Page 33 of Awake in Cheshire Bay
“We’re all good. I think I have enough alcohol to keep everyone well hydrated.” I looked inside the box and did another quick count on the flats in the box. “Yeah, should be enough. Thanks for your help.” I opened the door of my truck and stood on the running board. “Offer still stands if you want to come for the bonfire tonight.”
“Next time.”
# # #
The bonfire was in full swing and people were celebrating all they had to be thankful for. I had to admit, despite all that life had thrown at me, I was pretty lucky, and had plenty to be grateful for.
I owned my own successful business and had a roof over my head.
I had great friends, the best in the world, who loved me with all their hearts and were willing to slap some sense into me when I needed it most.
And aside from having someone I trusted with my heart, I had everything else I needed in life.
I stood on the edge of the beach, arm in arm with Cedar, my tummy full from the platefuls of food I’d consumed. Turkey, salads, mashed potatoes, homemade dessert, the works. If I ate before Christmas, it would be too soon.
“Great party, isn’t it?” Her belly seemed a little bigger than normal. Guess the baby enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner too.
I rested my head against hers. “It really is. No one is severely intoxicated even though we somehow went through all the beer. Guess I misjudged that.”
Which was odd because I’d triple checked the numbers.
“No one’s touching the hard stuff, so that’s probably why. Also, Riley said there were additional people. Something like ten others.”
“That’s why I didn’t recognize them.”
I tended to hang out with those I knew, as I was more comfortable with Eric, Cedar and Mitch – my relatively tight group. I was learning to like Lily the more I got to truly know her – she and I didn’t hang out as teens when she was one of the summer brats visiting for the summer as I was at odds with her personality, but she’d come a long way since then and seemed to be a good fit for Eric. And that made me like her more.
“Willow and Arlo’s kids came, which I guess was a last-minute decision.”
Well, that would add to the numbers since they had three grown children who were each married.
“Oh, yeah, and Trent and Delilah came. Trent works in the tower and was alone for Thanksgiving.” She faced me with seriousness on her face and a finger in the air. “Don’t even think to ask him anything about the flight.” She paused and softened her features. “Eric already has.”
There went that idea.
“I appreciate the effort but I’m trying not to think about him.” Even though he popped up in my dreams nightly.
“Why aren’t you joining in more of the festivities? Come on over. Arlo’s got the guitar and he’s playing a haunting rendition of a Chris Isaak song.”
“Oh yeah, which song?”
“Wicked something or other.”
“Wicked Game?”
She perked up. “Yeah, that one.”
That song. It was one of the songs playing in the distance the night Antonio and I danced under the stars; the speakers of the Cowboy Den sent it straight out to us.
“Thanks, but I’m waiting for an order from Dale. I requested a couple more flats. As the barkeep of this party, I need to fulfill my end.” I winked.
“Always the bartender, never the drinker.”
“Says you who has no drink in hand.” I let my gaze drop to her tummy. “Of which I’m happy to see.”
“Once Dale gets here, you’ll come join us?” There was so much pleading in her features it was hard to turn her down.
“Maybe. Not sure if I’m in a sing-along mood.”