“Let’s do it.” We walked arm in arm to one of the front water seats. Cole maneuvered through the tables with his crutches.
“How’s everyone over here doing tonight? Kaitlyn, this your friend from North Carolina?”
“Sure is. Mary Ellen, meet Hank, best bartender on the island. Hank, meet Mary Ellen, the best roommate a girl could have.”
“Nice to meet you.” He shook her hand. “Hope you have a great vacation in South Padre. Cole and Kaitlyn put you up at the Dunes?”
Mary Ellen took a sip of her margarita. “Yes, I love it. The place is adorable.”
“Good. I’ve got to get back to the bar. Let me know if you need anything else.”
“Nice meeting you, Hank.”
I reached for the pitcher and poured another round for Mary Ellen and me, making sure to fill the blue glasses to the top. I just had to hope no one noticed I wasn’t actually drinking mine. If I kept reaching for the pitcher, maybe that would be enough to distract her.
Mary Ellen turned to Cole. “So, what’s the deal with your secret uncle showing up?”
“Mary Ellen.” I nudged her arm with my elbow.
“Oh, sorry. Am I not supposed to bring that up?”
Cole shifted his hurt leg with both hands. “I don’t know. I haven’t talked to him much. Kaitlyn probably knows more about him than I do.”
Her eyes darted to me.
“That’s not true. I’ve only talked to him a handful of times.” I picked up the drink and wasn’t prepared when the whiff of tequila made my stomach turn.
“Well, I want to meet him,” she announced.
Cole looked shocked. “And why is that?”
“Because how many people do you know have a mysterious relative show up out of the blue? It’s reality TV stuff.”
I shook my head. “I don’t think Aiden is that exciting. I don’t want you to be disappointed when you see him around.” I was admittedly holding back details about his sparkly eyes and chiseled jaw. One look at him and Mary Ellen would melt.
“I just want to see him. You know I’m curious.”
Cole rolled his eyes. “You should get your chance since he’s staying at the Dunes.”
“He is?” Mary Ellen questioned me.
“I thought I told you that part.” I couldn’t remember how much of the story I had relayed to her. Ever since Cole’s accident, life had been a blur.
“Who else am I going to meet this week?” Mary Ellen held her glass forward for me. I picked up the pitcher.
“Sasha and Cal just got engaged. You’ll meet them, and then Cal’s best friend, Lance. I think that’s it.”
“Oh, what about Lance? Is he my type?” She grinned playfully.
“Umm, Lance is a sweetheart really, but I don’t know that you’re going to be into him like that.” Lance was way too thin and lanky.
Cole eased himself from the seat and leaned on his crutches.
“Where are you going?” I asked.
“Thought I’d let you girls catch up. I’ll see you when you get home.”
“You’re leaving?” I was worried about him.