Page 139 of Mountain Daddy

Eventually, Dad butts in with questions, and the conversation flows to Ashley’s classes.

Finally free from attention, I slump into my seat.

Which is when I spot Luther’s plate. And the fact it’s heaping with nothing but brownies.

“They’re here!”Ashley hops up out of her chair, and we all turn our heads to see a group of twentysomethings—three girls and two guys—walking up the driveway.

She mentioned earlier that some of her friends from school were coming. And seeing her excitement over their arrival, I’m glad they did.

My hope for today was that Ashley wouldn’t hate me, but I hadn’t really given any thought to whether or notIwould likeher. But it didn’t take the past hour for me to decide. I think it’s probably impossible to not like Ashley. She’s sweet and funny and seems like a genuinely nice person.

And yes, I’m still peeved at Luther for not telling me that his sister was our bartender. But seeing how kind of a human he raised… that’s made up for it, more than a little.

“Guess I should say hi to the people who are going to be sleeping under my roof tonight.” Luther groans as he pushes himself up to standing.

Ashley and her friends are already walking through the garage, so Luther doesn’t go far.

As they approach, I watch in amusement as all of Ashley’s friends stare at him.

Even the guys.

One of the girls whispers something to Ashley, and she replies by pretending to gag.

I bite down on a snicker.

I get it.

If one of my friend’s dads looked like Luther… I’d be inviting myself to sleepovers as often as possible.

“Drinks?”I ask as I stand from the couch.

The weather took a turn about an hour after Ashley’s friends showed up. We were able to drag all the outside chairs into the garage before the rain started. But the drop in temperature sent everyone inside.

Somehow, I ended up in the living room with Luther, Ashley, and her friends. All of us easily fit on the two large couches and pair of armchairs.

I don’t know where my dad is, but he was chatting with Jessie last I saw, and I’m trying my best to avoid her.

Which I feel bad about. Because she seems cool. But I still feel guilty about her having to lie for us. And the hard cider I just had is sitting so nicely in my system that I’m afraid I’ll say something I shouldn’t, outing the fact that we’ve met before.

Maybe this next drink will be a mistake, but the alcohol is helping the stress-sweat situation, and my dad is the one driving home, so… I’ll take the gamble.

Luther drains the rest of his beer. “If you don’t mind.”

I hold my hand out for his empty. “I don’t mind.”

I haven’t paid attention to how many Luther has had, but the way he’s looking up at me says he’s had a few.

My fingers open and close, and he presses the glass to my palm.

Ashley’s sitting on the other side of Luther, and when I lift my brows in question, she shakes her head.

“Anyone else?” I ask, and one of the guys nods.

“I’ll take a beer, but I can help.” He starts to get up from his couch.

“Don’t worry, I got it.”

“You sure?” he asks, still perched on the front of his seat.