Page 28 of All Along

Her gaze catches mine. Shit. Those whiskey-colored eyes aren’t full of want and need. She’s panicking. The attention of five women – my four sisters and Mom – and my dad is too much for her. Especially when we’re in a crowded restaurant.

I’m an asshole. I should have realized this evening would be a lot for her and protect her. Instead of spending all my time being a horndog. The night’s not over yet.

I wrap an arm around her shoulders. “There’s not much to tell. We’ve been friends forever and she finally agreed to give me a chance.”

“You wore her down? Good tactic.” My sister, Willow, nods in approval.

Which reminds me. “Have you met my sisters, Maya?”

“Not officially,” she mutters since everyone knows of everyone else on the island.

I point to Willow. “This is Willow. Next to her is Abigail.” I point to the other side of the table. “And this is Clara and Eliza.”

Maya waves to everyone. “Hi.” When her shy side comes out, she’s absolutely adorable.

The waitress arrives and hands out menus.

“Awesome. I’m starving,” Abigail says as she grabs a menu.

A cheer sounds in the bar area and I jump in my chair. I search for the cause of the disruption. It’s just a hockey game showing on the televisions hung up around the bar. The favorite team probably scored.

I inhale a deep breath and allow my heart rate to return to normal. There’s no threat here. I’m having dinner with my family and Maya. There’s no reason to panic.

“I think I’ll have the Smuggler’s Meatloaf,” Maya says. “What are you having?”

Another cheer erupts in the bar area. I lock my muscles before I flinch again. I’m on Smuggler’s Hideaway. No insurgents are hiding in plainclothes to try and shoot me or plant an IED. I’m safe.

Another cheer and I jump from my chair. Panic coursing through my veins. My hands tremble and I can’t catch my breath. I feel nauseous and my chest aches.

I need to get out of here. I need to find cover. I need to get to safety.

Maya grabs my hand and pulls me away from the table. “Come on. This way.” She leads me into a room and shuts the door behind us. I fall to my ass on the floor as my heart races.

“Name five things you can see.”

I glance up at Maya but I can’t make out her features since my vision is blurry. “What?”

“Five things. Name them.”

I blink to clear my vision and glance around the room. “Shelves. Floor. Lightbulb. Door. You.”

“Good.” She nods. “Four things you can touch.”

I touch my face. “Nose, mouth, ears, cheeks.”

“I think you’re cheating, but I’ll allow it.”

Cheating? How am I cheating?

“Three things you can hear.”

“I hear you. I hear people in the bar.”

“What else do you hear?”

She taps her toes and I point to her foot. “You. Tapping your foot.”

“Two things you can smell.”

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