Page 51 of Wasted Memories
Hiding my own smile, I moved my gaze to the people around us, spotting Easton in the crowd ahead wearing his black police uniform. He must be on duty as fair security tonight. Wesley must’ve seen him too, his hand tightening the grip on mine. I guess he really didn’t mind if people saw us holding hands, then.
Easton saw us and waved, making his way through the crowd to us.
He smiled but kept his eyes trained on the crowd. “Hey, you two.”
“Is it hard work watching for kids trying to steal giant teddy bears?” I asked him, trying to hide my smile.
He shot me a side glare. “Kids aren’t the only people here tonight, sweetheart. Mostly watching for drunks with a temper.”
“You get a lot of intoxicated people getting butthurt over some carnival games?”
He chuckled under his breath and shook his head. “You’d be surprised. You guys staying a while or just passing through?”
Wesley searched the crowd as well, most likely looking for the two people I didn't want to run into tonight. “Not sure yet, I think Emerson’s afraid of the rides.”
My jaw dropped and I elbowed Wesley in the side. “I amnot. I love fair rides.” I gazed up at him, a challenging smirk on my lips. “If anything, I think it’s you who’s scared.” He smiled as he rolled his eyes at me.
“I have to say she’s right, man. When mom took us to the fair when we were kids, I distinctly remember you refusing to go on any rides solely due to the fact that you thought they'd fall apart.”
Wesley looked back at Easton, his smile growing a bit. “You can’t use that against me, I was a kid. Plus, that ride practically had the screws coming out of it.”
Easton crossed his arms, rolling his eyes. “Yeah, sure it did.”
I laughed, enjoying the banter between them. It was sweet seeing them act like this, compared to how tense things were the other day at the house. I wanted to hear about all of their memories together, good and bad. It made me remember I really only did know a small portion of Wesley’s life. He had friends back where he grew up, a family, a life. I wondered if I’d ever get to visit there, to see that part of his world.
Behind Easton, I saw Stella standing in line for a piña colada stand. Excusing myself from Wesley and Easton, I walked through the crowd of people to meet her in line. When she saw me approaching, her face lit up.
She threw her arms around me as she mumbled into my hair, “I didn’t know you were coming tonight!”
“I wasn’t planning on it. Wesley asked and I couldn’t resist.” She stepped back so we could move up in line.
“Do you want a drink? I’ll buy.”
“Sure, just one. I’ll share it with Wes.”
“Where is he?” She looked behind me, but the thick crowd blocked her view of where he and his brother stood.
“He’s by the goldfish booth talking to his brother.”
“He has a brother? And you didn’t introduce me?” She put her hand over her heart, feigning hurt. “I’m offended.”
I laughed as we moved up to the stand. Stella ordered two piña coladas, but paused before paying. “Does his brother want one?”
I shook my head. “He’s on duty.” Her eyebrows shot up so far I thought they'd disappear into her blonde hair. Stella was a sucker for a man in uniform. I’d be hearing about this for weeks, no doubt.
Chapter Twenty Nine
Wesley
IwatchedEmersoninline with Stella from where I stood with Easton. Her smile stood out amongst the throng of people, like the north star in an inky black sky. I didn't think I could ever get tired of looking at her. She’d want to talk about today at some point, but right now, she needed this – a break from all the stress crowding her mind.
“You like her.” It wasn’t a question. As much as I loathed my brother for leaving, he knew me better than anyone.
“I do.” I faced him, sliding my hands in the pockets of my jeans as something dawned on me. “You said you were here for a missing person.”
Easton’s eyes narrowed a bit. “The case is essentially closed, but yes. Why?”
“Does the last name of that person happen to be Foley?”
