Page 25 of Debt of My Soul

I smirk. “You take all the girls in the back of your truck to watch the fireworks?”

“Nah, just the ones I like.” He beams at me, and I lean into him as I gaze around the party.

“Here you are.” Erin places the Independence Sparkler on the bar.

The drink is a rich indigo blue, with a layer of white cream on top. The smell coming from it reminds me of coconut. On top of the cream is a puree of strawberry, and I’m slightly in awe of this patriotic drink.

“Hey, sweetheart.” A familiar older voice croons. Mrs. Northgate and her husband approach where we’re standing at the bar.

“Hi, Mrs. Northgate. It’s so good to see you both outside of work.”

“Oh, I know. It’s usually hard for us to leave, especially during a business season like this. But we don’t have any new check-ins tonight, so we can be out for a bit.”

I nod, taking a sip of my drink. Blueberry bursts in my mouth, followed by a creamy coconut and the sweet tang of strawberry. I don’t taste much alcohol, but having this many people here with gobs of fireworks coming later—it’s probably not a bad thing.

Adam hasn’t said a word, and his eyes are focused on his sneakers.

“Adam.” Mrs. Northgate acknowledges. A fallen smile twitches across her lips and the lines in her face are etched in pain. “We’ll see you at work tomorrow, Fleur. Good to see you here, dear.” She extends her hand, rubs my shoulder, and gives it a loving squeeze.

I dip my head as they walk away, enjoying another sip of my cocktail—or at this point, it might just be a mocktail.

“Adam, what’s the deal with?—”

“Adam!” A woman jumps up and waves. Her dark hair is long, with subtle threads of silver. Although her eyes are light, her features are familiar and sharp. There’s no question—this woman is Adam’s mother.

“Mom. Great party as always.” She comes up to him and pulls him in for a hug. She lets her gaze move down over his red T-shirt and khaki shorts.

“Festive,” she deadpans, and I let out a chuckle. Her cream-colored dress is stunning, definitely something a hostess would wear. “And you must be Fleur. I have to admit I’ve heard more about you from my son than the town gossip, and that’s saying something.”

She offers Adam a wink and he rolls his eyes.

“Your father is around somewhere. Probably getting ready for the fireworks. And I think your brother is combing around here as well. Probably trying to avoid helping out. It’s so nice to meet you, Fleur. I hope we get to sit down to chat later.”

“You too, Mrs. Parker.”

“Oh, please, it’s Fran.” She scurries off on tiptoes to avoid her heels sinking into the grass, and I smile as she prances along the food tables, socializing and hosting.

I turn to face Adam. “She’s sweet.”

“Yeah, she’s my biggest supporter. My dad, on the other hand …”

He takes a swig of his beer, a far-off look in his eye.

“So what’s your favorite part about growing up here? On an old plantation, I mean?”

“Hosting all the parties.” He chuckles. “It was nice. In school, all our friends wanted to come out to our place to ride four-wheelers, swim, or play a game of football. As we got older, my siblings and I would have bonfires and parties. It was an easy spot to hang.”

He leads me as we walk about the gardens. More blooming magnolias scent the path and crepe myrtles burst into colorful hues of lavender and pinks. We aren’t the only ones enjoying the lush gardens. Many of the guests are mulling about and sipping their cocktails before settling down for dinner.

“Adam.” A deep, baritone voice from behind us causes me to stop in front of some beautiful white azaleas. Adam sighs to my right and pivots.

“Dad. Get all the fireworks squared away?”

“I did. And who is this?” His dad’s tone is clipped and borderline rude, but I smile and extend my hand.

“I’m Fleur. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Parker.”

He shakes my hand once, then lets it fall. “You’re the new girl in town? Bought the old farmhouse.”

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