Page 15 of Chasing Sunrise

“We’d rather hear it from you,” Bennet returned.

Kasey squeezed the bridge of his nose with his fingers. “Harper and Ethan are together.” He pushed by them and walked into the club.

Bennet shouted, “Wait!”

They could follow him if they wanted, but right now, he needed a shot of something to numb him. Likely, the first of many over the next few days, especially after Star Breeze aired tomorrow.

“Happiness rarely keeps company with an empty stomach.” ~ Japanese Proverb

Chapter Three

Amanda watched Kaseystep back into the building and make a beeline for the bar. The expression on his face spoke volumes. By the resignation in his eyes and the slump of his shoulders, he appeared drained or frustrated or angry. She didn’t know him well enough to determine which.

He wore a button-down shirt, blue jeans, and mountain boots. Rugged, with a full beard, he looked like he belonged in the wilderness.

She was more of a beach girl. She wanted to finish renovating the house she’d bought in Katy and sell it for a profit so she could buy one in Galveston. It would be a commute to school each day for sure, but the time in the car would allow her to collect her thoughts in the mornings and release any frustrations from the day in the afternoons. And she’d go home to the ocean breeze and the soothing sound of waves.

The owner, Mike, who she’d also met at Quinn’s wedding, slammed a shot glass on the bar and poured a clear liquid into it. Kasey picked it up, downed it, and motioned for a refill. He didn’t even suck on a lime to take the bite away.

After guzzling the second one, he gestured for another. Once he’d finished the third, Mike handed him a beer. His brothers stood on either side of him. The cop brother put his hand on Kasey’s back as he spoke.

Amanda’s phone buzzed. She checked it and headed for the front door. Once there, she tipped the delivery guy and took a brown paper bag from him. When Kasey mentioned only having a liquid diet, she’d spoken to Mike and made the order. She’d learned at an early age that no one should drink on an empty stomach. And she doubted one cupcake would soak up very much alcohol.

The bouncer blocked her. “No food inside.”

“Mike said it was fine since it’s for Hunter Kase.”

“Okay.” The guy moved out of her way.

Kasey still stood at the bar when she returned. She handed the bag to him without a word. He looked perplexed. She just smiled and went over to sit with her coworkers.

“Darling,” Quinn said from behind her.

Amanda turned in her seat.

“If you want to drink, we’ll get an Uber to drive you home.” Blonde hair in curls at her shoulders, Quinn sat next to her.

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