Page 101 of Tender Heart
We find a space and I take the food from Evie as she drops to the ground, sitting with her legs crossed. She reaches for her ice cream, and I sink down beside her.
“How do you live with these people?” she finally whispers. Her voice wobbles like she is upset.
I release a strained chuckle. “I don’t.”
“The island feels like a much better option in this moment.”
“Welcome to my world, baby girl,” I say, leaning in.
She turns her head, her eyes catching mine. They’re pained, and I know that’s the closest to pity I’m getting from this little woman. I don’t care for it. I’m a grown man, and unlike Errol, my ability to hold a grudge doesn’t span decades. So I stay out of their way. They usually leave me alone. Bar Errol, I suppose.
“What time are the fireworks?” Evie asks, licking chocolate syrup from the top of her cone.
“Around nine. Errol’s apprentice is doing them this year. Him and Errol alternate. Lucky for us, the drunkest sailor at the festival will not be handling explosives tonight.”
She chuckles.
I smile, watching amusement light up her face.
Much better than fucking fireworks.
The music gets louder as the night wears on, and the young families take their babies home. Some of the older folks call it a night. Before I know it, the first fizz and streak of color shoots into the sky above us. Evie shuffles closer, her head resting on my shoulder as colorful streaks paint the sky before exploding into crackling sparkles.
The smallest gasp slips through her lips as a bright red explosion booms overhead. I dip my head, my gaze stuck on her beautiful upturned face. I press a kiss to her temple. Fine fingers weave through my own and I squeeze them as her scent tanglesthrough my senses. The whisper of her hair against my cheek sends electricity through me.
My body hums with hers pressed against me. And I have to adjust myself to hide the boner she gave me simply by snuggling close. I search the crowd for Iris and find her sitting by Em twenty feet away. They are sharing food, like Evie and I are. Em leans back on his hands, looking up at the sky, and Iris drops her head to his shoulder. Her mouth moves as she says something, looking up at him.
Em sits up, wrapping an arm around her, tugging her into his side. She must be cold.
He’s good to her. Always looking out for her. I like that she has him when I’m not around. Like having a second big brother.
Evie sighs and pushes up. “Which way to the restrooms?”
“By the library. Half a block down. You want me to walk you?”
“No, I’m good. Enjoy the serenity.” Giving me a sweet smile, she stands and wanders toward the library.
I lay back on the grass and stare at the stars shimmering above me. With the fireworks over, the tang of gun powder fills the air. The smoky remnants hang like a cloud slowly skimming by.
People start packing up, gravitating toward the music and stalls. A few couples are left on the grass, lying back, probably stargazing like I am. I fold my hands under my head and close my eyes. Content, I let the cool earth underneath my back soothe the harsh words and sideways looks the townsfolk still harbor for me.
Drowsy, I startle as footsteps fall in. I crack one eye to find Em standing over me. “Where’s Evie?”
“Restroom.”
Iris files in on the other side, brows lowered and face pulled into a frown. “I was just there. She wasn’t.”
“Fuck.” I sit up and glance at my phone. It’s almost ten. I must have fallen asleep. “Where the hell did she go?”
“She’s probably back at the stalls,” Em offers. “Call her.”
“I—I don’t have her cell number.” Panic claws through my veins. Why didn’t I get her new number? Not that we’ve ever had the need to use a cell on the island.
“I have it,” Iris says, pulling out her phone. She taps the screen a few times and lifts it to her ear. When she frowns and drops it away from her face, something heavy sinks in my gut. “She’s not answering.”
“I’ll check the stalls and then down by the dock.” Em takes off at a jog.
“Call me if you find her!” I yell at his back.
