Page 72 of Holiday on the Rocks
Kristina squealed. “Is this the most beautiful thing you’ve ever laid your eyes on?”
THIRTY-FIVE
ALLIE
SECRETS
We all found seats and sipped on hot chocolate. While everyone’s eyes were on the little band, mine were stuck on the hot one as he laughed with Evan.
I am literally insane to let myself think of him. Well, “insane” sounds a little mean. Maybe I prefer the phrase “mentally creative” when referring to my sanity from this moment on? I needed to grip.
A grip on his tushy. Stop!
Kristina pointed. “Hey, a candy shop.”
Lexi let out a yell. “Let’s do it.”
Rachel tossed her cup into a trashcan. “I’ll come.”
Royce slapped Evan on the shoulder. “Let’s find some cigars.” He eyed me. “Levi, come with us.”
It wasn’t a request. It was a we don’t trust you out of our sight thing.
“I’m good.”
His head shook. “You’re being here is all jacked up.”
The delightful town square that was magical ten seconds ago was now a little darker.
I touched his arm. “Royce, it’s fine. It’s in the past. Nothing to worry about.” Was my nose growing?
My cheeks warmed as he examined my eyes.
Evan stepped between the two. “Let’s all calm down. It was a long time ago.”
Royce let out a huff. “Evan, you weren’t around. What he did?—”
I stepped to Royce, the one who came to my house with Lexi every day after school to help me with my walking. My parents installed a long ballet bar in the hallway where I’d practice. When I’d feel sorry for myself Royce would stand at the end of the hall hurling insults at me until I finally made my way to him and he’d allow me to punch him in the arm.
“Royce, I promise you I’m fine.” I flashed my toothiest smile. “Today was fine, right?”
He glared at Levi. “I feel like today is The Fuckening. A day when things are going too well and you don’t trust it because you’re suspicious some shit is gonna go down.”
Levi’s voice was quiet. “Nothing is going down. I live in Brazil. I’m leaving in a few days.” He spoke as if talking to a toddler. “Do you know that Brazil is on a different continent, Rocey?”
I bit my lip to conceal a smile while Royce’s eyes bulged.
Evan patted Royce on the back. “Come on, let’s get those cigars.”
He pointed at Levi. “Anything shady and I’ll?—”
Levi let a sarcastic laugh out. “You’ll have to get in line behind Rach and Lexi for that.” He whispered, “I’ve heard through the grape vine that poisoning is on the table.
Evan gave Levi a weak smile as Royce flipped him the bird before they walked away.
“This is not good.”
A moment later Levi extended his hand. “Dance?”
