Page 12 of Sand in My Boots

Closing the door, my eyes inspect the bottle. Erica’s and Jonah’s smiling faces greet me, along with the words, “Thanks for joining us as we say I do.” The image covers the real label, so I’m uncertain what kind of white wine it is. It will be a fun surprise to uncover later.

Like Cameron promised to be.

Thinking his name brings up an image of him. One of him laughing so hard at badminton players from earlier. I can’t help but smile. I catch my reflection in the mirror on the wall, reminding me I have to finish getting ready.

The walk to the restaurant takes five minutes. I decided on casual attire for the evening. I may have put a little extra time into straightening my hair and added a little sparkle to my face. Somewhere in the middle between gala-glam and Netflix-drab.

Cameron stands at the entrance. He traded his T-shirt and board shorts for a pair of khaki cargo shorts and a polo, top button left open. The ends of his hair appear to be wet, giving off the “fresh out of the shower” vibe. He’s downright sexy, a notion both exhilarating and terrifying.

The nerves I thought were gone return in full force, compelling me to stop walking and stare at him. Butterflies take flight in my abdomen, leaving me slightly out of breath. I thought I was more prepared for tonight, but I was wrong. I can’t understand the nerves. It’s dinner with an old friend of my brother’s. Nothing more.

Why, then, do I hope it is? That tonight we don’t end in the same situation we’re starting? Old feelings reignite—the ones from that night, the night we crossed a line. The picture that’s been dulled by the years between then and now is suddenly in super sharp focus. The memories wash over me, warming me up as if it were happening right here, right now.

“Juliana?”

Preston’s startled voice slams me to the present, all thoughts of the past and Cameron immediately disappearing.

Ripping my gaze from Cameron, I turn to find Preston standing agape. He’s dressed for work, though his hair’s messy and unkempt. His shocked expression is the catalyst I need to shake out of my funk.

“Surprise, big bro. I’m here!” I launch myself at him, catching him unprepared. He stumbles back slightly but remains standing. Shock still evident, he finally wraps his arms around me, squeezing me into him like old times.

“What the heck are you doing here?” Incredulity laces each word. “It’s so good to see you. It’s been way too long.” His voice lower, like he doesn’t want anyone else to hear.

A lone tear pricks the corner of my eye. I knew it would be good to see him, but I didn’t count on being so emotional. Still in his arms, I finagle my face off his chest to peer up at him. “Erica’s getting married on Saturday. I’m here for the wedding. Wanted to surprise you.”

“Mission accomplished.” He tips my chin up. “I miss you.”

“You never come home. We all miss you.” Before I get too sappy and emotional, I add, “But seeing this place, I understand why you never leave. It’s amazing. And I haven’t seen half of it yet.”

His eyes scan my face, and he presses me out of his arms. “You look nice. Having dinner with people from the wedding?”

I shake my head. “No, Cameron. Join us.”

He tilts his head, looking past me. I step out of his reach and stand beside him. “Hmm,” he clucks. “Interesting. You knew she was coming?” He directs the question toward Cameron. He’s not exactly upset, but a hint of irritation lingers in his tone.

Cameron steps closer. “Ran into her earlier today. Dragged her to the badminton tournament, and somehow we agreed to meet for dinner.” He pauses, and I wonder what’s going to take place. Preston seems . . . distracted. “She’s right. You should join us.”

My brother dismisses him with a hand in the air before he finishes the sentence. “Can’t tonight.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “I’m not leaving here without a meal with my brother. An entire meal. Not one where we sit down and you stare at your phone throughout it, nor get interrupted by an ‘emergency.’ One meal. Me and you.” I don’t know why that feels so good to say to him. Maybe it’s all the emotions of not seeing him for so long, of missing his company.

“Deal.” His hand reaches into his pants pocket, and he produces his phone. Whatever’s on it pulls his brows together. “I gotta take this.” He already mentioned he wasn’t available tonight, but my heart plummets knowing he’s leaving.

I put my hands on his chest, forcing his attention to me. Though I’m much shorter than he is, he meets my gaze. “I’m serious, Preston. Me and you are sitting down for a meal. I’ll charge it to my suite.” He cracks the faintest smile.

“I miss you, Juli. Text me, and we’ll set it up.” He swipes his lips across my forehead before he races off.

“Well, that was,” I start, not quite knowing where my thoughts land on the matter. On the one hand, I’m glad I finally laid eyes on him. On the other, nothing’s changed. I’m not sure why I expected him to be different. To be the brother he was growing up, and not the one who fills every waking hour with work.

“Shall we eat?” Cameron’s response is perfectly timed.

Though I’m still unprepared for what “eating” with Cameron entails, it seems like a better idea than standing here pretending like my brother cares more than he does.

“Yep.”

“Wait. Start again.”

Cameron’s comment elicits a chuckle. Or maybe it’s the wine zooming through me adding to his confusion.