Page 8 of Meet Me in the Valley
We’ve been gunning for this assignment since it was just an idea, no more than a whisper in the wind. Now it’s happening, and we get to do it together.
“And she wants to get drinks—aka—wants a taste of your disco stick.”
“Well, I do love to dance,” I quip, shooting her a wink while I get a throw pillow to the nuts.
“I think you’ve danced enough today, playboy.” It’s all teasing until a flicker of something else crosses her eyes—an unfamiliar unease that feels out of place on her. “So … are you going to meet up with her?”
“Who? Krista?”
Tia glances down at my phone, scrolling for a few seconds, then reads off a few names.
“Krista, Cassie, Valerie, Ivanna—the choices are endless.” Her smile drips with sarcasm. I grin back, calculating my response in my head. Do I give her shit for sounding jealous, or play it cool and pretend her off-kilter vibe has nothing to do with me?
I go for the former because I’m a dick.
“If I leave now, I can get to all four and be home by midnight, sweetheart.” I’m risking another pillow to the balls, but when her smile breaks free from her sad excuse of a scowl, I know I’m in the clear.
The thing is, Tia accepts me. Sure, she gives me constant shit. But that’s what best friends do. She’s the only woman who’s never left my side, ever since the day she showed up on Mr. Torren’s dock.
The only woman.
She’s never once judged me, no matter how messy I get. Her loyalty runs deep—right alongside my dad and Donovan. And because of that, she has mine in return.
Tia finally gives me back my phone, and I leave all the girls’ messages unread.
I’d like to think I’m a great friend over everything. Despite my flaws and commitment issues, I’d never leave Tia here just so I can get some ass.
We’re both stoked to fly into California tomorrow and reunite with the people we love most. Texas has been my home for the last decade, but nothing compares to the feeling I get once the valley comes into view, and the air smells of grapes and fresh soil.
The older I’ve gotten, the more enticing moving back to Oakwood Valley becomes. I look over at Tia, who’s laying her head on the arm of the couch, fully invested in the documentary. I think about how all of my years in Texas have been amazing—mostly because of her. I’m lucky to have had her as my partner in crime all this time. It would be weird not working together or living in the same state anymore.
The pull back to the West Coast is hard to ignore. But when Tia nudges me with her foot and points at the TV to make sure I’m still paying attention, I can’t help but smile.
Maybe staying put wouldn’t be so bad.
Chapter Three
TIA
Running around like a chicken with its head cut off has me fanning my underarms in a desperate attempt to avoid sweat stains in this dress. I scan the room, mentally ticking off every detail.
Twinkly lights? Check. Flowers? Check. Music? Flowing. With a satisfied smile, I give myself a little pat on the back.
Not bad for just a few hours of chaos.
The second we landed at the airport, it was a mad dash to get into town and pull this whole thing together. Meanwhile, Logan had one job.
One.
Get the bride and groom here on time. And right now?
He’s definitely not holding up his end of the bargain.
Tia
Lo, where the hell are you? People are starting to show. You better not be late!
Logan
