Page 5 of This Memory
Declan leaned into the open window of my car. “You keep telling yourself that, but here I find you staring at her from across the street.”
“I was eating the breakfast I got from Cadie’s this morning, that’s why I’m parked here.”
“What did you get?” Declan asked, looking into the car and seeing the bag from Batter Up Bakery.
“I got a slice of banana nut bread and a cupcake for later.”
He nodded. “Then I’ll let you return to enjoying your breakfast…and view.”
“Go to hell, Declan.”
“Been there before, not a pleasant place.” He pushed off the car and laughed as he entered the bakery.
Declan had been a Marine Raider, which was kind of like a Navy SEAL but the Marine Corps version. I had no doubt in my mind he’d seen some terrible things.
“Christ,” I whispered. “What are you doing, Gavin?”
My cell buzzed on the seat next to me, and I reached down to see it was one of my best friends, Denny McCain. I went to high school with him, and we’d been friends, but not like we were as adults. We’d grown close since he movedback to Moose Village with his wife, Evelyn, whom he’d dated since high school.
The only problem was, Evelyn and Brystol were also best friends as well. Which made it uncomfortable when we all hung out together…since Brystol hated my guts for some unknown reason.
I picked up my phone and read the text.
Denny: Are you free to come over for dinner tonight?
Me: I am. Just need to see if Cindy has any plans.
Cindy was a woman I’d been seeing off and on for the last couple of months. She was sweet, but I didn’t see a future with her, which I’d been open and honest about. Luckily, she felt the same way, so we were just having fun dating.
Denny: Actually, would you mind if it was just you?
Frowning, I stared at my phone. A sinking feeling of dread washed through me as a million things raced through my mind. Why would Denny and Evelyn want to speak to me alone? My thoughts drifted to Hope and Liam Turner. Hope was battling cancer, and I couldn’t help but wonder if something equally as devastating might be wrong with either Denny or Evelyn.
Me: Is everyone okay?
Denny: Yeah, we’re fine. We just need to talk to you about something important.
Me: I’ll be there. What time?
Denny: Seven sound okay?
Me: See you then.
I set my phone back down, gave the toy shop one more look, started my car, and drove away. Of course, as I passed the shop, that asshole guy Denny had introduced Brystol to walked into the store.
“Roger Lodger. What in thehellkind of name is that? His parents must have wanted a girl.”
I turned down Walnut Street and out toward the lake without looking at the toy store again. James was also on patrol today, and I knew he was taking the other side of town. A quick drive around the lake would do me good. I rolled the windows down and turned up my radio, pushing all thoughts of Brystol out of my head.
Before I could even get to the front door, Denny opened it. He had a beer in his hand and a smile on his face.
“Well, hell, I like this kind of greeting.” I laughed as I took the offered beer.
“Thanks for coming over tonight,” Denny said, patting me on the back. “Evelyn is in the kitchen.”
I followed him through the house and into the kitchen, where I instantly stopped when I saw Brystol standing at the stove, stirring something in a pot. She glanced over her shoulder and frowned when she saw me.
I winked, and she rolled her eyes and turned back to the pot. I walked to the island and set my beer down. “Wasn’t expecting you here tonight, Brystol.”
