Page 48 of Brazen Defiance (Brazen Boys #4)
Clara
E mma drags me into a hug the second she sees me, and holding onto her, an embarrassing combination of a giggle and a sob escapes me. “God, I’ve missed you,” she mutters, before dragging me to a table, glancing back at Walker as we go. “I got a table for two…”
Walker waves her off. “I’ll sit at the bar and let you guys have your time.”
But when we sit at the table, I make sure he’s in my sight, the buddy rule in full effect. We already hit up early morning coffee with Summer before she flew to Vegas. She knows what role she may have to play. She looked oddly charmed by the whole idea, so I did well in picking her for that part.
So many moving pieces. But now isn’t the time to worry about them. Not yet.
Emma waves down the waitress and we both order a bellini, my real ID finally stating that I’m old enough to drink.
Four birthdays celebrated on the run, Trips’ only a few weeks ago. I never would have guessed he’s the youngest of the guys. But another day in reality makes our time in Mexico seem like some strange, sun-drenched dream, a necessary purgatory.
Emma drags me back to the present, squeezing my hand in hers. “So, runaway, you’re back.”
“Yup. And this is probably the best chance we’re going to have to speak honestly for a while.”
“How so?”
“Remember that engagement to Trips?”
“How could I forget it?”
“Well, it’s back in play as soon as his dad figures out we’re home.”
“You make it sound so ominous.”
A frustrated breath escapes me. “That’s because it is. But we have a plan. It’s just going to take a while.”
“And you think this ominous father figure is going to lock you down somehow?”
“Without a doubt. So, fill me in on your life, bestie, before we can’t get caught up anymore.”
The waitress returns with our drinks and takes our orders, the sun glinting off the Mississippi and rippling light across the room, a periodic halo around Walker when I glance his way, needing to assure myself he’s still there.
Emma takes a sip, and I turn to listen to everything I’ve missed.
She fills me in on a summer of helping her dad spay and neuter pets, of vaccinating calves and lambs for new ‘city try-hards,’ as she calls them.
She mentions a few close calls with the local farmers, and how she and her dad had to double as ‘people doctors’ when they were too stubborn to drive a county over and see a real one.
And she mentions an unusual number of visits to various bluegrass concerts, which has a grin pulled all the way across my face before she works up the courage to tell me what I already know. “Oh, and um, Jansen’s sister and I are a thing now.”
My squeal has the people at the tables near us twisting in surprise, but I’m on my feet and dragging Emma into another crushing hug. “I’m so happy for you! Are you happy?” I pull back, and she’s nodding, her pink hair falling over her shoulder.
“So fucking happy.”
“Then we need to celebrate,” I announce, finishing my drink and motioning for the waiter, ordering a second for us both.
Emma shares her story, and I tear up, hearing how perfectly everything has gone for them. And when the waitress returns with our drinks and our food, I hoist my glass in the air. “To happy endings.”
Emma giggles, then joins me. “To happy endings.”
When I drink, the bubbles taste like joy incarnate.