Page 8 of The Ex-cavenger Hunt

I shake my head. “No way. I can’t stand my sister in-law. What if she’s like her?”

He scoffs. “What if she’s the total opposite? The point is that you’re helping your family and yourself.”

I shake my head, my mind reeling. It’s a crazy idea, completely insane. But even as I try to dismiss it, I can’t help but think this might be my only chance to get away for a few weeks. The thought of hitting the road, of escaping my problems and my parents, even for a little while, is tempting. And if I can help someone else in the process, well, that’s just a bonus.

I take a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. “Okay,” I say slowly, meeting Max’s gaze. “Let’s say, hypothetically, that I agree to this insanity. How do we even approach her? We can’t just walk up and offer our services out of the blue.”

Just as I’m about to answer, Lily says, “Nothing you say will stop me, Zo. It’s a done deal. I just need to figure out a few details.” There’s a hint of vulnerability in her voice that makes me see her. Really see her.

She’s not just a woman with a wild idea; she’s someone taking a leap into the unknown, hoping to land somewhere meaningful. And as I sit here, trying to avoid my family, all I want to do is jump into it too. My heart races at the thought, a mix of excitement and trepidation coursing through my veins.

“Do it,” Max presses.

I hate to admit that I’m a lot like my parents and would never chase whimsy, but there’s a lot about her idea that makes me think I should go with her.

Wait, why am I even considering this? It’s none of my business, and yet . . . I can’t shake the feeling that this is exactly what I need right now.

“Demoiselle in distress and all,” Max continues, his voice low and persuasive. “You can’t just let this go, and it gives you time to be away from home—while they are here.”

I shake my head, my jaw clenching. “No,” I insist, my voice firm.

“You know it’s perfect.” Max leans back in his chair, a smug grin on his face.

“It’s stupid,” I grumble, running a hand through my hair in frustration.

Max throws his hands up in irritation. “We’ve always done stupid shit, why stop now?” he asks, his eyebrows raised in challenge.

I sigh, my mind whirling with the possibilities. On the one hand, this is completely insane. I don’t even know this woman, and the idea of hitting the road with her on some wild ex-boyfriend chase is beyond ridiculous. But on the other hand . . .

“Ah, screw it,” I mutter under my breath.

I stand, smoothing out the non-existent creases in my pants. Maybe, just maybe, this is the kind of thing I need right now. A crazy chick who’s trying to figure out her past, the open road, and my ass far away from this city. It’s a tempting combination, and I find myself taking a step toward her table before I can talk myself out of it.

“Atta boy,” Max mumbles, and I flip him the finger discreetly as I approach the women.

I have no idea what I’m going to say, no clue how to even begin this conversation. But as I look at Lily, at the determined set of her jaw and the spark of adventure in her eyes, I find myself wanting to be a part of whatever crazy journey she’s about to embark on.

“Excuse me,” I say, my voice sounding surprisingly steady to my own ears. “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation, and I think I might be able to help with your travel plans.”

Lily looks up at me, her eyebrows raised in surprise. “Oh?” she says, her voice curious. “Help with what?”

“Your trip.”

“Were you listening to my conversation?”

I freeze, my mind going blank. I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks as I realize just how awkward this situation is. I’m about to stammer out an apology and make a hasty retreat when Max appears at my side, a grin on his face.

“Sheesh, Ethan, didn’t your mother teach you not to eavesdrop on other people’s conversations?” he says, patting my back with a little too much force.

I grit my teeth, shooting him a glare that promises retribution. He’s a dead man, and he knows it.

Chapter Five

Ethan

“My apologies for listening, but—” I glance between the sisters, my expression sheepish. “The entire bistro is aware of your upcoming trip,” I clarify, leaning casually against the back of the vacant chair next to her. “Sounds interesting, to say the least.”

Lily’s laugh cuts through the low hum of the bistro, and I find myself wanting to hear it again. It’s a warm, rich sound that sends a chill through my body. “It’s definitely going to be something,” she admits, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the newspaper in front of her. There’s a hint of nervousness in her movements, a vulnerability that makes me want to reach out and take her hand. “But I still don’t see how you can help.”

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