“She likes ketchup,” I say. “And tomato sauce. Just no chunks.”
I miss my mom. And my dad. And my niece, Haven. And the rest of my family. I miss Rixton Falls more than I thought I would too. Part of me wouldn’t mind going back once a month this summer just to see everyone.
Five minutes later, there’s nothing left but a greasy paper towel and a few crumbs. Daphne stands gathering dishes, and I grab forks.
“No, no, no.” Aunt Rue places her hand on mine. “Let Daphne handle clean up. I have a favor to ask of you.”
My sister and I exchange looks. “Okay, what’s that?”
“We have a Home Owner’s Association meeting Tuesday night,” she says. “It’s mandatory. Which means Zane is required to be there.”
I shrug. “Okay.”
“But he’s blown them off before,” she says. “Mandatory and required aren’t words in that boy’s vocabulary.”
“I’m not sure what you want me to do about it.”
“We’re voting on the new president,” she says. “Every vote matters. Every vote counts. He needs to be there. And I want you to make sure he goes.”
I chuckle. “I don’t think I have any more power over him than you do.”
Aunt Rue wags her finger. “You’d be surprised, Delilah. He’s sweet on you. Bringing you flowers. Knocking on your window at night.”
I lean over and smack Daphne.
“I didn’t say anything. I swear.” Daphne lifts her hands.
“Ethel French saw.” Rue’s hand lands on her hips. “She was walking Bubbles late at night and saw some strange man creeping next to my house. Almost called the authorities too. He’s lucky.”
I turn my face away so she can’t see the ridiculous grin my mouth has twisted into.
“Anyway, Delilah, just run next door and tell that boy he better be there Tuesday night.” Rue sighs. “Or else.”
“That’s it?” I ask. “Just . . . or else?” My brows meet. “I’m not good with threats.”
“Then sweet-talk him. Tell him how much it would mean to you if he went. How disappointed you’d be if he no-showed,” she says.
“He’s going to know I was coached.”
“Then tell him he needs to vote for Ethel French.” She ignores me.
“Aunt Rue.” I bury my face in my hands. “I can’t tell him who to vote for.”
“It’s down to Ethel French or Hank Mott,” she says. “And let me tell you, they’ll all be in a world of hurt if old Hank is elected. He’s a damn dictator who’s allergic to smiling. The man used to run a plastic factory, and now he thinks he’s capable of running Laguna Palms but the man has had four infractions since he moved here. Ethel is clearly the lesser of the two evils.”
Daphne glances at me from the sink, biting her lower lip and shrugging.
“All right. I’ll go. I’ll do your dirty work for you.” I wipe my hands on a napkin, suddenly noticing the insane palpitations going off in my chest.
“Don’t be gone long,” she shouts when I’m by the front door a moment later. “I’m taking you girls to poolside pajama BINGO tonight. Starts in a half hour.”
“I’ll be right back,” I call.
Chapter 14
Zane
“Hey, gorgeous.” I lean in my doorway where Delilah stands on my steps. Her lips part, but before she has a chance to speak, I reach for her arm and pull her inside. Pressing her against the wall, I cup her face, my mouth landing on hers. “Come back to finish what we started?”
It’s been a long day, especially riding back from Miami with Kai and Weston. Every time Weston would nod off in the passenger seat, Kai would sock him across the arm, and give him shit for staying out all night with Delilah’s sister. And when he was done with that, he’d brag about the girl he fucked all night. He tried giving me shit for staying in Delilah’s room, but he shut his big mouth the second I told him I wasn’t paying him for my share of the hotel room anymore.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Her hands press flat on my chest. “Let me assure you that’s not why I’m here.”
My head cocks, eyes squinting. “All right then.”
“Rue wanted me to make sure you’re coming Tuesday night,” she says.
“Coming . . .?” I ask. “Or coming? Because one of them is completely and totally dependent on you.”
“Stop.” She pretends to be annoyed. “There’s a mandatory HOA meeting.”
“Oh.” I scoff. “I never go to those.”
“I’m well aware,” she says. “But this one is really, really important.”
“That’s what they say every fucking time, and you know what? I used to believe them. And I used to go. And then they’d sit there for four goddamned hours talking about hedge heights and light bulb requirements and noise ordinances and native trees on the no-plant list.” I exhale, lips pursed. “It’s a giant, colossal waste of time.”
“Yeah, well this time they’re voting for the new HOA president since Rue’s leaving in a few months,” she says. “And they need your vote.”
“Can I just show up and vote and leave?”
Delilah shrugs. “I’m not sure.”
“What do I get if I go?” I lift a brow, my mouth upturned at one side.