Page 66 of Wayward

“Whoa, this is bloody brilliant, Dante.” Zane’s inhaling a skewer while making up a plate of food.

“I love this place. The food is amazing, but it’s the people.” Haley waves goodbye to the young boy who’s been called back to his family stand. “Everyone is so lovely.”

When we’ve all eaten more than we thought possible, we start the walk back. It’s only a minute before I see the same guy who gave me a ride yesterday.

“There you are, friend.” He waves at me. “You need a ride?”

“There’s more of us. I’m not sure we’ll fit.”

“All but the big guy.” He points at Calvin.

I don’t know if it’s the one Thai beer I’ve had or if I just have a death wish. “We can fit, even the big guy. I’ll even pay you this time, and for the last time too.” I hand him money for last night’s trip. “Here’s for yesterday,” I say in Thai.

“Thank you.” He bows, and I return the bow. “Can we try?”

“Sure, big guy can push.”

Calvin gets in the front seat, and somehow, we all fit.

Chapter 29

Can of Sardines

Sam

The car rolls up to the side road near our villa, and I let go of the door handle. It pops open like expected. My hand’s cramping from holding it closed on the bumpy road. I unfold my legs from Zane’s and step out onto the sidewalk.

“Here, Sam—pull.” Haley waves her hand at me and laughs. I give her a good yank and she pops out, flying into me. I catch her and hold her up. “Is your ankle okay?”

“Yeah, but I have to go to the bathroom now from laughing so hard.” She holds her hands to her sides.

The ace bandage has come loose. I kneel next to her and tighten it.

Straightening, I rub my ribs. “That’s the last time I do something like that. Zane’s elbow was in my kidney.”

Haley chuckles. “I’m a one person, one seat belt kind of gal too.”

“I know you are.” I wiggle my eyebrows at her as the rest of the guys fall out of the car. Calvin, who comes out of the frontpassenger seat, is the only one who’s not rubbing a part of his body.

Dante says something to the guy in Thai and hands him a wad of cash.

The driver waves him off, but Dante’s insisting. Haley steps next to Dante and bends down to see in the front passenger window. “Please, you really helped us out.”

“Okay, okay.” He takes the cash. “Good day.” He waves as his red car speeds away.

“What now?” Dante asks, stepping up to Haley. “You ready for a shower and a nice comfy bed?”

“That sounds good.” Haley pauses. I’m not the only one who can hear theorcoming.

“Or?” Easton adds for her.

“We could walk down to the beach and listen to the ocean. If we’re really going home soon. This might be?—”

“That’s a great idea,” I say. Hell yes I’m ready to go home. But I’m not ready for what I feel about Haley to end.

“I thought you might all hate it. I’ve had enough sand for life, but the sound and smell is something I think I’m going to crave forever.” Haley latches onto my bicep.

“Exactly,” Zane says.