Chapter 26
TWENTY-SIX
LEVI
SURVIVAL MODE
Kristina’s blinking eyes clocked seventy-five an hour. “We’re going to a club?”
Rachel shot her arm in the air. “Bet your ass we are. And there’s no worrying during drinking hours so turn up your smile. As a matter of fact, I think I’ll skip my meds and stir things up a bit.”
Allie placed her hands on Rachel’s shoulders. “No. You take those meds. I don’t want to have to dig up bail money later.”
Rachel gave a sarcastic grin. “You won’t need bail money, I promise. I’ve learned that sarcasm and attitude are so much cheaper than bail money. I’ll be good.”
“Yeah, in life laughter is the best medicine.” Lexi flashed one of her evil grins. “Unless you have diarrhea.”
Allie ran her hands over her curls. “I can’t go to jail. I haven’t memorized a phone number in years. Who could I call? Then again, a good friend will bail you out, but I know my true friends would likely be sitting beside me.”
The words inspired a group hug that even I had to admit was pretty damn cool.
They’d been friends forever and would walk to the ends of the earth for one another.
Back in high school the only people in my life other than Allie were the thugs who taught me how to hot wire cars and score booze.
Until after the accident and moving to Wisconsin with Evan’s family, I’d never had people in my corner like that.
Allie was the first woman to show me what that looked like.
I barely remember my mother. She found my father to be intolerable but left me behind.
WTF, right? My dad, at the time, could’ve been summarized as a functioning alcoholic with a short fuse.
If I had a problem, he was the last person I would’ve taken it to.
I’d always just solved shit myself. Sure some solutions would’ve been frowned upon by police officers and the authorities, but when you have nothing, you have nothing to lose.
That’s how Allie flipped everything in me.
She was caring, patient, and wanted to hear my thoughts on things.
She’d question my questionable decisions but not judge me.
She wanted to understand and showed me different ways to see things.
If it wasn’t for her, I know with everything in me I’d be in prison somewhere. No doubt.
When I left and lived with Evan and my aunt and uncle, Allie had somehow instilled the tiniest seed of trust in me, and when Evan’s family wanted to help me find my way, I let them. All because of her.
Rachel eyed Evan and Royce. “Now if you fellas are going to actually be our designated drivers, we need to lay down a few ground rules.”
Evan crossed his arms over his chest. “Go.”
Rachel pointed at me. “First of all, this one steers clear of me and Allie.”
I gave a nod that said yes while trying to control the grin that screamed hell no.
I spoke to the hostile room. “I clearly remember you all hate me.”
Her eyes rolled. “I don’t exactly hate you, but if you were on fire I’d make smores.”
I gave her an impressive nod. “Noted.”
Lexi glared. “Levi should just stay here.”
Evan slapped my back. “Come on. It’s been years since all that happened. I invited him to be here, and he’s traveled halfway across the globe so he’s going.”
Lexi’s eyes dramatically rolled.
Rachel clapped. “And my second point was that I say where we’re going tonight, me. No chiming in or thoughts from anyone. It’s a night to take Kristina’s mind off of dickhead Dale. We might be going to the dark side, and I don't really give a tiny “F” what you guys think, got me?”
Lexi pointed to the men. “Either agree or stay here and introvert tonight.”
Rachel gave Kristina a hug. “Come on girl, I forgot I have the perfect necklace for this shirt.” She looked at the group. “Give us five minutes.”
With that everyone scurried away, but I hung back. I walked to the Christmas tree, and I could feel Allie’s eyes.
“Looks like you survived introductions.”
I plopped down on the sofa. “You had doubt?
She leaned against the chair. “Yes, many.”
“Never underestimate me, Langley. I know more than I say. I think more than I speak and notice more than anyone realizes. I’m like the new and improved Levi.”
Her giggle filled the space between us. “I think I’ll always be the same weirdo who runs into things, spills food, and laughs at random stuff. What can I do?”
“Do nothing. Never change.” I rose to my feet, strode to her, grabbed her hand, and pulled her behind the Christmas tree.
“Mr. Levi, I believe closure is over.” Her dirty grin was a gut punch.
“They could see us.”
“One farewell kiss?”
I pulled her close as her perfume floated around me. She went up on her toes, and when I leaned in her breath blended with mine as her fingers went into my hair.
Everything about Allie was warm and soft, and a need from deep inside shot through while I closed the distance between us.
Her hair brushed against my face tugging at the desire to have her everywhere.
My house, my bed, and every other place I go.
I was lost. All my defenses fell away, and for an instant I don’t care who might walk in.
Her lips melted into mine for the softest kiss that I hoped to explore more later.
She pulled back and rested her forehead against mine. “You better get away from me before one of the girls come back.”
I nodded and we walked back around by the couch.
“I’m getting my phone.” She walked toward the stairs. “I can feel your eyes on my butt.”
“I hoped so.”