Page 25 of It Happened in Vegas

“Why not let him take advantage of you while you’re at it? Admit it, you’re attracted to him as more than a friend, aren’t you?”

God, she knew me well. I didn’t answer right away. My fingers curled around my drink glass, washing in the condensation.

“Yes, you are.” Maisy gave me a soft smile. “Then I can’t wait to see if what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”

“You’re naughty. Nothing is going to happen,” I chuckled.

“Never know.” Her confidence in me, while impressive, didn’t resonate. “I’m entering a new phase of my life, Soph. A husband and kids? How did this happen to me? I’d love nothing more than my best friend by my side going through the same things with me.”

“I will be by your side, more than likely very single, though.” I reached over and patted her hand, taking a long look at the rock on her finger. “Brooks must be good for you, but I missed you. How did I survive these months without you?”

“I don’t know, but I guarantee if I’d been here, I would have made you fuck around and found out with Keaton long before now.” She winked, the playful tone of her words making me chortle.

“Maisy! We work together.”

“So did me and Brooks.”

Before she could persist down this line of thinking any further, her pleading eyes too much to bear, I called over to Flora to cut Maisy’s fascination with Keaton and me short. I interrupted her huddle with Chelsea and Vivian. “Wait untilColt hears Maisy’s news. Have you heard anything from him lately, Flora?”

“His communications are slow and spread out these days. I’m anxious about him.” She shook her head and drew in closer to where we were on the porch.

“He’ll be out of the Navy this fall. We’ll see him soon, Mom.” Chelsea hugged her to her side.

“He’s not coming home,” Flora said, her voice heavy. “He wants to hike the Pacific Trail. Find himself.”

Chelsea frowned. “What does that mean?”

“It means he needs space,” I offered a calming opinion. “I think that’s really brave of him. He’s faced something difficult on the ship that he won’t tell us about. Spending time in nature could be really cleansing for his soul.”

“His soul?” Keaton leaned an arm on the porch railing beside my chair. “Didn’t realize you were two were close enough to know his soul,” he muttered under his breath, so likely only I heard. But of course, Maisy did, and she jabbed me with her elbow.

“If only we could all convince him to come home. I could hug him and assure him. He could talk to me and we’d all help him best we could, right?” Flora glanced around the group, each of us nodding and speaking assurances. “Here I was, thinking of selling my house. But maybe I should hold off for a while in case he comes back.”

Chelsea choked. “What? Our family home?”

“Well, with you kids gone, it feels less like a home. I’m getting older, and taking care of the house is harder. I want more time with my grandkids and less time cleaning a big old place full of memories. Besides, the roof needs repairing soon, and the yard has driven me absolutely crazy this summer.”

Chelsea chewed her cheek. “I see. Let me talk to Rex. We could hire someone to take care of these things for you.”

“Oh, honey, I don’t want you spending money on little old me like that?—”

“Mom, we’re fine, and I know Rex would agree with me.”

“If you end up selling, I’ve got a couple of spare rooms above the Hops. He could rent one of those. I could even give him a job until he lands on his feet,” Keaton offered. His kindness brought a curve to my lips, but before I could thank him, Richard yelled from the barbecue.

“Time to eat.” He proudly carried over a huge metal tray of ribs.

We all shuffled over to the table. I tugged at Keaton’s arm and we lingered toward the back of the group.

“That was really nice of you to offer to help Colt,” I said.

“He’s my cousin,” he intoned, like it meant something I didn’t get.

“Oh, shoot. I left the plates inside.” Vivian rushed toward the house again, but I was closest.

“I’ll get them,” I called.

“Great. Thanks. They’re in the pantry.”

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