Page 111 of Stolen Voices

My heart melts at the care he gives my guitar, his eyes lingering on it before reluctantly walking away.

“Thanks for letting me play, Callie,” Rhys says, walking our way.

A thought occurs to me, and it’s out of my mouth before I can stop it. “Do you want to come back tomorrow and play with me again?”

His eyes bug out of his head in shock at my offer. “Really?”

“Totally. You’re a natural. Maybe I can teach you a little more before I leave.”

“Mom?” Rhys looks at Rylann again, as do I, hoping I didn’t cross any lines.

“If it’s alright with Callie, it’s alright with me.” Rylann turns to me. “Same time tomorrow after summer camp?”

“Perfect.” I’m giddy at the prospect of not only the company but of sharing my love of music with someone young and interested.

“Freaking awesome,” Rhys shouts, punching the air. “Did you hear, Uncle Lee? Callie’s going to teach me how to play the guitar.”

“I did. You are one lucky dude.” He holds out a fist for Rhys to bump. “Go wait by the door,” he directs Rhys before making a beeline over to Scarlett. He wraps his arms around her waist and kisses her. And I mean kisses her. Tongue and everything.

Whoa. The guys around here are really into their women and showering them with affection.

“Gross,” Rhys mumbles, while all I can do is gawp at the couple making out in front of me.

“Holy sh…” my words trail off as the two break apart and Levi slaps Scarlett’s butt.

“See you later, baby.”

“Later, baby.” She sways on her feet as he exits the house, Rhys in tow.

“Does this sort of thing happen all the time around here?” I ask, fanning my face.

“Yes.” Emery grabs the bag from the counter and pulls the contents out, lining them up on the counter.

Scarlett joins Emery, and as they move around the kitchen, grabbing a blender and ice out of the freezer, making the space feel more like home for the first time since I arrived.

“What are you all making?” I ask, curious about the lime-green liquid Scarlett pours into the blender.

“Margaritas,” she explains. “You’ll love them.”

“Oh. I, uh, I don’t drink,” I admit.

Scarlett looks at me with wide eyes. “Like, ever?”

I shake my head. “I’ve had champagne before, but not usually. Drinking isn’t good for my voice.”

The three women in my kitchen place a hand on their chests and gasp.

“Margaritas are the lifeblood around here.” Scarlett gasps.

Emery chuckles. “Stop it. You’re going to make us sound like lushes.”

“Hush, you.” Scarlett bats at Emery with her hand like an annoying bee.

My mouth goes dry under their scrutiny. For something to do, I reach for my bottle of water and take a sip.

“It’s a good thing these are virgins, then,” Rylann declares with a smile.

“Please don’t tell me you’re a virgin too, or I might die,” Scarlett quips.