Page 31 of Taming Waves

Audrey: Are you home? I need my car.

We were able to get Audrey and Heather to Heather’s house on Tuesday evening, but her car is still tucked safely in our garage.

Me: I am.

Audrey: Any way my new friend would be willing to come get me?

Me: Anson and I will pick you up in thirty.

Audrey: Thanks. I’ll be waiting.

Me: Bring a swimsuit.

Audrey: ???

Me: We’re going to the barbeque at Lennon and Amiya’s. They have a hot tub.

Audrey: I wasn’t planning on going to the barbeque.

Me: You told Avie you were.

Audrey: No, I said I’d try.

Me: And now, you don’t have to try because we’re coming to get you.

Three dots appear as she types her reply, but I ignore it and stuff the phone in my pocket when Anson walks in.

“Ready to go?” he asks.

“Yep, I’ll drive, but we have a quick stop to make first,” I reply.

When we arrive, Audrey is waiting on the sidewalk outside her apartment. Her hair is pulled back in a ponytail with loose waves framing her face. She’s wearing black leggings and a long gray sweater that falls off one shoulder, revealing the intricate full-sleeved tattoo on her left arm.

She tosses a bag into the back seat and slides into the truck.

“Is there a swimsuit in there?” I ask.

She scowls at me in the rearview mirror as she buckles her seat belt.

“Can you swing by and get Heather, please?” she says, ignoring my question.

“Yes, ma’am.”

We pick Heather up on our way to Lennon’s, and she seems much more excited for the evening.

“Did you bring a swimsuit?” I ask as she climbs in beside Audrey.

“I sure did,” Heather replies. “It’s been forever since I soaked in a hot tub.”

“Should we stop for wine or something?” Audrey asks once we are back on Main Street.

“I brought a bottle of Grey Goose I had in my fridge,” Heather says.

“Trust me, Amiya will have everything covered,” Anson says.

“I don’t think I should show up empty-handed. It’s impolite,” Audrey says.

“This isn’t a fancy dinner party. You aren’t expected to bring a hostess gift,” Anson reiterates.

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