Page 8 of Chasing Sunrise

They asked no more questions.

Dre simply said, “Nine-ball. You rack.” Dre didn’t sink any balls into a pocket on the break.

On his turn, Kasey saw a combination where he could hit the one ball into the nine to win the game. He lined the shot up and hit the nine ball into the side pocket.

Zack laughed. “When did you last play?”

“Last time we were here. The night of the tornado.”

“More than half a year ago and you do that on your first shot.” Shaking his head, Dre said, “I stand by what I said that night. Instead of performing dangerous stunts, your reality show should follow you around the world while you train and play different sports. I believe you can compete against any pro in just about every sport.”

Before Kasey could argue, Dre’s wife, Quinn, approached them. She was as bright as sunshine with her golden blonde hair and beaming smile. “What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t miss your party.” Kasey grabbed the bouquet he’d brought and handed it to her. “Happy Birthday.”

“Oh, how sweet.” She took the flowers and hugged him. “Come. I want to introduce you to my friends.”

Kasey picked up his beer. Dre did the same, and they followed her. Since Dre played in the NFL, and Kasey’s show had been on for four seasons, many people called their names and wanted them to stop. Quinn made excuses and said she needed them right now.

When Dre stopped to talk to Mike, Kasey continued on with Quinn. She introduced him to her friends standing at the edge of the dance floor. Then she led him to a table with tons of drinks scattered around and a woman sitting at it. He could only make out her profile. She did not look happy.

“Amanda,” Quinn called.

The lady spun around in her chair. “Nice to see you again, Kasey.”

See me again?Although he didn’t remember her, he liked that she didn’t call him Hunter or Hunter Kase. And how could he not remember her? She was beautiful.

His confusion must have showed because she continued, “At Quinn and Dre’s wedding I was a blonde.” She pointed at her raven black hair.

“Amanda.” He recalled her now. Her hair was cut in the same short precise style. She wore jeans and a shirt with Goodson High School written above a fierce looking lemur. Quinn and some of the others were dressed in the same shirt.

A new tune started, and Quinn set the bouquet on the table and excitedly said, “I love this song. I’m going to find Dre.”

She left Kasey standing there.

“You want to sit?” Amanda motioned to the empty chair next to her. “I helped Sadie plan this surprise party. I don’t remember seeing your name on the guest list.”

He pulled out the chair and sat. “You think I’m crashing the party?”

“Maybe.” Amanda brushed her bangs out of her eyes.

“You’d be right. I texted Dre to tell him I was in town, and he invited me to join the birthday celebration.”

“I met your girlfriend at the wedding. Is she with you?”

“We’re not together anymore.” It was the first time he’d said the words out loud.

A hand snaked around his shoulder.

He stiffened, then took a breath and centered himself. Following the holdup, someone surprising him from behind would send him into a panic. Now, he could control the fear. He turned his head to find a redhead standing close. Her flowery perfume clouded the air. “Hunter Kase, how about a dance?”

“I can’t right now. I’m in the middle of a conversation.”

She rubbed his shoulder. “I’m sure your friend won’t mind.”

“I can’t be rude,” he explained. “You understand.”

With a pout on her red lips, the woman walked off.

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