Page 73 of Colton's Last Resort

“Don’t apologize,” Alexis said, turning to angle herself toward the festivities. “I just thought you’d like to know your face says, ‘Approach me and die.’”

Laura smiled a bit. “I’m in a weird headspace today,” she admitted.

“Want to talk about it?” Alexis asked.

Did she ever. She wished she could confide everything to Alexis—the whole confusing fake relationship that didn’t feel fake but might still be. She felt terrible for making her friend believe that she and Noah were actually... Wait, but weren’t they? What did last night mean? Would Allison approve? Or would she hate what Laura was doing with the brother she’d adored?

Laura tried to think about what to say exactly. Something—anything—to make sense of her actions and his. “Noah spent the night last night.”

Alexis arched a brow. “Did he?”

“Mmm.”

She frowned. “Haven’t you two done that before?”

Laura wanted to curse. “Yes.” Fighting for an explanation, she continued. “But last night... Last night was...”

“Oh,” Alexis said significantly. “What you’re trying to say is last night, you and Noah hadthenight.”

“Precisely,” Laura replied.

“All right.” Alexis grinned. “Now that you mention it, I do detect a strong afterglow.”

“I’m...glowing?”

“Like a menorah.”

Laura snorted a laugh and covered her mouth as Alexis folded her lips around a muted chuckle. It took them both a moment to contain themselves.

Laura sighed. “Allison lived for conversations like this.”

“She did,” Alexis said reminiscently. “She’d say these are the talks that keep us young.”

Laura sobered. “Taco Tuesdays won’t be the same.”

“No,” Alexis granted. “She would want us to keep doing it, though.”

“Then we will,” Laura determined. “After the memorial.”

“When is the memorial? Have you spoken with her family?”

“A little.” Every time she’d brought it up with Noah, he’d shut her out. She wasn’t looking forward to having the same conversation again. “The coroner’s office hasn’t released her, so I don’t think they’ve put burial plans into motion yet.”

“Adam’s coming,” Alexis said swiftly. “And...good Lord. What is it with you Coltons and your collective wrath today?”

Laura glanced up and found Adam pushing toward her on fast-moving legs. His face wasn’t friendly. Her stomach knotted.

“May we speak in private?” he asked.

“Of course,” Laura said. She nodded to Alexis, who moved off to give them a moment to themselves.

Adam’s eyelid twitched. “Josh tells me Steele was at your place this morning.”

“He was,” Laura replied.

“Alone. With you.”

“Yes, Adam,” she said, feeling weary.

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