Page 129 of Revival

Silas

So? Neither are you and we still celebrate Christmas

Me

I just want to talk. Don’t have to make a big deal out of it.

Sutton

Come by my place tomorrow

Me

Thanks, Sutt

Silas

I’ll be there, but I’m bringing donuts

Sutton

If you don’t bring one with pink sprinkles for Nellie, she’s going to riot

Silas

The walkback to the table isn’t as heavy. I’ve got my girl back, my hometown, and if everything goes well, my family.

Ifeverything goes well. Because I have a feeling they’re going to be pretty mad at me come tomorrow.

Furious even.

Stepping out of the hall, I allow my eyes to adjust to the space. They dim the lighting further as the night crowd continues to develop. A group of rowdy girls dance at the back of the room, and the crack of pool balls on the occupied tables can be heard above the chatter and music.

Finding my table, I move straight from content to furious myself. Cortney’s back is rigid, arms flailing animatedly as she talks to her ex. He must have been here watching us. There’s no way he just happened to show in the five minutes I stepped away.

The urge to charge over there nearly propels me forward, but I force my muscles to relax. I thought I sent him a clear message at the garage. Maybe he has a death wish. By the looks of things, I’m not going to be the one to deliver it.

My woman is fired up, and she’s not afraid to show it.

Something is off, though. Cortney is upset, but Sebastian seems too calm. Too controlled. Almost as if he’s in charge of the situation. His hands are tucked into the pockets of his jeans. From my location, he appears to be fighting a smile.

Our server stops by, interrupting their heated discussion. Sebastian intercepts Cortney’s cocktail straight from the tray. He grips the drink with his fingertips and entire palm hovering above the rim.

Fuck this guy touching her shit. I take that as my cue to intervene.

What was that?

Sebastian isn’t even looking at her glass. Neither is Cortney. But I watch in horror as an object sinks slowly to the bottom of her drink, the bubbles racing around it as it dissolves.

Forget furious. I move straight into a blacked-out rage.

Sebastian watches Cortney as he places the drink in front of her and hands the empty one to the server. A soft smirk pulls at the corner of his lips. His eyes flash with satisfaction.

I’m going to wipe the fucking floor with that smirk.

Neither of them sees me coming. My approach is from Cortney’s back and Sebastian’s side. They jump back as I reach in and steal the drink out from in front of her.

---