“Look at us,” I tell the table. “Poster kids for health and wellness.”

Slade chuckles at my joke, and I try not to let the warm, slow rumble affect me.

Our food comes quickly, and we all dig in.

“Good, eh?” Slade takes a huge bite of his burger.

“Mmhmm.” I nod, surprised at how delicious it is.

“So,” Slade starts, “you’ve looked better.”

I smack his wide shoulder, and he just laughs at my lame attempt to hurt him.

“I’m kidding, jeez. You look good. Even rumpled and tired.”

His eyes twinkle before taking in my body. I want to overthink this moment, but I bite my cheek.

I whisper, “Seriously though, I shouldn’t have left like that. It wasn’t right.”

His eyes dart back to Vincent and Eve, who are thankfully now focused on Vincent’s phone. “Don’t stress,” he says quietly. “We’re cool.”

I open my mouth once or twice, but my mind won’t let me ask.

“Catching flies, or you’ve got a question?”

“You slept on the floor, and I thought you didn’t want to be near me,” I say in a rush.

“I’m not good with sharing a bed. I kick a lot.” He smiles jokingly, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

Slade isn’t about to explain himself or get into any truth. That much I know is true. It’s a bullshit response.

“In that case, thank you for sparing me.” My voice is sarcastic.

“If you only knew how true your statement was,” he mumbles under his breath.

Instead of replying, I dig the fork back into my salad.

Vincent and Slade begin talking about bringing water to the rez and when the construction is supposed to begin. I’m enthralled by their conversation. Vincent and Slade work so hard and clearly make a ton of money. But they’re also trying to better people’s lives. Slade mentions hiring veterans for the project, and Vincent wholeheartedly agrees.

“I’m getting tired,” I sigh, taking my last bite. “I just got in today.”

Slade checks the sporty-looking black watch covering his thick wrist. “I’ll bring you to your room.” His reply is quick and easy. He turns to Vincent and Eve. “Going to bring this one to the Mile. See you all tomorrow for the trip.” He drops money on the table and slides from the booth, waiting for me to follow. When I put my hand into my purse to take out cash, Slade shakes his head. “Nope.”

“But why?”

“I already paid for us. Let’s go.”

Too tired to argue, I stand awkwardly with the table pushing against the center of my thighs as I lean across the booth, hugging Eve.

She’s half-standing as well and squeezes me back. “Sleep well. And, if you need anything, call reception right away. They know you’re there.”

“Sure. Thank you. And bye, Vincent!”

“Don’t forget to think about staying,” he adds as I scooch to the left, exhausted but relieved to have someone bringing me home.

7

Slade

“I just want to get one thing straight,” Lauren starts, stepping through the exit and into the chilly night. “We didn’t have sex this weekend because …” Her voice trails off.