Conrad's Version Ch 53 Vol 3

Back at the house, I was too restless to head to bed, so I grabbed a beer from the fridge and went out back.

It was a clear night, no clouds, stars scattered thick overhead. I stretched out on a pool chair, condensation cold against my palm, when I heard footsteps behind me.

I sat up fast, half expecting Belly or Jeremiah come to lecture me about something else I’d done wrong. Instead it was Laurel, carrying beers.

“Laurel. What a nice surprise. Thought you’d be at the Inn.”

She opened one of the beers and sat down beside me. “Wasn’t really in the mood for ice cream either. Figured I’d come keep you company instead.”

I was about to take a sip when she stopped me with a hand on my arm. “We should toast first. But to what?”

I looked at her, a small sarcastic smile pulling at my mouth. “To the happy couple. Obviously.” I clinked my bottle against hers.

I took a sip. She took a bigger one. We sat quiet for a while, the only sound the ocean somewhere behind the dark of the yard. I started peeling the label off my bottle, one long strip at a time.

“How are you these days, Conrad. Really?” She was looking right at me when she said it.