Page 64 of Holiday on the Rocks
“Good. Because I’ve watched so many Criminal Minds episodes, I can make your death look like Santa Clause did it.”
She walked away with a tray of shots in her hand as Evan leaned over. “I still can't believe you came here knowing what Colorado had in store.”
“I realize I should’ve told you.”
“This whole thing went completely sideways back then. You're keeping it cool, right?”
I took a long drink of my beer. “Oh yeah, totally cool.”
“Really? Because I feel like your survival rate has decreased significantly since the arrival of our group.” He clinked his cup of water against my beer bottle. “Here’s to you, because if you don’t keep your damn eyes off Allie, this whole thing unravels tonight. I’m sure you don’t want your last stop ever to have been at The Wienerlicious strip joint.”
Evan sounded cool, but he knew better than most what she could do to me. He’d literally put me back together when I went to live with his family.
“I hear you. And I won’t be dead tonight.”
My eyes found their table through the crowds of crazy ladies to see Lexi flipping me the bird before Evan roared with laughter. “Ya sure about that buddy? I think the only focus tonight should be on keeping the peace.”
“If Coke and Pepsi can’t even be in the same restaurant together, there’s no chance of peace anywhere.”
“Come on, Levi. You need to keep everything in check. Just embrace the attitude of a child and play nice.”
“You knew me as a kid. If I try to embrace my inner child the little asshole will bite me.”
“You just need to stay away from Allie.”
“Don’t worry. I’m putting together a plan.”
“To stay safe and healthy?”
I leaned up and awaited his reaction. “A plan to get her back before we leave Colorado.”
He groaned. “No. Terrible idea.” His eyes were intense. “Rachel’s a sweetie, but I know what she’s capable of. You back off right now. If you still feel it in a few months, go to her then.”
I took another long drink while holding his eyes which seemed to wrangle up a little panic in my cousin. “Levi, I need your promise you won’t fuck this trip up.”
“Fine, I promise not to fuck up anything.”
I felt there was at least a seventy percent chance I was spitting the truth.
TWENTY-NINE
ALLIE
FUN?
After two shots Kristina loosened right up and was giggling nonstop as Rachel passed out crisp one-dollar bills.
The fella on stage made his way to our table when Lexi hopped on her chair hollering while waving her cash in the air like she just don’t care. Kristina’s cheeks turned neon pink as the dancer slithered in her direction.
I sipped my tequila sunrise as Lexi scooted her chair closer.
“Please tell me you’re using your brain.”
I crossed my fingers beneath the table. “Lex, I promise there’s nothing to worry about.”
“So you’ll steer clear of him? Because my head hurts today. I think my horns are coming in, and you don’t want any part of that shit.”
I nodded as the left side of my brain laughed. Not likely to comply.
