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“Where?”

“To the festival. I could come? Give us more time to catch up, and just… be together for a while?”

“Sly, you told me, you almost never leave this place or take off work. Also, it’s in Joshua Valley… you know, the big desert with all the sand? The stuff that you’ve always hated, which is such an awfully poor life choice for someone who lives in the desert.”

The corner of his mouth tugs up into a sheepish smile that pops his dimples. Those blue eyes sparkle with a tinge of mischief that makes me forget where I am and what year it is.

“I don’t hate sand, I just don’t prefer it. And maybe it’s time I take a page out of your book and do something spontaneous, like we always talked about.”

I nod and smile back at him. “I like the sound of that.”

CHAPTER 32

SLY

My Place

My second time riding in the passenger seat of Josie’s van is as surreal as the first. On our drive up to the overlook, I was stuck thinking about the past. Our ride back to town is the exact opposite. I’ve only thought about the future—both the immediate and distant future.

I don’t bother paying attention to the sun setting over the mountains, as gorgeous as it is. It’s the woman in the driver’s seat with the red hair, freckles, and unbridled smile that I can’t look away from. Well, until a phone call comes through the speakers. My sister’s name pops up on the dashboard display.

“You going to get that?” I ask.

“Why? Do you not want me to?”

“Honestly, no. She knows we’re hanging out and—well, you know.”

“Ah, yes. The panties.” She touches the answer button on the touchscreen display and winks at me before whispering. “I’ll be sure not to mention it.”

I groan, and she laughs, turning her attention back to the road stretching out in front of us. “Please don’t⁠—”

“Josie’s phone, home of the world’s best co-best friend and your panty-hoarding brother.”

I slowly rotate my head to scowl at her, but she simply shrugs and purses her lips.

“Seriously?” I grumble under my breath.

She eagerly nods while keeping her eyes on the road.

“Ew—again, gross. At least tell me that he’s turning as red as his car right now,” my sister says.

“Oh, maybe even brighter,” Josie says, once again enjoying herself. Unlike before, I don’t care that it’s at my expense. I like seeing her smile because of anything remotely related to me.

“Perfect. Anyways, that’s not why I called.” Sisi’s bright and always enthusiastic voice comes through the speakers.

“Is there something you need?” I groan before pressing my face to the passenger window.

“What are you two doing later? Wait, no—let me rephrase that because knowing you two, I do not want the answer to that question.”

“Sisi, get to the point,” I scold while rubbing my temples.

“Geez, I thought you’d be less grumpy now. I was going to ask if you want to meet at The Hatch later for drinks?”

“I’m in,” Josie replies, not even hesitating. I guess my decision is already made, because I’m going to follow her anywhere.

“I want to go home and shower first. Then we can go.”

“Perfect! Just text me when you’re on the way,” she squeals before hanging up.