Page 34 of The Truths We Find

Dani’s phone starts to buzz on the table. She glances down. “Oh! It’s Sam. I’m so excited to tell him the good news!” She picks it up and starts to walk towards the exit, away from the loud noises. “Hey, baby…”

“You know. If they wanted to extend his tour, it really wouldn’t be the worst thing,” Alexa says while taking a swig of her drink.

I raise my eyebrows. “You really don’t like him, do you?”

“I don’t like how he treats her. Almost like she’s his property. And what’s worse is sometimes it feels like she doesn’t even see it. Was he like that when they were friends?”

“He’s always been…” I think carefully about my next words. “Close to the vest with her.”

“Ugh.”

“I’m gonna use the restroom. You alright on your own for a few? I feel like she’s going to be out there for a bit.”

“Pshh, honey. I’m an Emmy-nominated reporter now. I’m gonna milk that and find me a man tonight. I’ll be just fine.”

I laugh and roll my eyes. “I don’t know what I was thinking.” I stand and leave Alexa to do her thing.

After I finish up, I make my way back towards our table and see Alexa chatting with someone. I’m not surprised she already found a guy. Alexa is gorgeous and smart, and any guy would be lucky to have her. I don’t see her in that way, because let’s face it, I’m completely gone for her unavailable friend. And yes, I realize how unhealthy that sounds.

My plan is to just grab my coat, and come up with an excuse to head out, so Alexa can enjoy her evening.

As I get closer, I recognize the man she’s talking to. He’s tall, with brown hair that’s shaved on the sides, but longer on top.

“You son of a bitch,” I laugh, placing my hands on both the man’s shoulders from behind. Alexa is sitting in the chair directly across from him, shooting daggers at me with her eyes.

“Gavin, do you mind?” Alexa growls.

“I would ask if this is your jealous boyfriend,” the man deadpans, “but I know this fucker might as well live the life of a priest.”

“Better than sleeping my way across Pennsylvania,” I quip.

“Wait… You guys know each other?” Alexa points her finger between us.

I move to take the empty seat at the table. “Alexa, meet my brother, Emmett.”

“We’re twins, actually. He may be the…” He holds up his fingers in air quotes. “Older one, but clearly I got the good looks,” Emmett adds, winking at Alexa.

“There is no way you two are related,” she says.

“If we had a dollar for every time we’ve heard that,” Emmett starts.

“We could both retire and move to an island where we would never have to hear anyone say that again,” I continue for him.

Alexa just stares at us, confusion across her face.

Emmett leans into me and whispers, “I think we broke her.”

“She’s just processing.” I turn to my brother. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming for a visit?”

“I wanted to surprise you. Surprise! I stopped by the station first and they said you left for the day. You’ve mentioned this place before, so I took a chance before heading to your house. Then I saw Alexa here and got distracted in my quest to find you.”

“Oh, why thank you,” Alexa replies, the compliment apparently bringing her out of her shock.

“So, besides my awesome arrival, what are we drinking to tonight? Looks like a party in here,” Emmett says, taking a sip of my drink.

Before either Alexa or I can respond, there’s a loud shriek behind us.

The three of us turn to find Dani only a few feet away, bouncing up and down like a little schoolgirl.