Page 112 of The Reno
But these people weren’t best friends.
Ren’s gaze finally shifted away back to his dad with a cocky smile. But call it ADHD perception or whatever, but I knew the expression Ren wore on his face was longing.
Longing and regret.
My eyes shifted to Lydia.
You okay?I mouthed.
Lydia gave me a quick nod as everyone sat back down and began quizzing Ren. Sandra pulled up a spare chair, and Brian shoved a beer into Ren’s hand and busied himself, making a plate of food for the new arrival. It struck me that Brian and Sandra’s ties to both Hunter boys were strong.
“How long are you staying, son?” Kevin asked, clapping hisson on the shoulder.
“For good,” Ren said, sipping his beer.
Lydia’s head shot up. Ren swallowed as he stared at her.
“For good.” Kevin frowned.
“Yep,” Ren said, angling his head towards Liam. “Liam convinced me. He left me a sappy message about how he’d found his big boy pants ’cos he finally found a woman to inspire.” Ren’s eyes landed on me, twinkling. “I’m guessing that’s you, Kat.”
I shrugged, sipping my wine. “I guess I gave him a good kick up the arse.”
Ren laughed. “Good.”
“Can you stop talking about me like I’m not here,” Liam grumbled.
“I’m here to help you open Lily’s,” Ren told Liam. “I figured you could do it with the best bartender in the Northwest.”
Lydia snorted, and Ren’s eyes flickered to her.
Lydia stood. “You won’t stay. You never do.”
Ren flinched but recovered quickly, replacing it with a smirk. “I am staying. For good.”
“I’ll believe it when I see it.”
“Well, I’ll just have to prove it to you, won’t I? I’ve done it before. Remember the fifteen hundred metres at school? I won that fair and square.”
Lydia’s eyes narrowed. “And I won it the following year, remember?”
Ren’s eyes flickered down Lydia’s frame and then back up. “I remember.”
Lydia’s chair scraped back, and she muttered something aboutfresh air before leaving the room. Ten seconds later, Ren followed, his fists clenched.
“What is that about?” I muttered to Liam.
“I have no idea, but it’s probably Ren’s fault. He was always the troublemaker. Lydia always tried to smooth over his mistakes when we were kids.”
I knew one thing—Lydia was in for a grilling later.
Three hours later, napkins were scrunched on the table, and rings of red wine stained the tablecloth. Ren shared stories about his travels, his eyes wild and captivating. Lydia didn’t return to the table but texted me some bullshit excuse about an early start. I was tempted to call her out, but Lydia always had so much patience for everyone, so if she needed time, I would give it to her.
I stood up, running my hand across Liam’s back. He had been laughing with his brother and dad for hours. I loved seeing the matching laugh lines around their eyes.
Liam glanced up at me, his hand moving over mine. “You okay, Red?”
“Yeah, just going out for some fresh air.”
