Page 112 of Zone
I do a quick sweep and realize she’s wearing a short red dress that dips low in the front and has thin spaghetti straps. Her curly brown hair hangs long down her back with a little over her shoulder, and her lips are painted red. My sister looks really pretty, and really…holy shit.
Edward stands on the other side of Austin with his back to the bar not saying a word, but also not looking at them.Does he know about this?
My brother looks down, his eyes also sweep her body, then he clears his throat. “I’d better head home.” He punches Edward on the arm. “See you tomorrow?”
Edward nods, but doesn’t answer. His expression is unreadable, and I don’t know if he’s keeping a secret or trying not to know something he can’t talk about.
I’m still reeling when Austin looks at me, and his brow lowers. “You good, Knox?”
His tone is stern, almost like he’s sending me a message, and it takes me a beat to figure out how to reply.Is he trying to tell me there’s nothing to see here?
Kim lifts her chin, turning away from him and walking around me to where Gina is still waiting for an answer to whatever the hell question she posed. She is clearlynotseeing what’s going on here.
“I think I’m a little drunk,” I say, and my brother’s brow relaxes.
“My work here is done.” He holds up a hand, and I clasp it.
He pulls me in for a brief hug, a slap on the back, and I watch as he heads for the door.
CHAPTER 26
Melody
Black and gold “BCB” buttons with little fleur de lis are all over the French Quarter and in the specialty shops and at the cash registers in liquor stores. People are walking around the streets with BCB painted on their cheeks in black and gold. You can’t throw a plastic doubloon without hitting someone supporting my man.
I also see several “F-U, Chet-n-Sue” shirts, and while they look sort of homemade, I’m tempted to ask where they got them. I’d like to invest in a whole box for me and all my friends—and possibly Knox’s cousins as well. From what I’ve heard, I’m sure they’d wear them.
The Carnival Cruise ship docked yesterday morning, and I’ve been pacing in front of my laptop, waiting to hear from Stacia ever since.
One of the sports pod influencers picked up my plea for help and amplified it on her channel. After that, things really went viral.
Stacia’s been out to sea, but I’m crossing every finger and toe and praying she’s seeing all this. I’m praying the obviously flustered receptionist gives her my message.
Another day passes, and I’ve just about given up hope when my phone screen lights with a text.
Maybe Stacia
Is this Melody Dunne? The Quarterback Princess? I’m Stacia Smith. I got a message you were looking for me?
Melody
Yes! OMG, thank you so much for texting me! Knox Bradford is a good friend of mine, and he could really use your help right now if you’re up for it. It’s kind of a long story, but if you don’t mind meeting with me, I’d be happy to explain it all to you. I could buy you a cafe au lait?
I wait, chewing the side of my nail, saving her contact info, and praying she’ll say yes.
Stacia
Sure—I’m glad to help Knox! Come by my apartment this afternoon, and let’s chat!
I huff a laugh and almost cry at her reply. I quickly reply I’ll be there.
Three hours later, I’m standing outside the wrought-iron gate guarding the address she sent me, hoping she wasn’t high on cruise life when she sent that text, because I’ve been knocking, and nobody’s answering the door.
Come on, Fireside Ladies…
I can’t believe I’m praying to dead witches to help me get Knox’s baby back. I stopped believing in “The palm is sacred” years ago, when I lost my eighth-grade boyfriend to that bitch Ruthie Reynolds. I don’t care if my aunt Sly isdetermined they brought my parents back together. They have never showed up when I needed them.
I hit the buzzer one more time, ready to walk away in defeat when the gate unlocks. I jump and run back to the entrance as a voice speaks through the box on the ancient, red-brick wall.
