to be sorry over. I’ll run you home.”
Remi walked over to where Brandt and Kaid were deep in discussion about something and laid his hand on Brandt’s shoulder.
“What’s up?” Brandt asked, looking at Remi.
“I’m going to run Bailey home.”
“You coming back, huh?” Brandt asked. “We haven’t even had the bonfire yet. That’s when the real party starts!”
“Yeah, I won’t be long.”
“Alright. We’ll wait for you,” Brandt said.
Remi nodded, then turned to walk back to Bailey, but his gaze caught Cristie’s. He seemed to get stuck in place for a moment before Brandt stood up and patted his back. “You sure you’re up to it? I can drive her home if you’re not feeling well.”
“No, I’m okay. I’m not sure what’s wrong with me, but I can get Bailey home.”
“Alright. Call me if you need me.”
Remi didn’t answer, he just went straight back to Bailey who waited for him with her purse in her hands. “You ready?”
“Yes, thanks for taking me home,” she said.
