Page 7 of No Place Like Home
His voice was thick and masculine. Much more serious than I’d ever heard him, except for when his father passed away.
Just then, a voice boomed over the country music coming from the speakers. “No way. Is that my little brother? Kai said there was a surprise here, but Rowan?”
I jumped out of the way as Rowan leaped from his stool and beelined for Jamison, the oldest McKendry brother. The whoop they let out as they wrapped each other in a pounding hug was so loud I was sure all of Orlinda Valley heard it. Laughter and hard man-slaps echoed throughout the pub. The melancholy, intense expression had been wiped clean from Rowan’s face at the sight of Jamison, and his light, carefree attitude had returned.
“Rowan, what the hell are you doing here?” Jamison said as he pulled away from Rowan. “You’re two weeks early.”
“What, want me to go back to Texas?” Rowan joked.
“Hell, no.” Jamison put his arm over Rowan’s shoulders. “You’re here and that’s all that matters.” He squeezed him in a side hug and put him in a headlock, which Rowan easily wrestled his way out of with laughter and chiding.
“Hey, Lilly,” Rowan said as he pushed Jamison away and brushed his hands through his hair to fix it.
“Hey, Rowan,” she answered, giving him a hug, then stepping back toward Jamison, who automatically wrapped his arm around her waist. “This is an amazing surprise.”
Rowan’s gaze went back and forth between them, and his grin grew even more. “No,thisis an amazing surprise.” He gestured between the two of them. “It’s good to see you, Lilly, and you two look happier in person than on the phone.”
Jamison pulled Lilly closer, and she gazed up at him. “Yep, all’s going crazy-well,” Lilly said. Jamison brushed his lips against hers in a quick kiss.
I felt like gagging at the intense sweetness that oozed from Lilly and Jamison. “Yeah, that’s wonderful and all,” I said, “but now that you’re here, Jamison, and Rowan’s out of the funk that Bryson caused, why don’t we go join everyone else on the patio? I’m sure you can rein in the bullshit that is Bryson.” I picked up my margarita and grabbed Rowan’s hand. Being with Kora and Jamison would keep him in this much happier mood.
“Trevor,” Rowan said, “is there anyone who can take over for you so you can welcome your best friend back home?”
“Shannon will be here in a bit. Once she’s clocked in, I’ll come over. You good?” He gestured to Rowan’s almost empty beer.
“Yep. I’m good for now.” He finished off his bottle, placed it on the bar, and followed me to the patio.
We found seats around the crowded table near Kora and Kai. Keeping Rowan as far from Bryson as possible was a necessity. I was not in the mood to play referee.
“So, Row, what got you home earlier than expected?” Kora asked.
Rowan shook his head. “Just had a chance to leave early and took it. Thought I’d surprise everyone.”
“Well, it worked, and I’m glad you’re here,” Kora said.
“Me too,” Trevor agreed as he placed a tray of shots in the middle of the table. “It’s gonna be great having you home even for a little bit.” He put an arm around Rowan’s shoulders. “Everyone grab a shot. Girls, there’s tequila and lemons with sugar for y’all.”
Kora, Lilly, and I grabbed tequila and dipped a lemon slice in the sugar. A lemon drop had always been our drink of choice—well, other than a margarita. And Darlene held up her water and a sugared lemon. Being about four months pregnant kept her from indulging.
Trevor passed shots around the table and waited with his arm in the air. “Here’s to amazing friends, love, and everyone being together. Welcome home, Rowan!”
I smiled wide and echoed him. “Welcome home, Rowan.” I clicked my glass to Trevor’s and Rowan’s, and everyone did the same.
I watched Rowan. He seemed happy, but I couldn’t miss that his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Eventually, the guys went to play cornhole, and we women were left at the table.
“I haven’t seen Rowan in forever,” Lilly said. “I guess the last time was at Carl’s funeral, and before that . . . Well, it’s been a while.”
Kora took a sip of her margarita and added, “Yeah, that’s the last time we all saw him. He was never one to come home.”
“And before you say a word, Summer,” Darlene pointed her finger at me, “I know Bryson’s part of the reason he left and one of the main reasons he stayed away, but it’s time they both grew up. The past is in the past.”
I tried to glare at her, but my heart wasn’t in it. I knew she was right. They needed to move on. “I couldn’t agree more, Dar.”
“So, what exactly happened between Rowan and Bryson?” Lilly asked. “I know they never got along as kids, but what was so awful that he left home and hardly came back?”
Darlene and I held each other’s gaze. Either of us explaining things would result in a very one-sided account.
