“Thank you.”
“Do you have plenty of charge on your phone?”
I glance at the phone in my hand. “Yes.”
“Be careful how much you drink. If you need me, just call.”
“Okay, chill, Dad. I have been to a party before.”
His fingers grip the steering wheel. He growls, changing gears as we ascend a steep hill. The house comes into view as we turn a corner. Kane wasn’t joking when he called her rich. Driving through open iron gates, cars and trucks line the grass verge. Party decorations litter the porch and the windows, and a screeching pop song pierces my ears, making me cringe.
Kane parks in front of the house and lights a cigarette. “This what you kids are listening to these days, huh?”
“No way. I’ll have to educate Marie on her taste in music.”
Kane scans the property as if looking for someone, but thankfully, the Bennett brothers aren’t here.
“Thanks for the ride.”
He lets the smoke curl from his mouth. “Don’t you go taking anyone’s shit. You hear?”
“Loud and clear.” I huff as I open the door.
“Here.” He opens the glove box. “There’s a few roll-ups in the tin. If you’re gonna smoke shit, make sure you smoke my shit. At least you know what you’re smoking.”
My eyes widen as I take the small tin from the glove box. “Thanks. You’re actually pretty cool for an old man.”
The cigarette hangs from his lip. “All right, beat it before I change my mind.”
I slip out of the Ranger and walk up the steps to the porch. Whispers line the entrance of the house, no doubt talking about me and my ride. The door’s open so no need to knock, but before I enter, I give Kane a wave as he drives back down the driveway.
“Letty, you’re here,” Lucy shouts over the music. She walks from the living room to the kitchen, linking her arm with mine. “Let’s get you a drink.”
“Who are all these people?” I whisper.
She waves a hand, grabbing two cans of cider from the fridge. “Just some locals and some friends from college.”
Marie walks into the kitchen with Max’s arm draped over her shoulder.
“Nice house.” I smile and sip my can.
“Thanks.” She doesn’t seem that happy to see me and barges past me towards the fridge.
Max leans against the door jamb watching me with a glare, his arms folded across his broad chest.
I take another sip of the flavoured cider. “What’s your problem?”
“People round here won’t appreciate you bringing your dog onto their property.” He pulls his brunette hair from his eyes, intensifying his gaze.
I shift on the spot, halfway between embarrassment and outrage, my face screwing up as I chew on his words.
“Max. It’s her dad.” Lucy stares at him, shooting a knowing look.
He rolls his eyes as if he’s bored now, and Marie hands him a beer.
Jack and Jesse stroll into the kitchen. Jack pats Max on the back, then ruffles his hair up, and Jesse places the crate of beers on the counter.
“You two fuckers are late. What took you so long?”
