Page 98 of Sunsets at the Beach House

While he ate, she checked in with Alex. Headed home. Long day but good to be done. How are you doing? I miss you.

Miss you too, he texted back. Voice to text is very handy. Miles and Trina took good care of me today. They brought me home, then bought me some groceries. Trina made me a casserole. My fridge is full! She gave me a haircut too. I’m handsome again.

Kat laughed. You never stopped being handsome. I’m so glad they were there for you. I’ll be over tomorrow, first thing. I’ll bring you some breakfast.

Pancakes from Digger’s? That’s what I had this morning and I could totally eat them again.

Anything you want. She snagged a fry, quickly popping it in her mouth. I’ll text you in the morning to make sure that’s still your choice.

Thanks. Drive safe. Text me when you get home.

Will do. She put her phone down and took a bite of her burger.

“Everything good at home?”

“Yeah. I was just checking with Alex.”

“How’s he doing?”

“Seems all right. He didn’t say anything about being in pain. Miles and Trina took care of him today.”

“That was nice of them.” Cash held his burger with both hands. Juice dripped into his paper container. “This is really good. I could eat another one of these.”

“I have no idea how you eat so much and stay so thin.”

“Genetics? My dad is skinny.”

“Your dad jumps around on stage like he’s being electrified. That’s enough to keep anyone skinny.”

“True.” His eyes narrowed. “If everything is all right with Alex, why do you look bummed? Or are you just tired?”

She shrugged. “I am tired. I think hearing about Miles and Trina taking care of him today makes me feel a little bad that it wasn’t me.”

“And he probably feels bad that he couldn’t be here today to help you.”

She smiled. “He probably does. I’m super happy Miles and Trina were there for him. Trina even gave him a haircut.”

“Cool. I should take her up on that, too. I wonder what Sierra would think of me with shorter hair.”

“If she likes you, it shouldn’t matter what your hair looks like.”

“I know. But you know how it is.”

She nodded. “I do.” She had another bite of her burger. “You really like this girl?”

“Yeah, she’s super cool and very talented.”

“You think she’ll end up going on tour with you guys? If that’s what happens?”

Cash nodded. “Yeah, totally. I mean, my mom does have a regular band she usually pulls together for tours, but it’s been a while. They might not all be available. Either way, Sierra could definitely be part of the group. Especially as a backup vocalist.”

“That could get awkward. If things don’t go well with you guys, I mean. Not saying they will, just something to think about.”

“True. We’re kind of taking it slow, but then my mom suggested we start our own band. Totally wasn’t expecting that.”

“I don’t see how you’ll have time for that if you both go on tour with her.”

“Nope. That will be our life for however many months we’re out there. But it would be nice to have her to jam with.” He stared at his burger, a weird, far-off look in his eyes. “And it would be nice to have someone to settle down with.”

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