Page 35 of The Truths We Find

“Are you really here right now?!” She’s grinning from ear to ear.

“Get over here, girl, and give me a damn hug.” Emmett beams as he gets up and meets Dani’s run halfway. She throws her arms around his neck, and he spins her around, holding her tight.

“How’d you know it was me?” he says, putting her back on her feet.

“Please—I would recognize that haircut on that frame anywhere,” Dani laughs.

“Dani, you have to stop ogling my body. I know you want me, but we can’t.” Emmett gestures towards Alexa and me. “Think of the children.”

Dani doesn’t stop laughing. God, I love that sound.

She loops her arm into the crook of his elbow, leading him back to the table.

Dani and Emmett have always had a special bond. The first time they met, it was instant friendship, and the closer Dani and I got when we were together, the more platonic soul mates they became. People thought it was weird how close they were. Always spending time together, hanging off each other, texting. But I never had to worry about those two. I knew what they had. And honestly, it was good for Emmett to have something like that in his life.

When Dani and I broke up, Emmett was there for me, but I knew he was struggling. He lost someone too. I told him he should reach out to her and stay in her life. Of course, he refused. Weirdly, the breakup brought us closer together in the end.

Once everyone’s seated, Jones shows up with four bottles. “Looks like a reunion is happening over here. This round’s on me. Sorry it’s only beer, ladies. I know you prefer your cocktails.”

“Aw, Jones! You’re the best! Free alcohol is free alcohol,” Alexa cheers.

Dani nods in agreement.

“Thanks to your boss for keeping us in the black tonight.”

“Well in that case.” Emmett pulls out a twenty-dollar bill and places it in our favorite bartender’s front shirt pocket with a wink. “This is for you then.”

Jones smiles in appreciation and walks away. Emmett leans to the side, clearly to get a better view of Jones’s ass.

“I need to come visit more often if that’s how they grow them out here. Between the seasoned-looking lumberjack behind the bar, and the vision here at the table…” He gestures to Alexa. “I may never leave.”

I can’t stop the groan that escapes. My brother, ladies and gentlemen.

“Anyway.” Emmett shakes his head to clear his thoughts. “Cheers to…” He holds up his beer. “What celebration did I crash anyway?”

“Alexa and Dani here got their first Emmy nomination.” I grin.

“Damn! That’s amazing!” Emmett whoops. “Cheers!”

We all clink our beers and take a sip.

“I knew you would get one of those statues one day, D,” Emmett continues.

“It’s just a nomination.” Dani blushes.

“Nah. I’m sure you guys are going to win. It’s you.” Emmett bumps his shoulder against Dani’s. “And if she’s the producer, I take it you’re the reporter?” he asks Alexa.

“At your service.” She smiles.

“Oh, I hope so.” He smirks.

Alexa giggles into her beer.

“Anyway,” I say, desperate to change the path of this conversation. “How’s Sam?”

“Ah, yes. How is the soldier?” Emmett grumbles into his beer.

Dani turns to him. “Marine. And I guess Gavin’s filled you in on everything.” She turns to face the rest of us. “He’s good. Busy. They’re doing a lot of extra patrols right now.”