Page 99 of Only Fate

We all gather the food and juices to set the table. My stomach growls as we take our seats, and Carolina sets the massive spread of food in front of us.

There’s no conversation for a good ten minutes as everyone eats.

Carolina’s breakfast might be better than some expensive restaurants I’ve dined in.

“So, Adrian,” Rex asks, “how are you liking Blue Beech?”

I wipe my mouth before replying, “I’m really enjoying it here.”

“Where did you live before?” Carolina asks.

“Des Moines, then LA, and then back to Des Moines.” I take a sip of orange juice.

“Oh, wow, this really is your first small-town experience,” Carolina comments.

“I like how peaceful and laid-back everyone is. They seem to always want to help each other out. When Terrance invited me to Blue Beech, I had no idea if I’d like it. I’m glad that it’s really growing on me.”

“What made you decide to come here?” River asks with a sly smirk.

The asshole is really trying to give me shit.

“For me, obvi,” Essie says, slapping my shoulder.

“A job,” I explain with a smirk.

“I call bullshit,” River says.

Rex holds up his hand. “I second it.”

Essie rests her elbow on the table. “I third it.”

Carolina drops her fork and sighs. “I guess I need to be the fourth to do it then.” The corners of her mouth turn up into a smile. “I’m happy you’re here, Adrian.”

River relaxes in his chair. “I’m also happy that you two are running competitive businesses, and I get to watch how it plays out.”

“Hey, River, how’s Ava doing?” Essie asks him sarcastically.

“I don’t know. Why don’t you go to my place and ask her?”

“What?” Carolina shrieks. “If Ava is in there, you tell her to come eat—” She stands as if ready to find Ava.

“I’m joking,” River replies, drawing the last word out. “Do you think she’d ever skip out on your breakfast?”

Rex scratches his head. “She might not be at his place, but River sure had to take plenty of breaks to text her back all night.”

“It was for research purposes,” River says. “For the game.”

“Ava is a doctor. What research could she provide for that?” Essie takes a bite of bacon.

“People die in the game. I want to know how to make them alive again.”

“Uh, hit the Try Again option when it says Game Over,” Essie says before taking a sip of orange juice.

I sit back and listen to their breakfast banter.

I’ve always wanted a family like this.

And while I didn’t get it, growing up, I’m glad Essie did.

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