She’s already waving our do-over in front of her face and turning to leave. “This one’ll do just fine. Enjoy.”
Rylie approaches as I’m about to call after the crazy old camera lady. She’s pointing her finger between us and the retreating woman. “You? She? I’ve been trying to get mine and Cade’s photo on the wall for years.” She frowns briefly then grabs my hand.
I shrug. “Um, Sorry?” This night’s getting weirder and weirder. What’s with the photos? And Flynn? And ... I should never have come.
“Never mind. Let’s go. I’ve got about an hour before these babies explode milk and I have to go home.” She gestures to the impressive cleavage attempting to escape her silver-gray silk camisole then grabs my hand. “Cade’s home with baby, but baby only sleeps for four-hour stretches. There’s a time limit on this outing and I’m not spending it questioning crazy old Mama Dee and her weird and wonderful ways.”
When we come to a stop a very round-looking Laia waves across the table, her head resting on Felix’s shoulder. Kenzi glances up from her cell and wiggles her fingers, all tousled blonde hair, and smug blue eyes. “Knew it.”
“I was hoping he’d invite you.” Rylie pulls out a high-back wooden chair painted electric blue. “I think you know everyone.” She shoves me down to sit, then pulls out another for herself, leaving Sonnie to get his own.
Four pairs of eyes stare, four mouths grin wide and wait. For what I’m not sure. But they sure look pleased with themselves.
Sonnie rests his arm across the back of my chair. For someone who’s never done this before he sure is easy about it. I glance up into his face. His Adam’s apple bobs and his jaw twitches. Or pretending to be easy about it. He’s as nervous as I am. Somehow that kinda makes me feel better.
Rylie leans forward, glancing between us. “I love this. You two are perfect for each other.”
I shift on my chair.
Sonnie groans. “Seriously?”
Laia’s watching me with a knowing little half-smile. “You know Mama Den took a photo of me and Fee for the wall when we came here for the first time too.”
I glance at where Sonnie’s shaking his head, a bemused smile on his face, his arm still hanging over the back of my chair.
“Explain.”
He blows out his cheeks. “It’s stupid. You’ll freak out”
“Okay, is someone please gonna explain this wall to me?” I fold my arms and look around the table.
“Sonnie’s right. It’s stupid. They say...” Kenzi rolls her eyes at the others. “That the couples on the wall will stay together. Forever.”
I’m not sure what my face does, but it’s enough to make Kenzi snort out a laugh, then snort again when she shoots a glance at Sonnie. “Calm it, you two. I used to believe it too, but my photo’s up there and look how well that worked out.” She returns her attention to whatever she’s doing on her cell but not before her lips pull down at the corners.
Laia and Felix share a look I don’t even try to decipher.
“Oh, I dunno. I’d kinda like the validation,” Rylie reaches for one of the menus in the middle of the table. “But whatever. I’m hungry.”
Flynn was on that wall. With his wife. Is this what he wanted for me? I side eye Sonnie. Nah, there’s no way he could have known this would happen ... impossible.
“It’s just an old-wives tale.” Sonnie tilts his head so that only I can hear.
“Oh, my actual God.”
The whole table stops and stares at Kenzi. Her eyes are still glued to her cell.
“I knew I recognized you. You’re Stanza Duke, the Duke’s daughter. TheDuke Duke’s daughter.
Sonnie stiffens beside me.
The moment sinks in my stomach. I should’ve known they’d figure it out. I rub my hand over my chest. I should have told him first. Why didn’t I tell him first?
“The ones that sang... wait,wait,wait, I’ve got this...” Oblivious to my uncomfortableness Laia screws up her face then holds up her hand, “...Living wild. They’ll never drag us down.”
“Don’t stop now, we’re Goddamn living wiiiiiiiiiiiiild,” Kenzi and Rylie wail, leaning together, using Kenzi’s cell as a microphone.
My fake smile slides into place like it always does. It’s only a matter of time before they jump to the next conclusion.