16. Cameron
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I quickly pull it out to make sure it’s not Lizzy.
I’ve been so swamped with work. It’s only Tuesday afternoon, but I feel as if the week has been a month long already.
Hopefully, Lizzy won’t mind staying late again tonight.
There’s no way I’m finishing what needs to be done at a decent time—and unfortunately, none of this particular project can be done at home.
Megan: Hey little bro—I’ve got a few days off this week. Can I swing by and pick up my favorite niece to take her to Disney on Ice?
I’m twenty-eight… and there’s nothing little about me I almost type… but think better of it. This is my sister we’re talking about, so I point out the obvious.
Me: There’s no swinging by when it comes to Seaside. You know that, right?
Megan: Semantics. I’m renting a car (with a car seat), and I’ll pop out Thursday afternoon.
I’ll stay in your guest room for the night, then drive to PDX.
Mills and I will have a spa day on Friday.
See the show on Saturday afternoon and come back sometime Sunday.
I’m scheduled to fly out Monday evening.
Hi to you, too, Megan. So nice of you to ask me if I’m okay with this.
Me: Do I get a choice in this? Or are you being my bossy big sister again?
Megan: Wise ass… can I take my favorite niece or what?
If I thought my schedule was full, Megan’s is even busier. I’d never deny her time with Emilia, but I’m her younger brother. It’s my duty to be difficult.
Me: Is that all I am to you? The one who supplies your baby fixes?
Megan: Of course. She’s the best baby fix in the world.
But seriously, smartass… I know you’re putting in a lot of hours.
With Mom still in Europe, I also know you could use a break.
Give me my baby fix, and you’ll get your break.
I’ll spend time with your ugly mug—if I must. Someone’s gotta show me around your new town.
Me: Gee, thanks. I feel so loved.
I do—but again, this is Megan. I wouldn’t be her favorite pain in the ass brother if I didn’t throw shade her way. Of course, I’m her only brother, and I love her fiercely. Our banter is how we’ve always shown affection.
Megan: What can I say, I miss you and Emilia like crazy. Let me do this for you. Stop being a PITA and accept my help for the weekend. It’s the least I can do.
Me: I can’t wait to see you Thursday.
Megan: Love you, little bro—see you soon!
With Emilia suddenly having plans for the weekend, I’d better let Lizzy know the change in schedule. I’m sure she’ll enjoy a few extra days off, and it’ll be an added bonus for her birthday weekend.
Pulling up her contact information, my thumb hovers over the text icon. But wanting to hear her voice, I opt to call instead.
She picks up on the third ring out of breath. “Cameron? Is everything okay? You usually text to check in.”
Shit. That’s what I get for being selfish.
“No… everything is good. My sister just informed me she is coming into town and taking Mills to Portland for a long weekend.”
“Okay…” Lizzy draws out. “What exactly does that mean for me? Do you need me to do anything while she’s gone?”
Shit, she’s counting on every penny she earns for tuition next year.
“Well, I guess it means you get an extra-long birthday weekend.” I muse. “Since this wasn’t a part of our schedule, I’ll pay you of course.”
“That’s uh… not necessary.”
“Think of it as a birthday bonus. I’m not negotiating this, Liz.”
I can hear the smile play on her lips. “Well, if you insist, I’ll certainly enjoy the extra time off.”
*****
Tonight is my first kid-free Saturday in—hell, I don’t know how long.
I should be thrilled.
I should feel relaxed.
I should be doing anything —but here I am, staring at my phone, feeling like a fucking creeper.
In my defense, it started with an innocent notification.
Stalking’s not entirely my fault.
Thinking it might be a text from my sister, I pick up my phone, and my heart stops in my throat.
Nope. I could only be so lucky.
This notification has nothing to do with Megan or Emilia for that matter.
Lizzy is approaching your destination.
My pulse spikes at the thought of her stopping by.
But why would she come here?
She’s supposed to be out celebrating her birthday with her family.
Why does the thought of her stopping by send a rush of adrenaline through me?
I know I shouldn’t look, but I can’t help myself.
I’m like a moth to a flame when it comes to Elizabeth Lancaster.
When I open the tracking app she insisted I download so we can be notified if we’re near one another, my heart sinks to my stomach.
She’s now moved past my house and is currently heading downtown.
I know she’s got an evening planned with her family—and that presumptuous fuck, Ryker.
Until now, I’ve always found him to be a decent guy.
But fuck it all if I want him around Lizzy when she’s vulnerable and drinking.
The more his words from the bonfire last weekend roll through my head, the more on edge I become.
“Hey, with you being the only single one in this bunch of love birds, you can count on me as your wingman for the night.”
Then Sloane’s words strike like a lightning bolt, ripping a hole through my chest cavity. “ We’ll have to work on finding you someone here in Seaside this summer, so you’ll want to stick around, too. ”
Sure, Jax and Ryan are from Seaside. But just how many single women in this town are available for Ryker? Narrow that small list even further for him to find someone who wouldn’t be out for more than a quick claim to fame.
Yes, that was a topic of concern.
I know this for a fact because I heard it with my own ears when I walked into the studio between takes earlier this week.
Ryker claimed he isn’t interested in something serious.
But that didn’t stop Jax and Finn from subtly reminding him that neither of them were looking for love when it walked up and smacked each of them respectively in the face.
Look at them—they’re both freaking engaged to their very own Lancaster.
Gah, who am I kidding?
Lizzy’s the perfect candidate for Ryker.
She’s beautiful, witty, and full of life. Best of all, she could give two shits about him being famous.
Fuck, wouldn’t that be some positive PR for the band?
I can see the headlines now. “Another Lancaster steals the last man standing from Ruby Frax, giving a whole new meaning to family affair.”
Fuck. My. Life.
Why of all nights didn’t she turn off her location?
Does she even know she’s left it on?
When her blinking location stops at Pop’s Hops, I’m certain it’s where she’ll stay for a while. The guys talked about Pop’s being one of the only places where they can hang out and still be themselves. Who wouldn’t want great food, drinks, and live music?
If I didn’t feel like such a creeper for knowing her location, I’d stop by myself.
There’s only so many places to go in Seaside.
Would it be so bad if I joined them?
And say what exactly?
I… Uh, tracked you here because tonight of all nights you had your location on.
Or better yet— You insisted I follow you so we could meet up this summer; surely this still applies, right?
I can see it now.
Not only will Ryan, Jax, and Finn kick my ass. They’ll likely sic their significant others on me as well. Lizzy’s warned me how protective her sisters are. According to her, they’re feral and take no prisoners when it comes to sticking up for those they love.
But—Will that apply to me?
I mean, Lanie herself invited me to that barbeque last weekend.
Yeah—probably because she doesn’t know about your past with Lizzy.
Speaking of Lizzy—the way her face lit up when I arrived last weekend was worth all the turmoil I endured as I drove to her house.
She wanted me there. I could feel it deep within my soul.
But would she want me there tonight?
Not allowing my indecision to paralyze me further, I stand and grab my keys and wallet from the kitchen counter.
Fuck it—I deserve a night out, too.