Page 100 of Collins
Back in Laken.
With Collins.
Surrounded by people who somehow feel like they’ve always belonged to me—old connections, new ones—all tangled together into something solid. Bea hasn’t shown a single sign of heading back to New York, and the way she and Campbell orbit each other…
There’s something there. Something growing, rekindling.
I don’t question it. Don’t overthink it.
I’m just…happy.
Happy we’re all here. Together.
But even in the middle of the laughter and the warmth, there’s an ache that still lingers.
Nan.
My gaze drifts, almost without meaning to, toward the spot the trailer used to sit. Reduced to nothing but a pile of dirt.
Gone.
The new owners took possession right after that last night Collins and I spent there. They eventually took it away, moved it somewhere new, I guess.
And something about that twists in my stomach.
We stroll around for the next hour or so.
My wine is empty, Billy’s bag is full, and by the time we circle back to Lou’s porch the Combs boys seem like they’re up to something, whispering and huddling together every now and then.
We barrel through the front door, a rush of air and laughter following us in. Billy scrambles onto a barstool, dumping his haul of candy onto the counter in a colorful cascade.
“Easy there, killer,” Lou says, amused. “We’re ordering pizza. After you eat, you can pick a couple treats.”
I huff a laugh just as Billy sneaks a Snickers bar the second her back is turned. He glances over his shoulder, catching me watching, and offers a shy, guilty smile. Bea slides in next to him, looking over the options.
“Can I have something, bud?” He picks up a piece handing it to her and they both try to discreetly take bites without Lou seeing, drawing a chuckle from me.
“Hey, Mom, can Johnnie and Bea stay and eat pizza with us?” he asks, eyes bright with hope. “We’re gonna watchHocus Pocus, and Johnnie said that’s her favorite!”
An invitation for pizza andHocus Pocus? A man after my own heart.
I glance at Collins, scrambling for an excuse. Even though I would love to stay, all I really want is to drag him home and have him to myself for the rest of the night.
He looks between me and Billy, then shrugs. “That might be a good idea, John. The guys and I have a few things we need to get ready for tomorrow. How about we go take care of that, and I’ll come back for you after? We’ll head home then.” He grabs his wallet, throwing down some cash on the counter.
“Here, Lou, order plenty.”
Dammit.
AHocus Pocusmovie night with Lou and Billy sounds perfect, it does, but I’d been looking forward to having Collins all to myself.
Guess it can wait a little longer.
“Oh—okay,” I say, forcing brightness into my voice.
He crosses the room toward me, that slow, knowing grin playing on his lips. He presses a quick kiss to my mouth before leaning in, voice low. “We won’t be long.”
I give him a reluctant smile and sink onto the couch. Not without noticing the slap to the ass Campbell gives Bea before they walk out the door.
