Page 32 of Everest

“London.”

“Hi, Momma,” I whisper.

Mom blinks. “I was lost again, wasn’t I?”

“That’s okay, Momma. You found your way back.” I sit my plate on the grass beside the chair and then drop to my knees in front of my mother. My eyes close when her shaky hand cups my cheek. “I’ll always find my way back to you, Doodlebug,” she says, using my nickname.

“I know you will, Mom,” I reply when the first tear falls. “I know you will.”

The last thing I want to do after visiting Mom is be around people. I have a shift at the club tonight, and all I want is to go home, take a long bubble bath, and maybe take a nap. But when Promise calls and asks if I want to stop by Twisted Throttle for a beer, guilt creeps in, and there is no way I can refuse.

By the time I stroll into the bar, it’s already five o’clock. I smile and wave at Nova behind the bar, cleaning glasses as he prepares for the six o’clock rush of people who stop by after a long day at work. I scan the room and spy Promise sitting at a high-top table in the back, along with Luna and Riggs. Over the past couple of years, I have committed myself to learning ASL on Luna’s behalf, so when I approach the table, I sign, “Sorry, I’m late. I was visiting Mom, and the traffic was a bitch.” I lean in, kiss Promise on the cheek, and do the same with Luna before greeting her man. “Hiya, Riggs.”

Riggs does that macho man chin-jerk thing. “London.”

Before I’m fully in my seat, Nova sets a beer down in front of me. “Here ya go, darlin’.”

I let out a sigh. “I need this. Thanks, Nova.”

“Bad day?” Luna signs.

I take a pull of my beer. “Work is good.”

“How’s your mom?” Promise asks. I shrug and start picking at the label on the bottle. I don’t want to tell them it fucking sucks to watch someone you love slowly drifting away because then I’ll start crying, so I remain silent. Silence sometimes speaks louder than words, though.

“Fuckin’ sucks about your ma, sweetheart.” Riggs breaks the silence.

I give him a wobbly smile. “Thanks.”

Seconds later, the room's atmosphere shifts the same way it always does whenheis around. I don’t have to turn to know who’s just walked in, but I do anyway. And when I peer over my shoulder, my gaze connects with Everest. His face is hard, and a mask of indifference is perfectly in place. His eyes, however, turn molten, burning into me. So much so that I feel it between my legs and my breath hitches. Beside me, Promise makes a noise, and my head snaps toward her. My best friend is wearinga knowing smirk. I roll my eyes, ignoring her, and go back to my beer.

Luna lifts her hands and goes to sign, but is effectively cut off when Riggs’ lip twitches as he shakes his head. “Leave it be, Mon Tresor.”

My friends are convinced there is something between Everest and me. I don’t see why they think that. Or maybe I do, and I’m in denial. At this juncture, it doesn’t matter. I have too much on my plate to be worried about a man. Everyone I care about is currently living their happily ever after. Everyone but me. And because those people love me, they want me to find my own Prince Charming.

After the failed attempt to hound me about Everest passes, the conversation takes a lighter turn when Piper makes an appearance. “Piper, where have you been? Tell Kiwi he needs to let you up for air more often.”

“Jesus fuckin’ Christ,” Nova bitches. “I don’t need to hear that kind of shit.”

I smirk as Nova makes a face and takes his leave. Riggs matches his brother’s energy and follows suit, causing Piper to turn red and groan. “You know you’re scaring my dad for life, don’t you. I bet his ears are bleeding right about now.”

“I know.” A giggle escapes from my lips. “I like making Nova squirm, though.”

Piper hugs me and then falls on the stool beside me. “I’ve been MIA the past couple of weeks, but school is keeping me busy," she says loud enough for her dad and uncle to hear.

“When is graduation again?” I ask.

“Three months.” Piper beams. “I’m so ready.”

“Your dad and I are so proud of you.” Promise reaches across the table, squeezing Piper’s hand. There is no denying the bond that Piper and Promise share.

Over the next hour and forty-five minutes, the girls and I catch up on what’s going on.

Looking down at my watch, I note the time. “Well, ladies, I hate to cut our time short, but I have to go.”

“So soon?” Promise grumbles.

“Yeah. I have to stop by the grocery store on my way home, and I have a mountain of laundry I need to do. If I don’t, I’ll have to show up to court tomorrow in sweats and a T-shirt. I’m pretty sure that sort of thing is frowned upon.”

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