“She sounded peaceful. Not the cryin’ mess that had called. So I sat in the airport ‘til I could get her back on the phone. She sounded different and begged me not to come out ‘cause she was swamped with finals, so I didn’t. But I should’ve. I know that’s when shit turned with them. When he had his grip on her and didn’t look back.”
“Well, she’s out now. We can all be thankful for that.”
“Truer words were never spoken, my friend.”
We simultaneously picked up our glasses and took a big gulp.
Hunter and I turned our heads to see Katie approaching us.
She was fucking radiant, dressed in a yellow and orange summer dress that accentuated her soft curves and played up her warm brown eyes. She had boots on her feet and attitude in her smile. She eyed Hunter curiously before she threw me a cautious smile, her eyes asking questions before her mouth opened.
“Anyone want to explain why my brother’s day-drinking?” she asked.
“Cause you ain’t marryin’ that asshole, that’s why,” Hunter said.
“I’m just glad I made the right decision when I did,” she said with a sigh.
I was shocked at the relief that showed along her features. I figured she’d be sad or crying or screaming mad or something. But she was none of those things.
She was at peace.
And it was a good look on her. In fact, it was sexy as hell.
“You gonna stick around the resort?” I asked. “You got that room as long as you need it.”
“So Dylan tells me. And don’t worry, I’ll make sure he doesn’t find you drinking on the job.”
“I’d ‘preciate it,” I said with a grin.
“Well, I ain’t workin’, so bartender? Get me another one, please,” Hunter said.
“How many is that?” Katie asked.
“This’ll be my third, then I’m done,” Hunter said.
“Then I’m going to stay here and make sure it is,” Katie said.
“Be our guest,” I said.
“And to answer your question, I think I’ll stick around for a few days. But I can’t stay much longer than that. I’ve got an apartment in town I gave a sixty-day notice on. I’ll have to see what begging will get me. Otherwise, I’ll have to find another place to stay,” she said.
“You got an apartment in town?” I asked.
“Courtesy of the asshole,” Hunter said. “Rented it out for her since she was back an’ forth with momma so much. Guess he didn’t want her stayin’ with family.”
“That wasn’t the reason, and you know it,” Katie said. “Michael rented it out when Mom got sick, yes. But after she passed, I took over the rent for it. I thought it’d be a nice place for us to come stay whenever we did come to see family so we could have our own space.”
“Whatever,” Hunter said.
“And when we got closer to the wedding date, there was no need for the apartment any longer. So I put in a sixty-day notice to end the lease. But now, I’ll be needing that lease back,” Katie said.
“If I can help with anythin’, let me know. I’ve been known to give a good stern talkin’ to people,” I said.
“I will, thank you,” Katie said.
“I gotta piss,” Hunter said. “Caleb, watch my beer.”
“You got it,” I said.