Page 33 of One Little Lie
“Jesus.” Now it’s my turn to pull at the back of my neck. “You’re sure she’s there? That island can’t be bigger than ten miles across. You still think it could take weeks?”
“It’s actually seven miles long and three miles wide,” Easton corrects. “But yes, she’s there, and it could take weeks. If she’s been there a while, she’ll be thought of as a local, and they take protecting their own to a whole other level.”
“All right. When do you want me to leave?”
“Tomorrow. GG’s pulling together all the supplies you’ll need now.” Preston smiles.
I sigh, and my shoulders finally relax. Some time alone actually sounds pretty fucking perfect right now.
East leans over me and sticks his finger into my batter. If I had GG’s wooden spoon, I would have smacked him.
“Cut the shit, East. You’re contaminating my dough.”
“You really are good, Halt. The peanut butter cookies were off the chain amazing. I probably ate ten of them,” Preston confesses.
At least someone ate them.
“Great,” I grumble. “Anything else I need to know for tomorrow? Or can everyone leave me alone now?”
“Ash is putting it all together for you. You’ll have everything you need in the morning.”
I nod, and one by one, they give me one-armed man hugs. Everyone except Preston, who spins me around and wraps both of his massive arms around my shoulders. I swear he’s trying to squeeze the life out of me.
“Thought you could use a Westbrook special,” he says with a wink after finally releasing me.
I don’t admit it, but he’s right. I needed a Westbrook special more than I knew. I clap him on the back, and it’s all he needs.
“We’re always here for you, Halt. We know you’ve been miserable for the last few years. Some of us were just too dense to realize why. If you can get your life back, if you can be happy, do it. Colton will come around, I promise. But really think about what would make you enjoy life again. If it’s what I think it is, don’t waste any more time. I know better than anyone that another day isn’t always guaranteed.”
Emotions overwhelm me, so I nod as his words ring loudly in my head.
What would make me enjoy life again?Images of Rylan assault me, but I just don’t know if I deserve to even try.
Turning back to my dough, I fold in the coconut and chocolate chips. These are Rylan’s favorite. I’ll make sure she gets them before I take off tomorrow.
Chapter 11
Rylan
“Are you going to tell me what we’re doing here?” Stepping back on the sidewalk, I glance up at the sign over the store.Peace of Your Soul-Army Supply Store.“The name’s a pretty big contradiction, huh?”
Lexi peers up and laughs. “Yeah, army supply is used very loosely here. It’s more like our version of the Bass Pro Shops. It’s a one-stop shop for work clothes, outdoor gear, and surprisingly, no military supplies.”
Shaking my head, I enter after Lexi. Ari pulls up the rear.
“You still haven’t answered me, though. What could I possibly need here?”
“Camping gear.”
My face must match my shock because Lexi laughs.
“Yup. You and Halton are heading to Block Island to search for the girl that’s missing.” Ari’s explanation has my stomach dropping even more.
“Ah, what? Hatty runs in the other direction anytime he sees me.”Unless he’s on truth wine!“You’re telling me suddenly he’s willing to go camping. With me?”
“Well …” Lexi hedges, and my insides twist up in knots. “Listen, do you want to repair your friendship, if nothing else?”
More than anything, my traitorous heart sings, but I need to lead with my head this time.
