Staying on Course (Finding our Way 2)

“Stop, you dipshit.” Nate slaps the back of Bryce’s head. “I’ll say it again—she’s still my baby sister.”

Anyone not paying attention would miss it, but I don’t. Liza’s eyes slice between Nate and me then land on Bryce. Bitterness pours from her gaze. She catches me watching and holds my stare.

“How was your drive?” Bryce wraps his arms around my waist, oblivious to the silent show between Liza and me.

“Great. Why are you all sweaty?”

Tommy and Rick start howling again, John joins in.

“Dickhead over here,” Bryce motions to Tommy, “left me behind. Thought it would be funny to make me run.”

“You running wasn’t the funny part. It was watching your face in the rear-view mirror when I told you I’d get to your girl first.”

“Hardy-har-har. Told you, payback’s a bitch. We may find ourselves too busy to come to the party tomorrow.”

Tommy’s dark face pales, all humor gone. “Man, Nicole will kick my ass if you two aren’t there.”

“I’m feeling a sharp pain in my calf.” Bryce bends over dramatically, rubbing his leg.

“He’s joking! Of course we’ll be there.” I slap his shoulder and smile at Tommy. “Aren’t we celebrating a birthday?”

“TJ’s going to be one next week, but it’ll be small. We’ll have a family party next time our folks can get here.”

“Looking forward to it.”

“Did Bryce talk to you about our favor?” he asks nervously.

“Sure did, and I’ll be there early to get the family shots.”

When Tommy found out about my love of photography and saw some of my pictures, he asked Bryce if I’d take some pictures of his son, TJ, and their family at the party. They’ve never gotten formal family portraits, and Nicole really wanted some nice shots. I agreed immediately.

I smile sweetly and look directly at Liza. Her face is twisted in confusion.

“You guys want to grab a beer?” Rick asks.

“Not us. We’ve got dinner plans. See y’all tomorrow.” Bryce links our hands and tugs, indicating he’s ready to go.

I give Nate, Tommy, and Rick a quick hug and wave politely to Liza and John. She’s no longer giving me a death stare but is looking at Bryce with sadness. Maybe she didn’t know about me? That seems impossible, but regardless, obviously, Bryce isn’t hiding his feelings.

“We have dinner plans?” I question Bryce when we’re out of earshot.

“Oh, yeah.” He raises his eyebrows, and his face splits into a knowing smile. “I definitely know what I’m having for dinner.”

A rush of heat travels through me. Liza’s quickly forgotten.

*****

The nervous anxiety I had about meeting Bryce’s friends is gone three seconds after we walk through the door. There are no introductions before Nicole Betts yanks me into a tight hug and squeals in my ear. “Devon, it’s so good to meet you.”

“You too.” I pat her back. She obviously shares her husband’s love for affection. She releases me and goes for Bryce.

He kisses her on the cheek, smiling.

When she stands back, I finally get a good look at her. I have to fight my jaw from dropping. She’s stunning. Looking at her is like looking at Vanessa Williams—beautiful mocha skin, sleek styled hair, striking blue eyes. When she smiles, her entire face lights up. Bryce runs his fingers down my arm lightly, breaking my trance. She stands back, inviting us in, as Tommy yells from somewhere in the house.

“I’m going to help him. Be right back.” She disappears down a hallway and toward the sound of baby laughter.

Bryce leads me to the kitchen and sits down on a stool, situating me between his legs.