Page 23 of I Knead You Tonight

I scoff. “Hold your gremlin who keeps me up all night with his squawking? Did hell freeze over and I missed it?”

“He doesn’t even make that much noise,” she argues, not the least bit surprised by me not wanting to hold him.

I point to myself. “Light sleeper.”

“Whatever.” She waves her hand. “I’m making you a sandwich. Not because I like you, but because I feel obligated. Hope you like mustard and mayo.”

“What if I don’t?”

“Well then tough fucking shit. Dinner will be ready in five. Go wash up.”

I tap my temple. “I’ll be outside getting my head right.”

She sighs but doesn’t say anything, heading back into the kitchen as I make my way out the back door.

I grab my trusty box and lighter and take up my usual spot on the deck.

Lighting the joint, I inhale, holding the sweet surrender in my lungs as long as I can as I admire the sea that calls to me like a siren. I itch to go inside and grab my camera to capture the waves in their nighttime essence.

I knew the coast was where I belonged the moment we stepped foot in this town when I was thirteen.

I’ve been a slave to the waves ever since. They’re my favorite thing to photograph.

I suppose it’s the one upside to never being able to sleep. Early mornings are my favorite time to catch on film.

“One turkey sandwich and chips,” Drew says, sliding a plate down the railing.

“Complete with mayoandmustard?”

“Maybe a little something extra.”

I grab the sandwich and take a bite. Chew. Swallow. “Yep, hate and discontent. I can taste it.”

“Weird. Mine tastes like it was made with love.”

“You’d never make anything for me with love. Poison, maybe. Love? Never.”

“I think that’s a fair assessment.”

She grins at me, and we eat our meal in silence.

I stare out at the ocean, and she stares at me.

“What?” I ask when I can’t take it anymore, my skin beginning to crawl.

“Nothing.”

“Nothing never meansnothing. What?”

“I’m just trying to figure out your angle here.”

I sigh, hating the riddles. “Just tell me what you’re trying to say. I’m in no mood for games.”

“Why are we here?”

“Because I invited you.”

“Why?”

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