Page 28 of Shifting Sands

Leia shrugs.

“Well, tell Brandee when you know the date, and if we’re able to come back down, we will.”

Leia beams at her.

Avie and Eden return with coffees and a cake pop for Leia.

“How was Whiskey Joe’s last night?” Avie asks.

“It was great. Cody Banks is so good. He had the crowd eating out of his hands,” Erin replies. “And Brandee had a blast. Didn’t you?”

I narrow my eyes at her, and she smirks.

“Sure, my feet are sore this morning, but it was great,” I say.

“I bet more than your feet are sore,” Jena mumbles under her breath.

Luckily, the two women don’t hear it.

“I’m glad you guys had fun. Our friend Heather works there. Cody Banks is all she’s been able to talk about for weeks. She couldn’t wait,” Eden says. “Is he as good-looking in person?”

Erin shrugs. “He’s handsome, I guess.”

“Not a fan?” Avie asks.

“Oh, his band is great, and Cody is definitely talented. But we grew up with Garrett Tuttle, so fame doesn’t impress us much.”

Both of their mouths fall open.

“Garrett Tuttle? You guys are friends with Garrett Tuttle?” Eden squeals.

“Yep,” Erin confirms. “I work for his mom and dad, and he’s married to one of our best friends.”

“Oh my God, seriously? Like, you could just call him up?” Avie asks.

Erin glances at her and replies, “Yeah, sure, but he’s in Australia at the moment, so it would be”—she furrows her brow in concentration—“one in the morning tomorrow, I think.”

“Something like that. Ansley can’t wait for this tour to be over and for him to get back. That time difference has been brutal,” I say.

“I can’t believe you all really know him,” Avie exclaims.

Eden glances at her and says, “You should introduce Brandee to Audrey when she and Parker return from New Orleans.”

Avie’s smile broadens. “Yes!”

“Who’s that?” I ask.

“Parker is one of Sebastian’s friends. Do you remember my story about how we met? Parker and Anson are the guys Sebastian worked with on the yacht. Audrey is Parker’s girlfriend, and she’s the general manager at Whiskey Joe’s. Ibet she would love to have a contact for Garrett Tuttle,” Avie explains.

“Um …” I bite down on my lip.

“Oh, that was presumptuous of me. I’m sorry,” Avie says. “I guess I got carried away for a moment.”

“Psssh,” Erin hisses and waves her hand dismissively. “We’re friends now. What good was it to grow up with that asshat if we can’t help create connections for our new friends? I’ll mention your friend to Ansley and see what we can do.”

“Really?”

Erin nods. “Sure. Besides, Brandee really liked that bar, so it can’t hurt to have a connection of her own.”

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