It’s such a good vibe. I am having the best time!
We laugh until we cry. The guys tell us stories about shrimping. Storms, jellyfish, near-death moments. And though I can’t imagine doing that job, I hang on every word. Definitely not for me. Too dirty, too dangerous.
Grayson never tells me about work stuff. But... I guess I never really ask. He always wants to know aboutmyday, and I just ramble and—
“Okay, I am done!” Keysha slurs, flopped in Holden’s lap, giggling. “Take me home. I live in South Bay.”
He chuckles. “Sure, baby.”
“Good. I’m too tipsy to drive,” she says, pressing a lipstick smeared kiss to his cheek. “We gotta drop off Charlotte first. She lives on Sea Crest and Hills.”
Riser’s voice cuts in. “That’s near my place. I can take her home.”
“What?” I blink, surprised. “You don’t have to.”
His green eyes are soft under the bar’s low light. He shrugs. “It’s no trouble. Keysha lives in the opposite direction, anyway.”
That’s true...
Oh God, did I just offend him again?
He’s been nothing but sweet all night. A gentleman. One who likesguys.
“Actually, yeah. That works,” I say quickly. “You’re right. That way Holden doesn’t have to zigzag across the whole county.”
We settle up. I hug Keysha tight, and thank her for dragging me out. My whole body buzzes from laughter, beer, and relief. No school, no bills, no stress. Just a good night.
I practically skip out to the parking lot.
Riser’s van is old and loud when it rumbles to life. I climb in and shut the door, but my foot catches on something.
I glance down.
A thin, knotted coil of rope is tucked under my seat.
I lean down and grab the end of it, curious. “What’s this?”
Riser backs out of the space. Then, a beat too late, he grins. “Helped a friend move last week. Used it to tie stuff down.”
“Oh,” I say, and gently slide it back under with my foot.
Totally normal.
Probably.
The drive is slow. The winding roads seem endless. Moonlight flickers on the dashboard. The sea air floats in from the A/C vents. It feels nice.
We talk more, about fishing, and school, and how Keysha is clearly in love already.
He’s so easy to talk to. Soft-spoken. A little awkward. His voice isn’t flirty now. Just casual. Friendly.
“You’re really good at this,” I say out of nowhere. “Like, making people feel comfortable. I was a little nervous driving back with you.”
He glances at me, a surprised smile tugging at his lips. “You’ve got it flipped, Charlotte. You’re the one who makes people relax. You carry the conversation well, too.”
I tilt my head. “Me?”
“Yeah. You’ve got... that thing. Like, people want to tell you stuff.”
