“Tell me about it.”
“I hope you spike one in their face,” Jett adds, glaring at the competition. “That shit hurts like hell.”
She chuckles and blows us a kiss before jogging back to her team.
“Riggsby!”
I turn toward the sound and spot a picnic table behind the sand court, half-hidden by an oversized umbrella. Our friends are sprawled around it, some sitting and some standing, but all with drinks in their hands.
With his hand on the small of my back, Jett guides me toward them. The turf squishes beneath my sneakers as the sun beats down. I’m forever grateful for SPF and sunnies.
“About damn time,” Heath calls out, handing us beers. “We thought you bailed.”
“Yeah, given everything—”
“We’re not talking about that today,” I cut Greer off with a smile. “Today, we’re living in the now.” Last week, Jett ran into a few of our friends and filled them in on what’s been going on lately. He didn’t share everything, but wanted to keep them on alert in case Elias approached them trying to get to me. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been slowly telling the girls more of my story, but only subtle hints. I see the wheels turning in their heads as they piece it all together. Once again, I’m putting people I love in harm’s way.
“To the now.” Levi holds out his drink, and we all clink bottles.
The condensation slicks my fingers, but I welcome the cold liquid.
Greer scoots down the bench, making a space for me between her and Baker. I don’t miss the way he eyes the now vacant spot.
When are these two going to wake up and realize they’re perfect for each other?
“Love your dress.”
“Thanks,” I say, pressing my dress between my legs as I swing one over the bench.
She chuckles. “I should’ve given you the end spot.”
I shake her off. “I’m used to it. I’m not me without a dress.”
“And speaking of your outfit,” she starts, brushing her fingers against my necklace. “This is gorgeous.”
I feel heat rise to my cheeks. “Jett bought it for me at the craft tents.”
Her eyes widen before she glances toward him. “That was sweet of him.”
My smile widens. “It was.”
“Happiness looks good on you, babe.”
I nudge her shoulder. “When are you going to find your happily ever after?”
Baker splutters beside me and both of us spare him a glance.
“You okay, Bake?” Levi asks, mischievously.
“I’m good,” he rasps, patting his chest.
Greer shakes her head. “It’ll happen when it happens.”
“And it will.”
She rolls her eyes. “Dad is ready to marry me off to the first eligible bachelor.”
Greer’s dad is an asshole. Yes, he’s the mayor of this town and has done a lot for Silo Bay, but from what I’ve heard, the money is getting to his head. He wants bigger and better, to the point he’d rather hurt local businesses than turn down tourist revenue.
