Dead Girls Don't Lie by Marty Mayberry

Author:Marty Mayberry
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Marty Mayberry

CHAPTER 17

There was a good chance I was going to have to start calling him Manly. But only in private.

I sat beside him staring at the water while the world went on around us. I would’ve been happy to keep hanging out and talking with him until dawn if Sean hadn’t interrupted us. Not that he was rude; it was his interruption that irked me.

“I’m glad for you two,” he said, grinning.

When I sat up, I caught him wincing, and I felt bad because me and Manuel together must remind him of what he’d never have again with Brianna.

“It’s time to go,” Sean said. “Mr. Somerfield is on patrol, telling everyone the party’s over.”

The bonfire was out, someone was cleaning up the buffet, and nearly everyone else had left. I smoothed my lips with my fingertip and glanced at Manuel, who watched the movement and looked ready to kiss me again.

I was tempted to tell Sean to find his own way home.

“One-o-clock curfew?” Sean said, reminding me of my promise to Aunt Kristy.

I grumbled. While I wanted to stay here all night, life was crowding back in. It wasn’t only the fact that I needed to get home by one. I also wanted to transcribe those photos into something resembling schoolwork so I could show them someone who could tell me what they meant.

We stood. A breeze swept across us, and my shiver told me I missed the warmth of Manuel’s arm around my shoulders already.

“You’re not drunk,” I said as I studied Sean.

“It didn’t seem worth it. I’d just wake up with a hangover and nothing will help me forget.”

Stepping forward, I hugged him. “I understand.”

“And I’m sorry I had to interrupt. You deserve this bit of happiness.”

“So do you.”

We both sighed, knowing his moment had passed while mine might just be beginning.

Sean nudged his head toward the house. “Come on.”

I took Manuel’s hand and we followed. Instead of going into the house, we skirted it, making our way to the front.

We were walking down the drive when I paused, startled.

Mr. Somerfield left the shadows on the opposite side of the cars and moved toward us. “Have a nice night, kids. Drive safe.”

“Thanks,” we said.

I stared after him as he strolled toward the house before turning to Manuel. “I’ll drop you off if you want.”

“Appreciate it.”

We got into my car, Manuel in the front. Sean took the back, stretching out across the seats.

“Buckle up,” I told him.

“Aw, Mom,” Sean said. “Do I have to?”

I snickered, but the tap of my foot on the mat continued until he’d straightened and buckled.

Manuel directed me to his house, which wasn’t far, just a few streets away from Brandon’s. I put my car into park out front.

Manuel squeezed my hand and leaned close. “Talk to you tomorrow?”

“Yes. I’ll tell you”—I cut my eyes to Sean, who stared out the window—“what I discovered.”

We’d been too busy getting to know each other better and hadn’t discussed my office find.

Manuel touched my cheek with the back of his knuckles.

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