Page 7

Let the Good Times Hang

Grace

The next morning, I wake to Evie’s long body spooning me. She’s breathing her hot breath onto my neck, tickling my baby hairs. I can smell her scent: jasmine, vanilla, and leather. How can she smell so good? She’s in the forge constantly. She lets out a light snore, and I giggle. Evie stirs and pulls me in tighter against her, caressing me in a way that is beyond friends. She lets out a small moan as she nuzzles her soft face into my neck.

Ok , I think it’s time to get out of bed.

“Evie.” I try to gently wake her, tapping her hands, but I get no response. I decide to turn around and be face-to-face with her. “Evie.”

“Mmm, Fallon,” she moans provocatively in her sleep, a smile turning at the corner of her lips.

Oh Gods no . “Evie!” I slap her face hard.

“Ow,” she groans. “What in the Infernals. Did you just hit me?” Evie says groggily, grabbing at her cheek, confused.

“No, I don’t think so,” I lie casually. “But, now that you’re awake, it’s time to get going.”

We climb out of bed and start getting dressed. Slipping on our boots when we hear a knock on the door. It opens and in comes Fallon, oozing confidence as he places his arms on top of the doorframe. His shirt lifts slightly on the bottom hem, revealing glowing muscles underneath. I glare at him. I can recognize my brother is handsome, the girls are always all over him, and he is using it to his advantage now for Evie.

Except, I still remember the little boy who relentlessly put boogers in my hair and wet-willied me. The same boy who squished my head in mud and farted in my face every chance he got. Now, just because he’s grown into a tan, muscled man, doesn’t make those memories go away. He will always be my stupid, disgusting brother with eye-watering farts.

“Hey, sleepyheads, you almost ready?” he purrs, his honey eyes set on Evie with a sinful smile.

I roll my eyes and sigh; here we go.

“We gotta get going. I made a quick breakfast for you guys, it’s out on the table.” He winks and then he’s out of the room.

“Please tell me you don’t like him.” I look at Evie, stomping my foot into my boot.

She chuckles. “I’m not gonna lie, he’s a cute little idiot, but that’s where it ends. I don’t do relationships with humans. You guys die too easily. I’m not about to get my heart broken because I fell for your brother, Grace.”

“Thank you, Moon Mother.” I sigh in relief.

“But I might fuck him,” she states matter-of-factly.

“What?” My voice comes out as a high-pitched squeal.

She laughs and runs out of my room, her long legs carrying her far away from me.

“Evie!” I yell. I finish tying my boot and run out after her. “Evie, I do believe we were still talking.”

She’s sitting by the table, eating some eggs and sausage my brother made us. I eye the food with a watering mouth, but I’m too angry to eat now .

“No, I’m pretty sure we were done.” She chuckles, her dark chocolate eyes filled with mirth.

“You guys ok?” questions Fallon as he strides up to the table, looking between us. My eyes take in my handsome brother. His stupid face is so stupid, how can anyone like his stupidness.

“Stay out of it!” I snap at him.

He throws his hands up in surrender. “Whoa, Gracie.” Fallon chuckles nervously.

“You know what, I’m tired of you guys.” I throw my hands in the air. “We’re going on this trip, but I swear if you two fuck, I’m going home,” I shout and storm outside, slamming the squeaky oak door behind me.

The cold air greets me outside and washes over my face. I take a deep breath and stomp down the garden path, desperate to get away from them inside. Of all the girls he could be with, he chooses my best friend. I hear the door open and light footsteps crunch behind me.

“Hey,” Evie says gently, “I’m sorry. It was a joke. I don’t want your brother, he’s like a little child. I need a man , Grace.”

“I heard your dream, Evie, you can’t lie to me.” I sigh, frustrated.

Her face twists into humor. “You’re spying on my dreams now, Gracie?” She sighs, rubbing at her neck, looking a little embarrassed. “Yeah, it was a weird dream. Fallon was there … with the body of a horse. A very big … horse.” She pauses, her face looking distant before she gives her head a little shake and refocuses on me. “It was a really weird dream, Grace. Honestly, I’m pretty grossed out about it. I’d rather not talk about it anymore.”

We lock eyes for a moment before bursting out laughing.

“Seriously?” I ask once our laughter dies, wiping at my cold nose.

Evie looks me in the eyes. “Seriously. I’m not interested in your brother.”

“Why would you trick me like that? Do you know how disgusted I was when you said that to me?” My voice raises.

She chuckles and shrugs. “Payback for slapping me.”

My mouth drops. “You asshole !”

Evie starts cackling like a witch, clutching her stomach.

“I mean, seriously, do you have to try when you’re being an asshole, or does it just come naturally?” I tease her.

I watch as Fallon opens the front door, carrying bags of supplies. “Ladies, you ready? Come grab your shit.”

We walk over and grab our bags, lugging the heavy thing onto my back. “I should say bye to Mom,” I tell Fallon while dealing with my straps.

“She’s not here,” he says, getting his bag situated on his back.

I pause. “What? Where is she?”

“I don’t really know, she was gone when I woke up,” he replies.

“Oh, ok,” I say deflated. I really wanted to see her. We were starting to get along again. I hope I didn’t ruin it by leaving her for the week. If we go to Halla, maybe I can buy her something. I bet she’d like some more yarn. I smile. Yeah, that’s perfect. I will pick her something pretty.

“Let’s go. I got a few horses reserved for us at Romys’ Ranch, so we’ll have to use the backroads to get there.” Fallon’s voice becomes authoritative, leading the way out of the garden.

I eye Evie as she glances at me. “Horses,” I whisper, raising my eyebrows suggestively.

“I hate you,” she whispers, turning away from me.

I cackle lightly.

We don’t speak once we hit the forest path, being careful not to draw attention to ourselves. I don’t know what’s happening back at market, or if they discovered it, was Fallon. That and my changing appearance gives them ample fuel to accuse us of forbidden magic, sending us right to the noose at the King’s castle.

I have my white hair covered under my dark blue hood. I don’t need anyone being able to point me out because of my hair. We see only a few other travelers passing by, but mostly everyone travels through the markets.

Fallon turns his head around, looking back to check on me. His steps start to slow as he comes to my side.

“Hey,” he says.

“Why are you being weird?” I ask him suspiciously.

Fallon chuckles. “Can’t I check on my baby sister?”

I glare at him.

He chuckles again. “Alright, alright.”

All of a sudden, Evie is by my side too. “What’s going on?”

“Oh my Gods, can you all just pretend I’m still normal and leave me alone?” I say, flustered.

“I’ll leave you alone, but you’ve never been normal.” He laughs, walking ahead of me.

Evie starts to go, but I grab her arm. “Wait, Evie. Can I ask you something? ”

She looks at me expectantly.

I hesitate. Something has been on my mind. I don’t know why I need to know, call it intuition, but … “What was it that Carter asked you to make for me?” I whisper, curiosity demanding an answer.

She furrows her brows before sighing quietly. “Gracie, you don’t want to know that answer.”

“Please, Evie. It’s been bugging me. I saw Carter in the market after I left your house. He was already married to some wealthy woman. I thought he loved me,” I say. “It sent me into a spiral, but I never figured out what he was making me that was so secret. Was it a necklace or something? Another trinket?”

Evie doesn’t answer for a while. I stare up at her furrowed face while we walk.

Finally, she lets out a long sigh. “It was a wedding ring. He was going to get the jewel that night from the merchant so I could set it. I actually did make it, except he picked it up after you died. I think he used it on that woman.”

The world goes silent around me as my gaze falls to the rocky path. I keep walking, but I cannot feel my legs. Carter was going to propose? Then, why did he marry that other girl so quickly? I may not have loved him in the same way Dad loved Mom, but my heart still holds the affection in a way. I feel so confused. If I didn’t love him, why am I suddenly so sad?

I trail behind Evie and Fallon for the rest of the way.

I do not love him, but I have love for him. He broke my heart, and it was a secret blessing. I have moved on from that time in my life, but I grieve this revelation. Perhaps Carter grieves it too. He was Grace Teller’s lover, but he is not mine now, whoever I am. I take a deep breath of the cold air, embracing the cool shadows from the trees. I let my head fall back, looking to the sky, and watch the tree tops sway. Who am I now?

Eventually, we reach Romys’ in good time. The sun is high in the sky, hot beams shining onto the field of golden grass. Horses roam the fields, shaking their manes as they chew on the pasture. We hike up to his bright red stable using the dirt path, my feet already tired from the long walk here.

We approach the large building, the heavy scent of dry grass wafts through the air, reminding me of the barrels of hay at the harvest festival. The loud sound of a shovel echoes through the open stable.

Fallon pounds on the door to the red building. “Hey, Romys. You still got those horses I asked about?” he calls out as we round the corner, walking inside. Romys strides out of a stable with a dirty shovel in hand. His soiled brown overalls have pieces of hay stuck to them. Whether or not they were brown to start with, I don’t know.

“Hey, Fallon, buddy. Yeah, got three for you right over here, ready to go as requested,” he responds happily, clasping arms with Fallon in a friendly manner before leading us inside the stable. Three horses are already fixed with saddles and reins, ready to go. The horses are beautiful, all of them so unique as they walk up to the gates to greet us.

We’re all gazing up at them when Romys speaks, “Hey, did you hear what happened last night?”

“No, what?” Fallon asks, his curiosity piqued as he turns back to Romys.

“Harry Pracker got arrested. They’re saying he burned down a fleet of Lord Bellamy’s trading ships.” Romys chuckles, wiping his hands with a dirty cloth.

Fallon looks at us with wide eyes, amusement hiding underneath. “No shit. You think you know a guy.” He turns back to Romys. “Did they say why he did it?”

“Not sure, he’s saying he’s innocent, but they found the damn fuel in his shed.” Romys walks into a stable fixing the dark patterned blanket under the saddle to one of the horses, yanking it slightly. He grabs the reins and leads a beautiful horse out, the coat reminding me of warm chocolate. He walks the horse out and hands the reins to Fallon.

“It’s too bad you’re leaving now, you’re not gonna see Pracker hang. The little prick.”

“Hang?” all three of us shout in unison.

Romys chuckles. “Yeah, that’s what happens when you mess with a lord’s wealth. It’s happening today. It’ll be a real commotion, maybe it’s a good thing you’ll be out.” He turns to Fallon. “Take Theo out so I can bring out the others.”

Fallon stares at me for a moment, emotion raw in his eyes. He lets out a long breath before smiling at me and walking his horse out of the stable. Romys hands Evie a magnificent white-spotted mare, and she walks out confidently. Romys looks at me. “I’m giving you Cherry, she’ll steer you true.” He hands me beige reins to Cherry, a tall chestnut mare with a pretty braided mane.

“She’s very pretty,” I remark, grabbing the reins from him and petting the side of her neck .

“Yeah, real sweetheart. Just don’t stand behind her or she’ll kick ya.” He laughs, grabbing his stomach. “Alright, out ya go!”

I walk Cherry out to the others, being careful not to get too far behind her.

Outside, Fallon’s and Evie’s horses are loaded up. Fallon saunters to me with some sacks and starts attaching them to Cherry.

“You ok?” he whispers.

“I don’t know, is it bad if I am?” I whisper back.

Fallon turns and smiles at me. “Not at all, Gracie.” He grabs my head, pulling my forehead close, and kisses it softly. I chuckle, pushing him away as I wipe my forehead off with my forearm.

He finishes loading the supplies to my horse and helps boost me up. I throw my leg over, landing in her worn saddle. The distinct smell of leather stains my nostrils. I love it.

“Let’s head out,” Fallon commands, and we start going back through the dusty trail leading to the main path. Fallon leads us as Evie and I ride together.

We make it off Romys’ Ranch and back onto the forest path. Wrightsworth is about a two-day ride; we’ll be lucky to get there tomorrow in time for dinner at the inn. We’re quiet as we ride, all of us lost in thought. Mine keeps drifting to Harry. Is he still alive? Or maybe he’s being hung now. Did his neck break or did he suffer? Do I want him to suffer? I can see him on the gallows now, the scratchy noose around his neck. He’s hanging, struggling, choking. He flops around, trying to get air, thrashing in pain as his lungs burn. His vision blurs and darkens around the corners. Does he feel the coldness creeping in? Is it the same coldness that he forced upon me when he stole my life? Is he embracing it now? I smile. My brother has given me a gift.

We ride for several hours before Fallon breaks the silence.

“Let’s take a break. I have to piss,” Fallon yells over his shoulder. We pull the horses over into the trees, and I jump off. I immediately almost fall to the ground, my legs buckling under me.

“Oh Gods,” I whine. When was the last time I’d ridden a horse? My ass is burning, and my legs feel like rubber. I watch as Evie throws her long leg over the saddle and jumps off gracefully.

I glare at her with narrowed eyes, jealousy filling my gaze. She looks over at me, bow legged and clutching onto Cherry for dear life. “What’s wrong with you?” She laughs.

“Just help me, you asshole.” I glare at her .

Evie laughs again and walks over, helping me up. “I don’t think you’ll even be able to walk to Halla after riding for two days.”

I groan, “Don’t remind me.” She helps me up so I can stand. I let go of her and stagger over to the privacy of the trees so I can relieve myself.

“Gracie. Let’s go,” yells Fallon from behind me.

How is he already done? I hide behind a tree and pee, trying to not fall over, but also trying to not urinate on myself. The bark digs into my back as I squat, my legs shaking from riding. I finish up and walk back slowly, taking my time as I gaze at the colorful mushrooms on the ground. Some mushrooms are so unique, grouped in small clusters. Some are large and flat, stretching out from the bark on the tree. I see a beautiful morsel that captures my attention, tall and so dark, it looks almost purple. I lean in, I want badly to touch it, but I’m smarter than that.

So, I find a stick to poke it.

I stretch the gnarled branch covered in dried moss and pale lichen and tap the dark mushroom gently. A plume of spores puffs out, glistening in the scattered sunlight. The spores shimmer and shine like stars, flowing like smoke. It is pure magic to see life in motion. I want to touch the glimmer, but something tells me not to. I take a few more moments to watch before heading back. That mushroom, there was something so special about it. I’ve never even seen that kind before. It must’ve been poisonous, dark wildlife like that usually means bad.

I get back to the horses, and Fallon is ready to go. “How are you not sore?” I interrogate Fallon.

“You’re just a big baby.” He shrugs.

My mouth drops, and I glare at him. “I am not.”

“You are,” he states like it’s a known fact. I stare at him and realization hits.

“You are totally sore, you’re just trying to act tough for Evie, aren’t you?” I cross my arms and smirk.

Fallon sputters, “I am not! Don’t listen to her, Evie, I’m a very tough man .”

I gasp. “You heard our conversation, didn’t you?” The little pea-brain was eavesdropping on our conversation outside this morning. “Evie, one time, Fallon got stung by a bee and cried.”

“That is blasphemy!” cries Fallon. “Don’t listen to her.”

Evie’s eyes are wide, listening to us bicker. She looks back and forth between us. “… You cried? ”

“Beestings hurt! You know what, I’ve decided I hate you guys. Get on the horse.” Fallon turns around, and Evie and I giggle to each other.

I get back on my horse with a groan, sliding back into the unforgiving leather saddle. Gods, this is going to suck.

“We should rest tonight, ride the rest of the way in the morning. Let’s make camp.” Fallon’s authoritative voice cuts through the dark.

I follow his dark figure into the sparse tree grove until we find a flat area in the woods.

“Let’s stay here, it’s nice and smooth,” Fallon orders.

I sigh, trying to mentally prepare myself for the pain of today’s ride.

Fallon looks to me and chuckles. “Who is the baby now?”

“Shut up and help me,” I whine.

“First, you need to admit how much of a man I am. Be precise too. I want an example,” he goads.

“I would rather die.” My voice thick with attitude.

Defiance overwhelms me, and I rebel. I throw my leg over Cherry dramatically and launch myself into the hard forest floor below. I land with a heavy thud, my head hitting the ground hard. Pressure immediately swims in my skull as it throbs violently. My back aches from the blow as my ass burns from the saddle. I stare, concussed, into the dark canopy above me.

“Grace, you’re so fucking dramatic.” Fallon’s concerned voice comes closer until he’s hovering above me, looking down at me disapprovingly.

I smile. “I don’t need a man’s help.”

He rolls his eyes at me before picking my crippled body up. “Yeah, you’re real self-reliant, kid.”

I groan as I stand. Fallon carefully directs me to a bed pad Evie rolled out. I shuffle to the mat and plop down, my ass and back protesting.

Fallon mutters, “Just stay here while we unpack. ”

I sit, swaying side to side as my head swirls. The back of my skull is throbbing with a blinding headache. I watch Fallon and Evie unload the other beds. Evie is on her knees, bent over and rolling out her mat. I glance at Fallon, and his eyes are glued to her ass. I pick up a rock and launch it at him. He chuckles at me mischievously and continues making his bed.

“Is everyone ok without a fire? I don’t want to bring any attention to us,” Fallon speaks quietly into the dark as we all lay down.

“I think that’s a good idea,” I second.

Evie shuffles to me and hands me a piece of dried meat for dinner. I tear into the jerky with rough rips while my stomach groans impatiently for sustenance.

It’s silent as we all lie down on our mats, eating our dried meat. I stare into the star-filled sky above the shadows of the tree canopy. There are millions of bright stars out there. I wonder if the Gods went back to the stars? What if each star is a God? I watch them twinkle and shine in the sky. I start to make pretend formations out of their lights, seeing a strange face and a dog.

“Hey, grandma,” Fallon whispers into the cool night air. “You sure you don’t want some company over there?”

“You better stay on that mat, boy,” Evie warns.

“I’m just saying, I am very generous in my company,” he whispers seductively.

“And I’m just saying, I am very generous with my dagger,” Evie purrs.

“You guys are literally so gross,” I groan.

Fallon shushes me. “Go back to sleep, my little concussed Godling.”

“You aren’t supposed to sleep when you’re concussed, asshole.” I toss onto my side in a huff, staring into the dancing shadows of the forest.

“Shhh, sleepy time,” he whispers to me. “Let Daddy play with Mommy.”

That elicits groans from both Evie and me.

“Ew, Fallon,” I call out in disgust.

His deep cackles melt into the wind, caressing my soul. I smile drowsily as I shake my head.

All I can think is, it’s good to be alive, as sleep takes me.

I wake to a cracking noise behind me, the snapping and crunching echo into the woods. I open my eyes just in time for another crackle. Sleepily, I turn my body, perched on my elbows, and look over. Fallon and Evie are sitting very close together, eating roasted peanuts from a small burlap sack. They both make eye contact with me, their hands freezing.

“What am I looking at right now?” My voice groggy and confused.

Fallon shrugs. “Peanuts.”

I look pointedly at Evie.

She looks at me sheepishly. “I wanted some. He wouldn’t let me have any unless we sat together.”

I look at her with doubt, cocking my head slightly.

“We didn’t do anything. It’s just peanuts!” she yells, exasperated.

Fallon grins at me, his smile stretching to his eyes as he keeps eating.

I squint at him. “Give me some.”

“Get your own.” He pops one in the air and catches it in his mouth.

Evie snatches the sack and tosses it to me. I smile in victory as I pull out a shell, the hard casing cracking under my fingers. Dust covers my fingertips as I take out a salty nut and pop it into my mouth.

Fallon pouts as Evie stands. “We should go, we aren’t going to get there until late tonight.”

“Yeah, let’s get going, kid. Pack up your bed.” Fallon stands, dusting peanut shells off his pants.

“You’re only two years older than me, Fallon. I’m not a kid,” I mutter.

I set the sack of peanuts aside, and I start rolling up my bed, too lazy to dust off the dirt and leaves. I pack up my blanket and bring both to Cherry, strapping them to her saddle. I stretch my body as Fallon and Evie jump on their horses. Here goes another day of riding. I hold onto the saddle and hoist myself up, Cherry swaying slightly under my weight. I get myself comfortable and lean down to pat her neck, petting her soft hair.

Fallon examines us, making sure we are ready before he sets off back to the road. I sway with Cherry’s steps as she navigates through the twigs and trees. I lower my head under upcoming branches, following Evie and Fallon’s path. We arrive back at the main road and start our long ride to Wrightsworth.

We ride for hours, from the gentle morning rays to the hot sun beaming down on us. The tall groves of coastal trees have thinned out and turned into grand oaks. The once busy forest floor is now covered in tall grasses, rustling in the gentle breeze. The horses’ feet clip and clop in a constant pattern while crickets sing their whistling tunes in the grass. The sour grass is blooming to the side of the path while bushes of lavender flowers hang tall. I inhale deeply, smelling the earth. I love the beauty of nature, such life is amazing and wondrous.

The sun slowly drops across the sky, bringing a beautiful array of colors. Vibrant orange radiates while the sun disappears. It melts into waves of pink blending into lilac hung high in the sky, right before the sky goes dark, paving way for the night stars. I love the day, dawn brings forth fresh light, waking her little creatures. Everything is still silent as you sip on a steaming mug, admiring the new day to come. The afternoon is when everyone mingles and plays, bringing boisterous laughter and sunshine. Dusk is soft, it’s a time for romance and nurturing your soul. The silken wind caresses you as she paints the sky into a masterpiece every evening.

But the night, that is where I thrive. I have always loved the night. When I was little, it meant snuggling into bed and hearing a good book from my mom. It meant seeing Dad after a long fishing trip and hearing his booming voice. I always felt safer in the shadows. The sun was time to play with friends and bask in warmth and life, but the dark was pure serenity. As I got older, the dark meant calmness, for my mother, for myself, for our home. The night was when Mom slept, pain free. It meant Fallon was home, safe from the ocean’s cold waters. It was safety for me and my family.

Everything was peaceful at night. I was swept away in the shadows’ grasps, and the darkness invited me into a world where everything felt like home. I cannot help but be pulled to the shadows, entranced by their darkness. The shadows are silence—tranquility. Soft blankets of black wrap your soul in a chilled embrace. Their clouds shielding you in its wispy arms, bringing clarity and freeing your core to be its true self. I feel them watching me, following me. There are eyes in the dark, always watching—and I love it. I want to live in the dark underneath the light of the stars .

My heart calls to the night.

We arrive at the inn late, the sun long gone and the waning moon high in the sky. Stars pepper the deep blue sky like a flurry of snowflakes. The inn has a single lantern lit outside, the warm glow lights up its cream stone wall and thatch roofing. The single flame entices the shadows in a continuous dance as the gentle breeze irritates the wick.

“I’ll go inside and see if someone can get the horses settled,” Fallon says, getting off his stallion. Evie hops off hers as well, so she can hold onto the reins of both horses. I know I’ll need help getting off Cherry, my lower half had gone numb long ago.

Fallon comes out a moment later, a sleepy young boy in tow.

“This way,” he says in a yawn, directing us to the small stable.

“Come on, my independent little sister, let me help you down.” Fallon walks over and grips my hips, raising me out of the saddle and gently bringing me onto the ground.

I don’t fight him as I yawn, stumbling into him as my feet hit the dirt. I guess if I’m tired enough, I will take a man’s help. Fallon takes Theo and Cherry to the side stable, and Evie follows with her mare. The young boy takes them, one by one. Once finished, he comes back out and hands Fallon a worn key on a ribbon.

“It’s the set of stairs to the left of the bar. The room will be the first on the left once you’re up. You’re pretty lucky you got that one, it’s pretty big, considering. The others like it are much smaller, but the price is higher, so it’s usually the last to sell. It’s late, so dinner is already done, but I’ll grab some bread and cheese for you guys.” The young boy’s voice is groggy as he rambles, his brown, tired eyes zoning out on our shoes.

We all say our thanks and continue inside. It’s cozy; there’s a few wooden tables scattered on either side of the room with a bar in the back. Some large barrels of ale are tapped along the back wall behind the counter. Most of the candles aren’t lit, save a few. The stairs lay to the left of the room, and we head that way. I’m exhausted and sore climbing the stairs; Fallon and I are groaning, staggering up the steps.

“Carry me, grandma.” Fallon throws out his arms, pretending he’s going to fall backward.

“Never,” Evie says in response.

“You would let me fall down the stairs? Me? Your little man ?” Fallon feigns hurt.

Evie chuckles. “The only way I’m touching you is if it’s with my fist.”

We get to the door, and Fallon uses the bronze key to open it, a small click sounds. He turns the worn knob and opens the door, revealing a small room with a washbasin, a dresser, and a single bed.

We stand there and stare for a moment before I hear an evil chuckle come from Fallon.

“You got a room with a single bed?” I turn to Fallon accusingly.

“He said it was the only one they had left. I didn’t ask how many beds were in it.” He shrugs his shoulder, his smile beaming.

“Is it too late to go home?” Evie asks, irked.

There is a sound of footsteps coming up the stairs, and Fallon hurries us all into the small room. A light knock sounds a moment later, and Fallon opens the door slightly, peeking through. I hear his whispers before grabbing a tray of bread and cheese from the figure outside and closing the door.

“Looks like this is dinner tonight,” Fallon states, extending the tray to us.

We all grab a piece of hard bread and cheese, scarfing it down. I haven’t eaten all day. We rode hard today with only a couple bathroom breaks to get here. I swallow my last bite as Evie and I stand together. She glances at the bed often, delaying the inevitable.

I purse my lips and turn to my brother. “I think that Fallon, as the man, should sleep on the floor,” I state.

“No way. My ass is sore . I’m sleeping in a bed tonight.” He peels his billowing beige tunic over his head, revealing cut muscles from working the fishing ships all day. His upper body has a golden tan as he rolls his shoulders, stretching his muscled arms tall. I hear Evie’s breathing become rapid behind me, and I give her a little elbow in the stomach. Fallon unbuttons his pants slowly, his head peeking at Evie with expecting eyes and a seductive smirk.

Blessed Isles, he is doing this on purpose.

He licks his lips, looking her up and down before kicking his pants off and jumping into bed. “You guys can figure out whatever it is you’re doing. I’m going to sleep.” Fallon gives Evie a wink.

Yeah, as if that is going to work. Evie told me herself; she doesn’t see Fallon in that way. He is just a little boy to her.

“Get in the middle,” Evie hisses at me, pushing me with her elbow.

“What? You get in the middle,” I hiss back.

She stares at me with warring eyes. “Grace. Get in the middle.” Her demand sounds more like a plea .

I gasp in revelation. “Evie, you said you didn’t like him,” I whisper angrily.

“I don’t,” she sputters. “It’s just … it’s been a while. Like, he’s kinda hot in an annoying, desperate way.”

“Evie!” I cannot believe I’m hearing this. Suddenly, that cheese and bread aren’t settling well in my stomach.

“Fine, I’ll sleep in the middle, but there won’t be much sleeping. I’m getting naked, and I’m gonna rub my ass all over your brother’s c—”

“Stop! Fine, I’ll be in the middle. Just stay away, you nasty woman.”

I take off my boots, but I keep my dirty riding clothes on. There is no way I’m taking my clothes off in the same bed as these two. I climb onto the hay-filled mattress, and Evie climbs in after me. We wiggle under the scratchy covers, and we’re all squished, pressed into each other tighter than the meat in a sausage casing.

Fallon is chuckling, his eyes closed. “You can’t keep denying your desires forever, grandma. Deep down, you know I would devastate you.” His deep voice whispers seductively, knowingly.

I hear Evie’s breath hitch.

“This is so weird,” I mutter between them. I have my disgusting brother on one side and my turned-on best friend on the other. The only thing keeping them apart is me. I’m about to kick us all off the bed. We can sleep on the floor.

“Wouldn’t be so weird if Evie just owned up and switched,” Fallon grumbles, his back pressing into me.

“There is nothing to own up to.” Her voice shrieks, higher than usual, as she spins away from me.

Fallon chuckles under his breath as an awkward silence fills the air.

I lie there with a frown on my face, staring into the ceiling, stuck in the middle. “We get more rooms tomorrow,” I whisper into the tension.