By the time we’re done with the tour, people are starting to arrive early for the movie. I help Trevor and Eli get settled towards the front with the blanket and camping chairs Colby sent along with them. Once they’re all set, Elijah asks for another photo, and I happily oblige. Of course, that’s when Joey finds us.
Joey comes to stand beside me with a teasing smirk. “You’re an Instagram boyfriend now, Beau?”
“Shut up.” But I send a wink his way.
“Hey, guys.” Joey waves at them both with one of his most charming grins. “This is my daughter, Savannah.”
Savannah smiles shyly but waves at everyone. Eli dips down to his knees with a warm grin.
“Nice to meet you.” Elijah holds out his hand. Savannah looks up at Joey in question, when Joey nods, she gently shakes Elijah’s hand. “That’s a strong grip you’ve got there.”
“Thank you,” Savannah says, voice still shy.
“Sit down, angel.”
Folding his long legs to sit, Joey tugs Savannah down to sit beside him. He’s got a band holding his black waves out of his eyes, a white T-shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and weathered jeans. Joey’s always been a go-with-the-flow type of guy, a friend that I can count on. Back when I was entertaining the whole food-truck thing, Joey had basically told me he’d be running the show. No arguing with him either. It just happened.
Families join us on the slight hill where the projector screen is set up. Murmurs of voices float over us as we all settle on the blanket. It’s nice to not have to work an event, to just be able to attend. Leaning back on the blanket, I pull Trevor to me until he’s sitting between my legs, his back to my chest. I wrap an arm around him, tucking my face into his neck.
Trevor’s fingers dance along my arm. “Pretty heavy on the PDA.”
“Wanna be close to you.”
“Yeah?” Trevor asks, sounding just shy of breathless.
I nuzzle behind his ear, inhaling the soft scent of him, the comfort of him. “Always wanna be close to you.”
Trevor hums in agreement, then settles more deeply into my arms. He wiggles a little, until we’re as close as physically possible. I bite at his neck to get him to stop wiggling. His laugh is breathy and his fingers bite into my forearm.
“Hey, Lee,” Joey says, breaking me out of my Trevor-induced reverie.
Lee flushes a little at the sight of Joey, but folds to the ground beside Savannah with a sweet smile.
“Hey, bug.” Lee nudges Savannah with his knee.
Her grin is blinding as she stares up at Lee. “I was named line leader for next week, Uncle Lee!”
“Oh my God, finally! Such a serious job. Are you prepared?”
Savannah nods eagerly, eyes bright. “Mostly. I think I deserve it more than Shelby. She can’t keep anyone on track.”
“You are the best choice.” Lee nods seriously in agreement. “What’s the Halloween plan for this year?”
Sitting up on her knees, she grabs Lee’s face between her palms. “I want to be a werewolf, but Dad won’t let me.”
“Well, I’ll have to wear him down,” Lee says, but his words are muffled by her small hands.
“You want popcorn, Lee?” Joey asks as he stands up, brushing his hands on his jeans.
Lee shakes his head. “I’m good.”
Joey skewers him with a decidedly frustrated look. “Do youwantpopcorn,Lee.”
“Fine,” Lee grumbles without looking at Joey.
Joey disappears towards the stand where popcorn is sold. Shoulders tense as he walks, his hands are shoved deep into his jean pockets. When I swing my gaze back to Lee, he’s steadfastly ignoring my gaze, and giving Savannah all his attention.
The movie starts before I can ask Lee any leading questions. A few moments later Joey returns with multiple popcorn bags for all of us and a bottle of soda. He hands the soda to Lee without looking at him and takes a handful of popcorn for himself.
