Page 76 of Hope After Loss

“Do we know anything about this guy? His name? Where he lives? Is he from the valley?” I ask.

They both look at me.

“No,” Erin says.

“So, you guys just let her go off with some stranger?”

“She’s a big girl, Weston,” Brandee scoffs.

“Yeah, we aren’t her parents,” Erin agrees.

“I’ve seen enough porn. I know how this goes. He’s young. He gets her to the lake and plies her with alcohol.”

Erin rolls her eyes. “We’re talking about Anna here, not some imaginary horny MILF.”

“It’s not her that I’m worried about.”

“You sure as shit shouldn’t be worried about him. Even if he does want in her pants, he has to get past her to get there.”

“I just don’t want him to pressure her.”

She laughs. “I think she can handle it.”

“She shouldn’t have to handle it,” I snap.

“Hmm, sounds like someone might be a little bit jealous,” Brandee quips.

“Unbelievable,” I mumble.

Maxi sets a mug in front of me. “His name is Heath. He’s twenty-eight years old. He lives about an hour from here, closer to Gatlinburg. He’s a childhood friend of one of the guys down at the firehouse. He’s cute. A nice guy. Still a bit of a partier. But he’s single and just not settled down yet. I don’t think you have to worry about him. He’s harmless, and he really doesn’t seem like Anna’s type. At least not to me.”

Erin and Brandee stare at her.

“What?” Maxi asks.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say that much at one time,” Erin says.

“Yeah. And when did you find all that out?” Brandee asks.

“I pay attention. Especially when the talk involves one of you,” Maxi explains.

“Aw, you love us,” Erin chirps.

Maxi rolls her eyes and walks off.

“See, she’s fine,” Erin says.

I take my mug and walk over to join a couple of guys at the dartboard.

About half an hour later, Brandee taps me on the shoulder.

“Can you go get Anna?” she asks.

“Why? What happened?” I ask as I fish my keys from my pocket.

“Nothing. She just texted and asked if I could pick her up at the lake, but Isley is on her way to my house with Kaela. I told Anna I’d be home by nine and that Isley could drop her off with me until she got home. I tried to call Isley, but she isn’t picking up, so I need to get there first to meet her and let her know of the change of plans.”

“I got her. Just go meet Isley,” I say.