Page 76 of Revival

“I think being married to my brother is rubbing off on you. You’re too stubborn,” I grumble.

“Good.” Her smile is radiant in the evening sun. She loops her arm through mine and directs me out of my car.

“One drink.”

“Mm-hmm.” She shoves my door shut while I secure the locks.

“You’re going to keep me out late, aren’t you?”

“Most likely.”

Arm in arm, we stroll the two blocks down to The Rocks.

Stepping into the dark building, I’m temporarily blinded by the transition from the sun to the dimly lit bar. I blink rapidly until the blurred shapes begin to resemble people again.

“Look who I found.” Juniper tows me to a large table near the back of the room by the pool tables.

“I knew you wouldn’t let us down.” Bree slides her chair to the left, making room for me to sit.

I drop heavily into the vacant seat, setting my phone beside the drink menu. My finger grazes the screen, lighting up the wallpaper for all to see.

My heart lodges in my throat, just like it does every time I look at this picture.

I changed the background image to the one Spencer sent me. It feels a little taboo when only I know the name of the photographer. This is safer than the sunset image I wanted to use with an extra pair of masculine legs in the frame. At least if anyone gets a glimpse, they’ll just assume I’m full of myself, and I can fib about who captured the conceited image.

I’m supposed to be moving on from our torrid tryst. That is what we agreed upon. But in a moment of weakness, I texted him a picture with the subtle message that I was thinking about him.

I thought I was being friendly. Letting him know I was thinking about him.

His answering text was loud and clear.

Meaning he never sent one.

“What’s dragging you down?” Frankie pauses with the straw of her mocktail halfway to her mouth.

“I’m just missing the beach.” I flag down a server and order a fruity cocktail. Something listed under a nonsensical name with pineapple and vodka. “And this week was hectic.”

“I heard Corjan brought in all those Beagles for you to check out.” Bree tosses back a handful of popcorn.

“Technically, I used the mobile vet at the Sanctuary. There were too many for my small clinic, so this was easier.”

“How many were there?” Whitney asks, tucking her blond hair behind her ear.

“There were six moms in rough shape from excessive breeding. They also had a total of eighteen puppies.”

“That’s so sad,” Bree says.

The server barely sets down my drink before I shove the straw between my lips.

“Two of the moms are going to stay with Jude and me at the Sanctuary for an extended period, and the other four already have foster homes lined up. I think they’ll all be okay after some much-needed patience and rest.” Frankie fills us in with what they must have decided after I left.

I donate my time to give wellness checks, but my brothers run the day-to-day of the Sanctuary all on their own. Frankie and Jude contribute the most hands-on care, seeing as they live together on the property.

“Enough shop talk,” Juniper declares. “Before we lose Cortney to her couch.”

I roll my eyes. “I’m already out with you. There’s no point in bailing now.”

“Good. Then let’s get you another round before trivia starts.” Juniper flags down the server again.

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