I’m a little drunk as I sit down heavily on the stool beside Asher. She grimaces at me but returns her stare to her beer she’s got between both of hands. I can almost sense the volcanic eruption brewing.
The dark-wood theme runs throughout the pub. It’s got about twenty tables and stained-glass windows. The red carpet is something I dream about sometimes. I associate it with home. The vibe of rich warmth reminds me of when Dad would bring us down while he filled in shifts. There were always people laughing. We’d sit at the table in the corner and draw on coasters and sip cola until Mum came to get us. It was exciting; we always felt so grown up, and the adults were so happy and would talk to us like we belonged.
“They are so grumpy!” Asher mutters for the hundredth time. “Ugh. How could I be with a pack that doesn’t know how to smile?”
I rub her back. “Of course, you don’t have to.”
The alpha with the scowl had grunted at Asher and refused to speak even a single word to her, so I don’t blame her for her frustrations.
“Mine are all tourists. They aren’t even staying,” Felix mutters. “Ah, why do the love gods hate us?”
Cordie just smiles. “Mine was a no-show.”
I gape at her. “How dare they!”
She giggles. “No joke, right? But who cares? Dodged a bullet there.” She pats me hard on the arm and rocks back on her stool. “Do you rememberthe day you snuck into Devon’s birthday party and got caught by Sebastian?”
I shudder. “I try not to remember that.”
“Or the mooning she did over Mack before you got the courage to ask him out.”
“I was fifteen!” I protest hotly. “He was smart and wonderful.”
“Mmmhmmm.”
Asher laughs. “What about the party where you kissed Elijah? Spin the Bottle, wasn’t it? Except the two of you both went out to the beach and made out until the sun came up.”
I wince. “Yes, yes, and then he went home for the summer. Where are you going with this?”
“You lucked out, girl. Those three are one big happy family pack, living in your house.”
I shrink in my seat; the mortification returning. “Across the hallway.”
Cordie shrieks. “No!”
I duck my head and nod. “Four feet of separation.”
“You could just sneak on in and-”
“No!” I protest. “That’s my mum’s house, with my dads and Sebastian.” I shudder.
Cordelia narrows her eyes, tapping a long red fingernail against her teeth. “Yes, that buzzkill remains an issue, too. Overprotective turkey vulture,” Cordelia spits.
I side-eye her because I don’t know that I’ve seen her this irritated with anyone.
Imogen came and got Danger a few hours ago, but there’s this niggling unease with being away from him. I’m having a good time tonight, though, but I just want to call Imogen and get her to video call with Danger so Ican see he’s okay. Which is ridiculous because I was fine with him being with Devon, Elijah, and Mack.
I slam my head on the bar. All my thoughts keep circling back to them. I could think about sauerkraut, and, in seconds, I’d find a connection, somehow. Like the time Mack was eating coleslaw on the beach, and he got some mayo on his jumper and took it off. He was very pale, but he was Mack. Ugh! There I go again.
The song changes to one we’ve been playing on our video calls.
“I love this song!” Asher, Cordelia, and I shriek together.
Felix rolls his eyes, but we pull him up, dancing around the tables. I tilt my head back, laughing and swaying to the music. Stacey, who is manning the bar, turns the music up and dances while she packs up for the night.
Asher leans up against me, singing along, her eyes closed. She’s got a beautiful voice, and her caramel-coloured hair looks so pretty when it’s down.
I spin and spin, falling into Cordie, who laughs. I find myself clinging to her and Asher. My whole world can spin out of control, but Asher, Cordelia, and Felix are my constants.
