Page 33 of Wild Promises

At home, the apartment was dark. Was Tori still out with her friends?

Xander: You need me to pick you up?

I waited a few minutes, and when there wasn't a response, clicked on the TV. I watched an action movie without taking anything in. It was mindless background noise. I couldn't stop my brain from replaying the conversation with my brothers.

Had they believed me? Would they ever? Did Tori see the real me? The questions played on an endless cycle in my head.

When my phone finally buzzed, I jumped.

Tori: I could use an escort.

Xander: Where are you?

Tori: That new bar. I can't think of the name.

Xander: I know the one.

The town was so small; there wasn't anything I didn't know.

Xander. Don't move. I'm coming.

Tori: Promises. Promises.

I didn't have time to contemplate the innuendo because I needed to make sure Tori got home okay. I threw on a jacket and grabbed my keys.

I walked the few blocks to the new wine bar, seeing Tori with Noelle through the window. Noelle had done some holiday decorating at the lodge, and growing up, her mother was a maid at the inn, so we frequently saw her around the resort.

I pulled open the door, relishing the warmth inside. I walked the short distance to their high-top table. "Ladies."

Noelle smiled, her eyes glassy. "Xander."

She said my name like it was ten syllables. My gaze swung to Tori, who giggled. These girls were drunk. "Do I need to settle your tab?"

Tori waved in the general direction of the bar, so I moved toward it, intending to pay it. When the bartender nodded in my direction, I asked, "Do Noelle and Tori have a tab?"

"They paid up thirty minutes ago. They're nursing waters."

"Thanks, man. I appreciate that." I didn't know this bartender.

At the girls' table, I said, "Come on. I'll walk you home."

"I'll get a car since I'm outside of town." Noelle fumbled with her phone.

"I'll do it." I plucked her phone out of her hands and worked the app. "It will be here in two minutes. Let's wait outside."

I assisted Noelle with her coat first. She moved toward the front door while I helped Tori. Somehow her elbow connected with my stomach, knocking the wind out of me.

Tori turned and placed a palm on my chest. "Sorry, big guy."

I took her elbow and steered her in the direction of the exit. "Come on. Let's get you home."

"I'm not drunk," Tori pouted.

"Sure you aren't," I mumbled under my breath.

Tori's eyes softened as she walked slowly next to me. "It was so nice to be out with friends."

"I bet." I wondered if true friends were harder to come by in the city. I suspected they were.

---