Page 71 of Always a Roommate
“I need to go order that sand.” I walked off and took a seat in one of the beach chairs we’d set up for breaks. The county would dump more sand at the beach, but it would take much longer than we had.
Hurricane season was mostly over, and we needed to be back up and running by the time the snowbirds and tourists returned at the end of the month. That meant having a beach people actually wanted to go to.
We didn’t have as much money as Tanner said he’d need, but we were saving on things like paying to have the roof repaired—the second biggest expense, second only to restocking the store.
After ordering the sand, I sat back and watched the people I loved work. Tanner hadn’t stopped smiling since he realized he’d be able to save his store.
The commotion started with Cane barking and running off down the beach. I stood, walking toward the beach access to see what was going on as loud chatter reached my ears, much louder than this group here would ever talk.
And there she was. Rae stood at the head of a group of people, leading them toward the Hut. Her hair was sleek down her back, and she looked just like the Rae I’d known before we’d ever kissed, the one who fought me and never let me see behind the mask she wore.
But I realized this girl and the new one who sent me private smiles were the same girl, and I wanted them both.
“Oh, wow.” Finley was next to me again.
At her gasp, I finally took in the people behind Rae. Drew Stone was crouched down, petting Cane with a giant grin on his face.
The rest I recognized from seeing them in TV interviews.
Why was there a group of celebrities standing on our beach?
Tanner climbed down the ladder from the roof and joined me, his arms crossed over his chest. “Cane better not like Drew Stone more than he likes me.”
That made me laugh. “I thought you hadn’t wanted to keep him overnight.”
“Yeah, well, we bonded.”
I patted his back. “I’m sure the dog won’t cheat on you.” And then, I walked toward them, drawn to Rae like a moth to a flame. She bit her lip, her confidence wavering as if she didn’t belong here.
I wanted to tell her she did. Whatever happened between us, this was her family too.
Her shoes dangled in one hand and a breeze made her dress ruffle out but not rise. Hair blew across her face.
I stepped in front of her, realizing it was the first time we’d talked in days. A sudden awkwardness swept over me.
“Hey,” I said, a brilliant opener.
She lifted her eyes. “Hi.”
We stared at each other for a long moment before someone cleared her throat. “How can we help?” Lola asked.
I realized everyone was looking at me expectantly. Rubbing the back of my neck, I glanced over my shoulder, unsure where to send them.
Tanner saved me, stepping to my side and facing the rock stars like they were just normal people. “We’re about to paint outside while the weather is nice. Or you can work inside with my mom.”
“Painting sounds fun,” one of the other girls said.
They dispersed, except for Drew, who was still giving Cane all his attention, and Rae, who offered me a weak smile.
Tanner cleared his throat, and Drew looked up. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Cane’s friend Tanner.”
Drew rose, extending a hand. “I’m his friend Drew.” The two men stared at each other, eyes narrowed.
Cane barked at them, and they broke away, still giving each other wary looks before Drew went off to join his friends.
Rae pressed her lips together, and I could tell she was trying not to laugh. I wasn’t sure when I became so aware of her expressions, when I’d started understanding her—or at least trying to.
Tanner patted his leg, and Cane went to lean against it, letting Tanner scratch his head.
