All he had left was to wait. He snagged a beer from the fridge before he walked out on the deck, the sun low in the sky. Everything was a bold mix of pink, yellow, and orange, the hue cast over all his eyes could see. It was reflected below, the calm surface of the water shimmering with sparkling light. Emerson had too much on his mind to enjoy the view as much as it deserved to be appreciated, though.
He leaned over the side of the boat to glance down the dock, hoping to see Dash striding closer. Emerson’s cell vibrated, and he fished it out of his pocket.
Dash
Running late! Sorry—I got pulled in re: another case and didn’t notice the time. On my way.
Emerson
He’s not here yet, so you’re good. Don’t speed.
Of course, EmersonwantedDash to hurry so he’d arrive before Randall but sensed that wouldn’t be the case. He sat on one of the benches on the deck, popped the top off his beer, and lifted the bottle to his lips, pretending to appreciate that sunset. Half a beer later, footfalls sounded down the dock, but he refused to jump up to take a glimpse.
His stomach tightened, though. Randall wasn’t going to be pleased to see him.
Emerson turned his head when his brother appeared at the side of the boat. His eyes widened with anger before he glanced down at his phone. After a spin where he seemed to search for anywhere to go besides right there, Randall stopped and eyed him, one brow rising.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Randall asked loudly. He looked around. “Where’s Dash?”
“He got tied up and is running a few minutes late.”
“So, what—are you his welcome wagon?” Randall asked.
“Itismy boat he’s using for your meeting.”
Randall’s brows furrowed and he glanced down. “When did you buy a boat?”
“I inherited it.”
Randall scoffed. “Uncle Lenny’s? The one you supposedly sold twenty years ago?”
“It hasn’t been quite that long,” Emerson murmured.
“Not far from it,” Randall snapped, adjusting a backpack higher on one shoulder. “I didn’t sign up for this.” He turned and headed back up the dock.
“Don’t take your anger at me out on Dash.Please.”
Randall’s footsteps stopped. Emerson counted the seconds, praying he walked back. He got to ten before he heard softer steps returning.
“How long before Dash gets here? I don’t have all night.”
“He didn’t say. He texted about ten minutes ago, so I assume it won’t be too much longer.”
Randall glared at him.
“You want to come inside?”
His brother searched his face for a couple of seconds before pulling his gaze and growling under his breath. “Yeah, sure, whatever.”
“You don’thaveto,” Emerson said.
“No. I don’t.”
Emerson rose and looked Randall square in the face. “I know you’re disappointed, but do you think we can be civil tonight?”
“Sure,” Randall snapped sarcastically.
Oh, this is going to be a fun night.
