Page 7 of Drawn to You (Chasing Olivia 1)

“I know, I’m sorry. Thank you. She can be a handful.”

She arches her eyebrows and gives me a small nod. “She’s worried about you. That’s what moms do. Are you okay? You seem out of breath.”

“Nope, great. I need another glass of wine. Do you want a refresher?” I try distracting her so she can drop the whole phone call thing.

“I can never say no to a glass of Pindar.”

Later in the afternoon, it starts to rain. The Weather Channel has been predicting thunderstorms for the past few days, and they finally got one right. Depending upon the storm, they’re usually spotty, raining on Fire Island but dry on the mainland. This particular storm is raining across both islands and over the Atlantic. Multiple bolts of lightning flash, and thunder crashes so loud it feels like the house is going to shake off the foundation. I get candles just in case the power goes out, as this section of the island is notorious for blackouts during a storm. The wires run underground for most parts of the island, but they haven’t upgraded this part of the island yet and the wires are still aboveground.

“Want to go over to Casino and play some pool? Should be no one in there to bother you today,” Brenda suggests.

”Yeah, sounds like a good idea. I’m up for it if you are. We’ll have to make a run for it, I don’t think I packed any umbrellas.” I look around the house to see if I was smart enough to pack one. “Nope, no umbrella.” I‘m displeased that I could forget such a simple, yet important, thing.

“I’m so glad I did my hair today,” Bren gripes under her breath.

“It’s just a little rain. You won’t melt, will you?” I tease.

“No.” She’s sulky. “Let’s get this over with.”

“This was your idea. Don’t blame me for your frizzing hair.” My tone is a little too cool and clipped.

“Okay, sorry. Let’s hurry then.”

The Casino has a few stragglers who got caught in the downpour waiting for it to slow down a bit before they make a run for their boats, otherwise the bar was empty. Someone has played the jukebox and Swedish House Mafia is singing “Don’t You Worry Child.” I look up on their band announcement board and see one of my favorite bands is playing here tomorrow afternoon. “Bren, looks who’s playing!” I exclaim with childlike excitement. That is sure to put me in a good mood. She turns to look and nods her head in agreement.

I go over to the jukebox, which is now all digital with every song under the sun loaded, and search through different bands. Ah, perfect. Fun is the answer. I choose one of my favorites, “Some Nights.” It depicts how I feel. Wondering just who I am.

I was with Evan so long, I forgot who I was. I was always a part of him, an extension. I was rarely alone. I think this is the most time I’ve spent with Brenda in well over a year. Evan was very possessive and didn’t allow me much time to do anything apart from him. I didn’t mind, though. It felt nice to have someone around twenty-four seven. Now it’s just me. Brenda pulls me out of my thoughts.

“Are we gonna play or what?” She points towards the pool table.

“Sure, you break, I need a drink. You want anything?”

“I’ll take a Ketel One and tonic, lime. Thanks.” She smiles as she chalks up the end of her cue stick.

I make my way over to the bar, and Melissa is there. “You still have my tab open, right?”

“Yes, your usual?” It’s pretty bad when you’ve been coming here as long as I have, and every bartender knows what you drink.

“Yup, and a Ketel and tonic with lime.”

I grab my beer and Bren’s drink and turn for the pool table when I walk into Him. Again. “Are you stalking me?” I ask all serious.

“Not consciously.” His lips quirk up into a half smile.

“Where are those noisy friends of yours, you know the ones that keep me up at night.” There’s a hint of disdain in my voice.

“They are . . . um . . . busy.” Oh, right. I keep forgetting he’s the odd one out since he came stag.

“Oh, well can you tell them to keep it down? It’s rude and disrespectful to the neighbors.” I make my way past him. He follows, looking interested in what we’re doing. Good Lord, why is he so tempting?

“You remember Brenda,” I mumble looking down toward the floor.

“How could I not, hello again,” he says with the most brilliant smile. It lights up the bar.

“Hey,” she says then grins at me. I see a light bulb appear over her head. “We’re playing pool. Want to play winner?” she says wickedly. Holy shit . . . Brenda . . . Oh, I know her game. I scowl at her, fuming. She will lose on purpose. Well, two can play at this game.

“Sure, play winner.” I smile at both of them. She knows I’m on to her, but she doesn’t care.

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