“Lexi?” I jump at the sound of Cal’s voice and snap my head up to where he stands by the front door. “You ever coming in? Or are you going to stand out there all night?”
He smirks and I laugh. “No… I… never mind.” I walk into the house, slipping past him.
“We’re out back,” he tells me and I nod, making my way through the kitchen and out onto the back patio.
“Ahhh! Here she is! Where did you find her, Cal?”
“She was contemplating life on your front lawn.”
Livvy smacks him on his arm and then giggles before picking up her glass of sherry.
“How much has she had?” I ask Mal.
“Too much.” He chuckles. “Here, come sit between me and Cal.” He pats the seat between them and I smile, walking around the table and sitting down. “Nice jacket.”
“Huh?”
“Looks familiar,” Mal says, turning his eyes toward Cal and wiggling his brows up and down.
“Mal,” Cal warns, but his eyes look at the jacket. “Stop it, I can see the wheels turning inside that brain of yours.”
“What?” Mal shrugs innocently. “I didn’t say a thing!”
“Mmmhmm. I can hear your thoughts from here.”
Mal lifts his hand to his lips and makes a zipping and then locking motion before throwing away an invisible key behind him.
“I’m confused,” I moan, my hand resting on my forehead. “It’s a friend's jacket.”
“A friend?” Mal asks. “You know I think I know—” He curses and reaches down to his leg, his eyes narrowed on Cal.
“Stop it,” Cal grinds out. “Leave it alone.”
“But—”
“I said leave it.”
They both stare at each other, narrowing their eyes and confusing me even more. I look down at the jacket, the smell of Evan surrounding me. Do they know Evan? Is that what they’re talking about? I frown, about to open my mouth to ask if they know him.
“How was work, lovely?” Livvy asks, her words slurred and her eyes drooping, cutting off my train of thought.
“It was good,” I answer. “I’m tired though, so I think I’ll hit the hay.” I start to stand up but Mal’s hand lands on my shoulder.
“Don’t go yet! The party's just starting.”
“I think I’m gonna head home too,” Cal announces, standing up. “I have an early case in court tomorrow.”
“Awww! You two are party poopers! Looks like it’s just me and you, Livvy!”
I shake my head and take Cal’s offered hand to help me up. “Thanks.”
He winks in reply and we both make our way inside. “Sleep well,” he says as he walks to the door.
“You too,” I answer.
“Oh, and, Lexi?”
“Yeah?”