Page 36 of Unearthed Dreams
“Can’t,” I said, forcing an apologetic smile. “Promised the family I’d help break down the tent.”
It was a terrible excuse. Everyone in my family knew betterthan to trust me with manual labor after The Great Harvest Disaster of 2020. But Trevor didn’t know that.
“Come on,” Shelby wheedled, clearly tipsy herself. “Your brothers can handle it. When’s the next time we’ll all be together like this?”
I glanced toward the EdenTree tent where Elliot and Dad were already efficiently dismantling displays, neither sparing me a second look. They hadn’t even bothered asking for my help.
Kai was beginning his own cleanup process. His movements were precise and methodical as he disconnected the tap lines, his forearms flexing with each twist of metal.
“I really can’t,” I said, more firmly this time. “But you guys have fun. Text me tomorrow before you head out?”
Trevor’s face fell slightly, but he recovered with a kind smile. He leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek. “Maybe I can come up and visit again, without these two?” He hitched his thumb over his shoulder toward where Shelby and Simon were bickering.
“You’re such an idiot,” Shelby was saying. “We definitely parked by the lighthouse.”
“No way,” Simon argued. “The lot by the marina, I’m positive.”
“Sure, that’d be great,” I told Trevor, the lie tasting bitter on my tongue. The worst part was, he probably meant it. But whatever spark I’d imagined between us had fizzled out completely.
I hugged Shelby goodbye, breathing in her familiar coconut shampoo smell. When Simon held out his fist for a bump, I managed to make it even more awkward than usual by nearlymissing entirely. But their laughter felt fond rather than mocking as they headed off into the night, still arguing about parking lots.
I stood alone in the middle of the darkening park, my slight buzz making everything feel softer around the edges. Most of the vendors had already packed up, leaving only a few pools of light from scattered lamp posts. The cidery tent was nearly dismantled—Elliot and Dad worked with their usual efficiency while Tessa and Mom directed from their lawn chairs, both a few ciders deep and looking like they had a good buzz going.
Movement caught my eye—Kai crossing the grass with his final armload of supplies, heading toward his bar. My pulse quickened as I glanced around. Chase was nowhere to be found, as usual, and Jasper and Nat had left an hour ago, off to do in-love, newlywed things, no doubt.
No one was watching.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I followed Kai into the darkness.
The back door of Callaghan’s clicked shut behind him just as I rounded the corner. My heart thundered in my chest as I pushed against the heavy metal handle, easing the door open as quietly as possible.
The hallway was dark, but light spilled from the storage room ahead. I could hear Kai moving around, the sound of festival supplies being set down. My fingers trembled as I pushed the door closed behind me.
“We’re closed,” came his voice, tired and gruff.
I stepped into the storage room doorway. “I know.”
Kai froze, his back to me, shoulders rigid. “Charlie.” My name came out like a warning. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“Probably not,” I agreed, thankful for the slight buzz of beer that made me braver than usual. “But I’m tired of staying away.”
He turned slowly, his eyes dark in the harsh fluorescent lighting. “Your brother?—”
“I don’t care what Chase said to you.”
His eyes narrowed. “You heard?”
“No. But I know my brother. And I don’t care.”
Kai braced his hands against a stack of empty cases. “You should. He’s right. I’m too old for you. Too damaged. Too?—”
“I don’t care about that either.”
“Charlie.” His voice was strained. “Please.”
I took a step closer. “Tell me you don’t want me.”
“What?”
