Page 22 of The Last Key
“Any luck?”Gladys asks as I sit down next to her at check-in.
I shrug. “Hard to have luck when I don’t even know what I’m looking for. I updated my résumé, but every time I look at a job posting, my stomach turns. I think I need to take a break before I get back at it. My mother told me I should enjoy my time here, and if she is in agreement that I should take a break rather than jump back on the horse, then it’s probably a good plan.”
“You know we’re all happy to have you here. Maybe you should think about sticking around.”
“My mother suggested that as well.”
My eyes go to Devon, who is laughing with Justin at the edge of the ballroom. They were taping out where things will go for the reunion. I love being here with him, even if I don’t quite know what we’re doing besides teasing the hell out of each other. When he told me he wassingingin the shower this morning, I couldn’t breathe. The bathroom is directly above the kitchen.Sound carries. And I’m certain I heard my name. Which means he was getting himself off to the thought of me.
Not that I’m complaining, but I’m still in disbelief. After all these years, we’re actually tiptoeing toward a line we’ve both obviously considered crossing. I feel like an idiot. We should probably talk about it all, but I’m having fun flirting with him, teasing him. Letting him tease me. It’s exhilarating, and it keeps me on my toes, never knowing what will happen next.
“Your mother was surprised to find out you’re out here.”
“Huh?” I say, looking back at Gladys.
She smiles. “Your mom. She didn’t realize you’d flown out here.”
“Oh. Yeah. I booked the flight on a whim and forgot to tell her until I had to cancel lunch. Wait. How do you know that?”
She pats my hand. “Oh, honey. We have a group chat. Your mother, Sharon, and me. After your family moved back east, Sharon and I made it a point to keep in touch. I always loved your mom. All those nights you and Devon spent camping in the backyard, we were inside drinking wine, talking, and laughing.”
“How did I not know that?”
She shrugs, a mischievous glint in her eye. “You were camping with Devon.”
Shaking my head, I elbow her in the ribs. “You’re trouble.”
“Never. I just know a good thing when I see it.” She winks at me. “Now, my dear, unless I’m mistaken, you need to get going if you want to be on time to meet Claire.”
My eyes widen as I check the time. “You’re right. Today went by so fast. It was nice spending it here.”
“Can’t say I disagree. I don’t suppose I’d have worked here so long if I didn’t feel that way.”
Leaning down, I kiss her cheek, then grab my bag and head over to the boys.
“I’m headed out. You sure it’s okay that I take your car?” I ask Devon.
He fishes his keys out of his pocket and hands me his car key. “Of course. Justin rented a car, so it works out, anyway.”
“Okay.” I stare at him for a second. A second too long as evidenced by Justin flaring his eyes at me. “Um. I was thinking we should camp in the backyard at some point while I’m here.”
A slow smile spreads over Devon’s face. “Definitely.”
“Sweet. I’ve heard you two talk about that forever. Can’t wait to experience it,” Justin says, and we both turn to look at him.
I’m 90 percent sure he’s fucking with us, but since I don’t know for certain, I say, “Yeah. That would be fun.”
“Of course,” Devon says, not even trying to fake enthusiasm.
“Anyway, I should go,” I say. Then, in a split-second decision, I lean up and kiss Devon on the cheek, something I’ve never really done before. Hugs? Yes. Snuggling? Sure. Any sort of kissing? Nope. Not even a little cheek peck. Even though this cheek kiss is more than a peck. It lingers until I realize what I’m doing and yank my lips away. My cheeks are burning and his are red too, as Justin watches us like we’re a couple of idiots.
We probably are.
“Have fun with Claire,” Devon says. “And ask her about karaoke Friday night.”
I shake my head. I can’t picture Claire doing karaoke, but sure. “Will do. See you at home.”
The playfulness slips off Devon’s face and his eyes fill with a mix of uncertainty and happiness. It takes me a minute to realize it’s because I said home.
