Page 38 of No One But You

“Whatever, Summer,” Bryson said. “You’ve always gone to the baby’s rescue.”

Summer shook her head and took a drink.

I watched Summer intently. I’m not sure what the deal was with her and Bryson, but I didn’t miss the death stare she gave him and the eyebrow raise from Darlene.

I didn’t know, and I didn’t care. I had more pressing matters to discuss, and since it seemed like Kora and me weren’t a secret, I might as well just ask. “Where’d Kora get to?”

“She got a call from Tonya and told me to let you know she had to go. Percy and Jackson escaped, and she had to go get them corralled back in before they ate Mrs. Jenning’s garden,” Darlene answered. “She didn’t want to bother you.”

“Unlike last night when she bothered you at the salon all night long.” Lance peered at Kai over his beer bottle.

“Yeah, I wonder what they were doing all night.” Bryson raised his brows and stared at me across the table. I made sure my gaze didn’t falter and stared right back.

“I think she was getting a manicure and a body massage,” Lance said.

“Maybe she was getting a deep moisturizing scalp treatment,” Bryson answered back.

“Or a facial,” Lance added.

Darlene spurted her mouthful of margarita across the table as Summer squealed with laughter.

“Could be,” Bryson answered. “I hear all the above are quite rejuvenating and relaxing.”

“Unfortunately, when Kai dropped her off this morning at our house for her car, I didn’t have a chance to ask. She barely waved before she hopped in and drove off,” Darlene added.

She had to get into it now?

Lance nodded and pursed his lips. “Interesting.”

“All of you leave Kai alone,” Summer interjected. “If he wanted to tell us why Kora was leaving the salon at eight this morning, I’m sure he would.” Summer turned to me. “Don’t worry, Kai. I’ve got your back. I won’t let these dumbasses give you shit for getting laid. Lance’s just jealous because it’s been a while. And Bryson, well, Bryson’s just a jerk.”

Lance and Bryson chuckled.

I just shook my head. “Is nothing private in this town?”

“Not when the book club’s a part of it,” Darlene said as she finished her margarita.

“Or it’s about Orlinda Valley’s golden child,” Lance added.

“Don’t worry. The book club only talks about those they like,” Summer said.

“Same’s true for Orlinda Valley,” Bryson said.

“You sure about that?” Darlene asked.

“Probably not,” Summer said. “Orlinda Valley will talk about anyone who is entertaining enough or drama filled.”

Lance and Bryson started talking football, and Darlene and Summer headed to the bathroom together.

Why women couldn’t go alone, I’d never understand. I took a sip of my beer and pulled up Kora’s number. Maybe she was home and would invite me over.

Kai: I got back to the table, and you were gone. I was hoping to get at least a dance.

It took a while, but finally, my phone vibrated.

Kora: Sorry. You were busy on the dance floor, and I had a small emergency at the farm.

Kai: I heard. How’s Mrs. Jenning’s garden? I wasn’t busy.

---