Page 64 of Unrest
“We gotta get our kicks somehow,” Matt told her.
“Yeah, well,” I said. “You’ll just have to use your imaginations.”
The guys booed us, but there was laughter around the table.
“All right,” Rylen said. “For real, though. We’re all hanging out tonight. Everyone at the compound. We’re having a party in the hotel lobby.”
“A party-party?” Remy asked.
“Yep,” Matt answered. “I got the sound system up and running last night. No more little boom box.”
He bee-bopped with his mouth and it was surprisingly good. Rylen caught my smile and watched me, causing a tingle to spring up my spine. It wasn’t the one-on-one hang out I’d been hoping for, but it would do.
“And what Ry failed to mention,” Josh said, “Is that the drugstore-owner-dude had boxes of liquor in his office.Cases. Brother was storing up.”
“Is that really a good idea?” Remy asked. “For everyone to drink?”
“Not everyone,” Matt said. “The night shift suckers will be out there working.”
“Like me,” Mark mumbled. “I can hang ‘til midnight, but I can’t drink. You all have one for me.”
Remy frowned and Tater softened his demeanor. “We cleared it with Top. He said one night, one celebration, then back to work.”
“What if it gets too loud?” Remy asked. “This place isn’t soundproof.”
“There’s nobody out here to hear us,” Matt told her. “If anyone comes near, the watchers will spot them and word will be sent for us to shut the hell up. No worries.” He winked, and she chewed her lip.
We all peered around the table. It was frightening to think about being invaded while our numbers were inebriated. We’d have no chance at survival. But if it were a normal night, with no imminent danger, it could be just the release everyone needed.
I nudged Remy. “It’ll be fun.”
She looked at me like,Who are you and what have you done with my boring bestie?I shrugged. I’d been so uptight since we got here. And after everything today with Texas Harry, I felt the rare desire to have a drink. And maybe that one drink would give me a little liquid courage.
“If anyone needs a haircut before the party, I’m in business,” J.D. said. “Room 325.” He pointed his fork at Tater. “Nobody here will let me do any fun styles, but your hair is amazing. I could do something hot with it. Give you a leg up on the other guys for the few single females here.” J.D. waggled his eyebrows, and I swear I saw Remy’s lip curl up in a quick snarl.
“Nah, I’m good,” Tater told him.
J.D. shrugged. “Suit yourself.” Sean watched him carefully and glanced around the table whenever J.D. spoke, as if gauging everyone’s reaction to him. But his protectiveness was unnecessary.
“Come on.” Remy stood and glanced at me. “Let’s get ready and eat our Christmas presents. Thanks again, Rylen.”
He inclined his head with a grin, but saved his last glance for me before Remy pulled me away.
