Effa’s mouth twists. “And why do I feel like you had a hand in all of that?”
I shrug like I’m innocent. “Don’t worry, you’ll get along with them.”
She leans into my side, humming. “It better be, or it’s you we’re coming after, Mercs.”
“Noted,” I murmur, and her grin warms my chest.
Kristy’s eyes follow the guys as they disappear with Luke. “Are they… single?”
Andi and Casey are instantly on her, laughing and throwing jabs.
“You’re transparent,” Andi teases. “The lust is oozing off you.”
Casey sniffs the air dramatically. “I can smell desperation.”
Kristy groans and shoves them. “Shut up.”
“Tyler,” Casey bets.
“Nix,” Andi counters.
Kristy storms off with a huff. “I’m more of a Brooks girl!” she calls over her shoulder, flipping everyone off.
Effa laughs, slanting her hip like she’s enjoying the chaos more than she wants to admit.
Alana steps closer, quieter now, chewing on her lip. “Do you think Luke will do them a good deal?”
Effa shrugs. “They’re unknown. It won’t beSwift Divisionmoney. But Luke’s not heartless.”
“I just hope he comes back in a good mood,” Alana murmurs, and then she walks away like she’s said too much.
Effa’s eyes narrow as she watches her go. “What the hell was that?”
I lift a brow. “Alana cares about everyone. That’s who she is.”
Effa huffs. “Still…”
“You’re overthinking.” I curl my fingers through hers. “Let’s enjoy tonight. Tomorrow gets serious again.”
She exhales. “Another drink.”
I take her back to the booth, sliding in beside Donny. Effa is smiling, and the sight of it hits me right in the chest, because she’s here, she’s alive, and for a couple of hours, the world feels like it’s spinning on its right axis.
I stand, suddenly.
Effa’s eyes follow me, confused. “Where are you going?”
“Gonna talk to Donny,” I say with a smirk. “Try to make a good impression.”
“Good luck,” she murmurs, and I kiss her cheek before heading toward her father.
Donny watches me like he’s been waiting before he says, “Hey, kid.”
“Donny.”
He leans back, relaxed in a way I’m not sure I’ll ever manage. “I’m liking this little town of yours. Wish we could stay longer.”
“I do too,” I admit. “I haven’t had much chance to talk to you and Lettie this week.”
