Page 101 of Wild Embers
Walker shrugs apathetically. “Apparently.”
Santiago nudges the fries closer to Blake, and Walker quietly reaches across the table and places the ketchup next to the fries. Sheepishly, she takes the bottle and squirts out a blob, eating the small mound without another word, and a stream of pride has me ready to puff up my chest.
I don’t like that she isn’t used to having someone take care of her. Granted, I know that when Santiago, Walker, and I are together, we can come off as intimidating. But we’ve always taken care of her. The dynamics of our relationship have shifted, but she should still expect us to care.
For the last several years, seeing Blake was something I imagined would happen at some point. I just never imagined she’d be sitting beside me, snacking on bar food, bantering with Santiago, and arguing with Walker like she was always meant to.
The conversation settles into something easy for a few minutes. The kind of conversation that makes you forget about dead bodies, stalkers, and everything else waiting for us outside Timberline’s walls.
A microphone squeals through the speakers, cutting across the chatter throughout the bar.
“Easy there,” Wes calls out to the person messing with a wad of cables and cords from his spot toward the front of the space, adjusting the stand to a taller height. Once he has the setup ready, he saunters to my side. “Hey, Harding?—”
“Not tonight, Wes,” I interject swiftly.
He sighs, exaggerating his disgruntlement by moving like he’s a rag doll. “Don’t make me beg.”
Blake watches our interaction with an intense, keen awareness.
“I’m good tonight,” I state firmly.
“Come on, man…” Wes mopes.
Blake clears her throat, inserting herself into the exchange. “Excuse me, what’s going on? Why aren’t you willing to help Wes? He’s the keeper of the drinks.”
Santiago groans.
“This should be good,” Walker mutters into his beer.
Santiago implores me. “Don’t do it. Please.”
“Do what?” Blake’s lips twist as her head leans at an angle.
Wes tries to entice me with the promise of convenience. “I have an axe over there you can use.”
Blake tilts her body toward Santiago across the table. “Why does Levi need an axe?”
“I’ll do anything,” Wes begs. “Free beers for the table? All you have to do is?—”
“I’ll be up there in a few.” The words are out of my mouth before I realize it.
Wes pats me on the shoulder in appreciation and strolls away.
I wanted to enjoy myself tonight with a beer, some food, and friends. But it looks like I’m due for something else.
Actually…
Blake came here carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, and for the first time all week, she’s taking a break.
Forcedto take a break, but I’m not going to pass up this opportunity.
And if I can give her a reason to smile tonight, I’ll do it without a second thought.
Blake motions her hands, expressing her vexation. “This monkey in the middle thing we have going on here isn’t helping any of you get off my list.”
“Just give it a minute,” Walker says by way of explanation.
Blake groans in exasperation, rolling her eyes. “Give what a minute?”
