Page 40 of Turbulent Fires

“That’s because he’s a nerdy writer himself,” Drake says. He winks at me. “Not that what you write is nerdy. I like your stuff too. Jayden writes nerdy though.”

“Shut up,” Wolf and Jayden say in unison, making me laugh. Drake leans back, not at all offended.

“I’m shocked Wolf hasn’t screwed this up yet. I think I like you,” Drake tells me as he holds up his drink in a toast. I can’t help but like Wolf’s outgoing brother.

“There’s still time,” I tell him, making Drake laugh.

“Yep, Ireallylike you,” he tells me when I clink my glass against his.

“I’m so pleased the two of you are bonding over making fun of me,” Wolf says as he shakes his head, but I see humor in his eyes. It’s clear the brothers might like flicking crap each other’s way, but they have a deep love as well.

It doesn’t take long to figure out how very different all three brothers are from one another. They also have a bond that nothing can break. It’s beautiful to see. I always wanted siblings, but now I have Chloe, and she’s more of a sister to me than anyone by blood could be.

“Welcome to the chaos,” Jayden tells me after about the tenth story.

“I’m very pleased to be a part of it,” I tell him.

The evening rolls on with laughter, teasing, and some surprisingly touching stories about the Young brothers’ childhoods, which included late-night hikes, building fires on the beach, drunken adventures, and falling in and out of love. I find myself slipping further into their rhythm and feeling oddly at home.

We aren’t ready for the night to end, even if my body’s exhausted. We leave the steakhouse and turn the corner. “Ready for a nightcap at The Marlin Club?” Wolf asks.

“I don’t have too much left in me, but I could probably last for one more drink,” I admit. I’m tired. It’s been a long, wonderful day.

“There’s nothing like a dive bar,” Drake says.

“Do I need a secret handshake to get in the doors of this club?” I ask.

“Nope, but if Mario’s at the door, you might have to answer a riddle or promise him a game of pool,” Wolf says.

We reach the bar that has half doors, one of which is open, showing the semi-crowded bar with happy patrons inside, some playing pool, some playing foosball, and a few dancing. The rest are sitting, or standing, and all seem to be very happy.

Right at the entrance is Mario, leaning casually against a stool, grinning like the unofficial mayor of Avalon.

“Isn’t it past your bedtime, Wolf?” he asks, then looks at me. “At least you brought someone worth talking to this time.”

“Yeah, yeah, good to see you too, Mario,” Wolf says with a laugh.

I lean in and give Mario a hug. “It’s good to see you again.”

“Always a pleasure to have a beautiful face to brighten up this place,” Mario tells me, making me beam.

I look around the small place and instantly love it. It’s quaint with paintings on the walls, vinyl stools, a few tables, an old pool table, and weathered floors. There’s even a faded marlin mounted above the bar watching over everything like a sleeping guardian. The sharp crack of pool balls colliding under the buzz of low lights and nonstop talking is music to my ears. I don’t get out enough when I’m home.

Wolf manages to snag a small table while Drake and Jayden step up to the bar and dive into a conversation with a couple of locals. I sit while Wolf grabs our drinks and is back in a flash.

“Vodka and tonic,” he says, handing mine over.

“I was going to stick to wine. Are you trying to get me drunk?” I ask with a laugh. I take a sip, and it’s refreshing on this warm evening.

“I like you nice and sober so you can feel every moment of our time together,” he assures me, leaning in close. “I told them to make the tourist version of the drink instead of the local version that can make you fall down on your face if you aren’t careful.”

“Thank you. After the brutal beating my body’s taken over the last couple of days, I don’t think I can handle too much alcohol.” I give up on acting tough. This island is working me over.

He laughs. “Are you sore?”

“I’m not admitting anything.”

The pool table frees up, and we play a game. I shock him when I run the table, doing a little victory lap around it when I finally beat him at something. He immediately racks the balls for a second round.

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