“Not yet. I was headed out to check on something,” was his vague response. I studied him a moment and the unspoken explanation in his expression was clear. He couldn’t say anymore with the others here. I didn’t press him.

“I’m walking out to their vehicle with them. I can go with you after I see them off,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant. He gave a small nod.

“If the two of you need to go handle family things, I’m sure we can get to Heath’s Jeep without issue.” I glanced back at Rathe for the first time since he’d joined us. His suggestion had sounded sincere, but the tone in his voice hadn’t.

“The Jeep is just ahead,” I stated the obvious and kept heading in its direction. The twinkling lights were behind us now and the large Live Oak trees blocked most of the moonlight as we went further from the house. Other guests were walking to their cars, getting in and every few minutes, headlights would give off enough light, so I could quickly scan the darkness.

Just as headlights from a silver Mercedes faded away, we reached the Jeep. Margo was completely out now and both guys were having to support her dead weight. “Keys are in my left pocket,” Heath told me, and I went over to get them out and unlock the door.

“I got her,” Rathe said, taking her from Heath and then picking her up as if she weighed nothing and laying her in the backseat. I would not be impressed with that feat. Rathe could not impress me. Forcing myself to stay focused on the issue at hand, I kept my eyes on our surroundings while Heath climbed in and buckled her up before she slumped back over again.

“Thanks for inviting me. I had a nice time,” Rathe said, snapping my attention from the darkness back to him. I hadn’t invited him. He’d come with my friends. Instead of being rude and reminding him of that fact, I simply nodded.

“I’ll see you at work tomorrow,” Heath said to me.

“You’re covering my shift. Remember,” I reminded him. He’d asked me for the extra shift. He needed money for something, but I wasn’t sure what. He didn’t offer that information. I had wondered briefly if it had been to replace whatever money he’d spent from Rathe’s advanced rent so he could pay him back and move him out. Heath wouldn’t admit that if it was.

Heath grinned “Oh yeah,” he said sheepishly then he gave Duely a nod, “Good to see you again.” Then with one last glance at me, he climbed into the driver’s seat.

“Make her drink water if you can tonight. She’s going to feel that prosecco hard,” Duely told him.

“Will do,” Heath replied.