17. Lizzy
“You go, girl!” I shout, watching Raven dance around Finn.
We’re still waiting for our meal, but the band has started playing “Teenage Dirtbag,” and my sister pops out of her seat faster than a bullet and beelines it to the dance floor.
Finn is on her heels in an instant. Not only are they belting out the lyrics to the song, but they’re putting on quite a show for the rest of us as they dance circles around the crowded floor.
Sloane leans in conspiratorially. “This is the song that started it all for them. Just look at how happy she is. Finn is perfect for her. You know… he’s one of the few who knew the difference between us in record time.”
“Hey now…” Jax warns. “I can, too.”
Leaning in, Jax squeezes her leg, then quickly kisses her on the lips.
“Though if he hadn’t called her out for impersonating you…” he shakes his head, “I’m not sure what I would’ve done.”
“Thank God, that shit show is behind us,” Sloane huffs out on a laugh. “The paparazzi was insane last summer. Now that we’re old news, it’s far easier to just be us again.”
Raven and Finn had hooked up that first night.
Let’s just say there was one hell of a case of mistaken identity between my sisters when the photogs caught Raven leaving his hotel room the next morning.
To be fair, they’re identical twins. The world was going crazy with Jax leaving a solo career to form Ruby Frax.
The announcement of him being engaged crushed many a fan’s heart—or so I’m told.
The gossip rags were out for blood trying to get the scoop on the girl who took him off the market, then cheated on him with his new bandmate. It made headlines around the world.
“You can say that again…” Ryker trails off and shakes his head. “That’s probably reason 647 million why I’m not dating anyone. I don’t need that kind of attention from our fans.”
“I don’t know.” Jax throws his arm around Sloane and pulls her close. “I kinda like being with my fiancée.”
“You’d better like it,” Lanie cuts in, leaving no room for arguments. “As Dad would say, the moment you put that ring on her finger, the warranty was null and void—no take backs.”
“Speaking of Dad.” Sloane releases on a heavy breath. That sigh alone says she’s delivering unwanted news. “He’s postponed his trip out this week. He didn’t go into details, but I’m certain he’s spinning up.”
My stomach clenches, like it does every time I hear he’s out on a mission. Don’t get me wrong, I love that he’s dedicated his life to being a pararescue pilot. But it doesn’t mean I like knowing he’s in harm’s way. I prefer getting the details—after he’s home safe and sound.
“Did he sound like he’d be gone long?” Lanie asks.
“Naw.” Sloane shakes her head. “I think it’s fairly routine, from what little he could say.”
We know Dad can’t share all the details of his “trips,” as he calls them.
As we’ve gotten older, we’ve learned not to hound him.
It’s no use—he can’t talk about it. However, he’s taken to using specific phrases only us girls understand to explain his upcoming mission is a routine procedure and not to worry.
It’s an impossible request—let’s face it, what he does is dangerous.
I know he’s one of the best and will fight like hell to come back to us safely.
“He’ll let us know when he’s coming,” Lanie assures us. “He’s got two weeks of leave during the festival. Aunt Mable is coming out, too.”
“Ohmigod. I sure hope she doesn’t play matchmaker,” I groan, being the only singleton in the family.
Sloane chuckles at the reminder. “You’re still safe… for now. After graduation, I’d assume all bets are off with meddling Mable.”
Great. Just great. That’s the last thing I need.
When the waitress arrives with our drinks, all thoughts of Dad and Mable disappear. Before I know it, Raven and Finn join us from the dance floor, and drinks are passed around the table—somehow, mine finds me last.
Just as mine is placed in front of me, my family lifts their glasses in the air, as if on cue. Not wanting to be left out, I do the same.
“Cheers, Lizzy! Happy Birthday!” Lanie starts, and my family joins with various toasts of “Happy Birthday, To the birthday girl, and Here here,” but the one that registers when most settle is, “Drink up.”
This may be my twenty-first birthday, but it’s not my first cocktail.
Bringing the salty rim to my lips, I quickly get some on my tongue before sipping my margarita through the straw.
Damn, this tastes incredible! It’s the perfect blend of sweet and sour.
Cheers erupt, and they burst out singing Happy Birthday to me.
Scratch that. Apparently, our commotion stopped the band, and now, the entire bar is singing to me.
Holy shit, it’s loud.
When the song comes to an end, I swear my ears feel hot as fiery coals in a campfire. I typically avoid attention like this, but—it’s my birthday. I shouldn’t expect otherwise.
As the band resumes, thankfully, the chaos around me settles. Now that I’m no longer the center of attention, my body relaxes onto my stool.
Resting my elbows on the high-top table in front of me, I do one of my favorite things in public—watch the crowd.
The band is on fire, and couples are living it up on the dance floor in front of us.
My family animatedly talks with one another about something that happened the last time they went out, and I’m just sitting here, taking it all in.
Pop’s is busy, and I finally get what the hype is all about.
God, I love my family. It’s rare that we’re all in one place.
As the youngest, I’ve witnessed them all go off and find their own lives.
I’m happy for them, I truly am. But watching from the sidelines doesn’t mean I haven’t missed them like crazy.
Who knew Seaside would be the place to reconnect us?
If Nana hadn’t made this feel so much like home, I’m not sure where we’d all be.
When I finish student teaching and graduate next spring, I could end up anywhere. Hopefully, my next adventure won’t take me far from my sisters.
Speaking of adventure—I wonder what Cameron’s up to tonight.
A smile plays at my lips as flashes from our one and only date fly through my thoughts. Being with Cameron was hands-down the hottest night of my life. If given the chance to go back in time, even knowing our current connections, I swear I’d do it all over again. No questions asked.
I have zero regrets.
Hell, I’m certain that one night with him has ruined me for all others.
Sure, he’s my boss, and nothing can happen again, but a girl can daydream, right?
“Hey, man. How’s it going?” Jax stands and walks around the table, greeting someone behind me, but I don’t pay any attention. He’s often recognized, especially being a local in Seaside.
However, when Ryan stands, grabs a chair from another table, then places it beside me, I finally pay attention. “Have a seat. Have you eaten?”
“I could eat,” a sexy familiar voice replies, and my eyes practically pop out of their sockets, as it registers who’s standing next to me.
“Cameron?” His name comes out as a question because my brain can’t process the fact he’s here.
His sexy smirk makes my belly flip and a shiver runs up my spine.
God, this man is gorgeous.
Leaning in, he pulls me in for a side hug and kisses me on the cheek. “Happy Birthday, Beautiful,” he whispers so only I can hear. “I hope you don’t mind me joining you.”
All I can do is stare with a dopey smile on my face as three things hit me at once.
First, the man I was just thinking about is here.
Did I conjure him? How is this even possible?
Second, he kissed me on the freaking cheek—in front of the world to see.
Third, he called me beautiful.
With my eyes locked onto his, I watch as his handsome face morphs from playful to concerned in a nanosecond. “Elizabeth?”
“W-what?” I sputter.
Way to play it smooth, Lancaster.
When he leans in and whispers, “Is it okay that I’m here?” I’m assaulted by his mouthwatering cologne.
As he steps back, my hand involuntarily clenches his shirt, effectively halting him in place. “Don’t…” That one word falls off my lips, and I plead with my eyes, saying the rest.
Don’t go.
He darts his eyes between mine, and I’m not sure how long we stare at one another.
“Everything okay?” Ryan pipes in, breaking our trance.
Then, I realize I’m fisting his shirt, so I unclench the fabric and pat him on the chest, twice for good measure.
Clearing my throat, I plaster on a smile. “Yep. It’s all good.”
To Cameron, I sincerely admit, “I’m glad you’re here.”
“All right then… Have a seat and let me get you something to drink. What are you having, Cameron?”
Looking around the table, Cameron says, “I’ll take a Puckering Pear or whatever stout they have on tap if they don’t have it.” Reaching for his wallet, he pulls out a card. “I can get it.”
Ryan waves his hand in the air. “I’ll get this round. You can catch another.”
Settling onto the stool next to me, I’m hyper aware of Cameron’s every move. His leg brushes against mine, and my entire body hums with excitement. I have no idea what it means that he’s here, and frankly, I don’t care.
I’m happy he came.
As the conversation flows around me, it’s clear no one is surprised to see him. They carry on as if this is something we do every day.
All is good, until my sister Lanie catches my eye and raises a brow, clearly asking, what’s going on?
No one would think anything of her gesture, but I simply shrug, sending the message, I have no idea.
Nana used to say never kick a gift horse in the mouth, and I’m taking that advice. I truly didn’t know I was missing Cameron, until he arrived. Now that he’s here, my energy soars and somehow, I feel grounded at the same time.
It’s crazy what this man does to me.
When the waitress brings our meal, Cameron orders a burger and fries.
While he waits for his food, I offer my fries. “Want some?”
Snagging one, he grins. “Thanks. I’m starving.”
“Me, too,” I admit, picking up my mushroom burger. The moment I take a bite, I moan in appreciation. “Mmmmm… This is delicious.”
“Pop’s does make great food,” Cameron agrees. “I haven’t had a meal here I didn’t like.”
Curious, I ask, “How’s your kid-free weekend going?”
Rolling his eyes, he sighs. “Of course, I miss her, but it’s mostly been filled with one firestorm or another at work… but now that I’m here, celebrating you, it’s improved.”
My body heats as his eyes pin me in place.
When he brushes a piece of hair behind my ear, my pulse skyrockets.
What this man does to me is beyond insanity.
He’s my boss, I shouldn’t be thinking like this.
But apparently, my body doesn’t get the message.
When his food arrives, my drink is empty. Cameron leans in and asks, “Want another or something different?”
“Sure. I’ll take another margarita.”
He hands the waitress his card to start a tab, then turns to me with a wicked grin. “So, what kind of trouble have you been up to?”
“Hmmmm…” I tease. “This is Seaside; there’s only so much to do…”
Slowly running his tongue along his lower lip, as if he’s heavily contemplating, he adds, “I’m sure you can think of something…”
“The night’s just getting started, and I’m only one drink in… It’s pretty mellow for a twenty-one-run.”
Looking around my family, he shrugs. Then he leans in and lays down a challenge, “I don’t know… the night’s still young. A lot can happen. For the record… alcohol shouldn’t have anything to do with it.”
I swear the mood between us shifts when he lifts his glass to mine, raises a brow, and promises, “Let’s make this a night to remember.”