As much as I loved visiting other areas, I did miss having a place to call home. Somewhere I feel safe and loved. It's the whole reason I came back, to be around the family I formed for myself.
My phone dings with a message as I'm opening my suitcase. There's only one of two people it can be.
Lifting the phone, I glance at the screen. Huh. That's not who I thought it would be. My money was on Devin or Angie. Because I know he has to know I'm back by now.
Carlos
So, you're just going to act like we don't exist. Is that it?
I don't know how to respond to that. Either way, he'll be upset. None of them were a fan of me leaving, but I didn't think they'd make such a big deal about me coming back.
Lisa
Why on earth do you think that?
Carlos
You came to the New Year's event and didn't say a word to me or Angie.
Lisa
I was waiting until I got settled. I'm coming by the bar tonight.
Carlos
You better.
Well, it's good to know he's still bossy as hell. At least that hasn't changed. There's no getting out of stopping at the bar tonight. One of them is likely to send out a search party. Not that it'll be hard. They know where Delilah lives.
Tossing my phone on the bed, I open my suitcase and pull out the clothes. The TV from the living room is loud through the thin walls. Drowning it out, I get back to work. It doesn't take me long to put everything where it goes, and I sigh in relief once it's done.
A part of me wants to hide out in here until I decide to go to Out of the Ashes. But I know Delilah will eventually come looking for me.
I walk out of my room, down the hall, into the living room. Delilah and Bryce are snuggled up on the sofa, but they aren't just watching a movie. No, they are making out.
A squeak escapes my lips and they jump apart like two teens caught by their parents. Delilah's cheeks turn pink, and she hides behind her hand. "When did you become so quiet when you walk? I didn't even hear you."
"I didn't, but it's okay." And it is, she deserves this bit of happiness and alone time. I also know I don't exactly want to be around them making out. It's just not my cup of tea.
"Come watch this movie with us."
"I'm good." I glance at the screen. "I've already seen this one." Luckily, I have, so it's not a lie. As much I didn't want to lie to her again, I would have told a tiny one to get out of staying here right this second.
"Are you sure? We can pick something else."
"Yeah." I clasp my hands together in front of me before jerking my thumb over my shoulder. "Carlos actually texted me. I'm supposed to stop by the bar."
She grins. "I wondered how long that would take."
"Not long." Though I'm surprised it wasn't sooner.
Bryce has his eyes on anything but me. No doubt he's embarrassed. He shouldn't be, though. I'm the one who barged into their lives and messed up their routine.
"Do you want us to go with you?"
"No, no." I wave my hands. "I'm a big girl and perfectly capable of going on my own."
"Okay." Concern is written all over her face, and I need to get out of here ASAP. "If you change your mind, let me know."
