Apex

12 | adaptation

May 23

ALLIX

I almost didn't show up for brunch on Saturday morning. I didn't need to look at my phone to know that I was already late or that a plethora of unanswered text messages from Syd and Maud occupied my notifications. It wasn't that I didn't want to reply, but rather that it was suffocating to feel as if there were always people needing to know where I was and what I was doing at all times.

Admittedly, the events of May 16th had rattled me to the bone. I'd needed to take a step back, talk with my therapist, and reconsider my priorities before I could commit myself to this so-called investigation.

The streets of downtown Friday Island were relatively quiet due to the dreary weather, and I parallel-parked two blocks away from the quaint luncheonette. I decided to forgo flipping up the hood of my rain jacket for the short walk, enjoying the feeling of soft rain sprinkling on my skin.

I was fully prepared to be the last one to arrive, so seeing Dakota standing outside was a relief.
He held his phone up to one ear with his brow pulled together, nodding along to whatever the person on the other line was saying. His features brightened when he saw me approaching, and I threw him a delicate wave.

After issuing a quick goodbye, Dakota greeted me with a relaxed grin. "Hey, stranger."

I wrinkled my nose. "There's no need to be dramatic. It's only been one week."

"Well, for the record, I'm happy you're here." He ran a hand through his mess of curly hair that was visibly damp from the rain. "Syd shouldn't have to be the only mediator at the table."

I didn't recognize the emotion swelling like a wave inside my chest or why my stomach twisted in a way that had little to do with it being empty. Before I could dissect the reason responsible for my reaction, I remembered that damn photo of us in the tabloids.

"Thanks, I'm honored." I secured a damp lock of hair behind my ear. "Anyway, I'm thinking of framing that photo of us from the ferry. The back of my head has never attracted so much attention before."

My sarcasm triggered Dakota's shoulders to slouch as he exhaled a hard breath. "I should've seen that one coming," he said, guilt twisting his voice. "If I buy you the frame, will you cut me some slack?"

I hid my smile by turning towards the entrance. "Deal. Let's get this over with."

Ever the gentleman, Dakota held the door open for me. The fleeting touch of his hand on the small of my back was an unexpected comfort.

We located the rest of the group at a table in the back of the busy dining room. I was grateful that it was relatively out of view, hoping that would prevent us from receiving any unwanted attention. We were already at a disadvantage due to the presence of Dakota and Brenna, and our involvement on May 16th certainly didn't help.

After taking a seat between Syd and Dakota, I watched Brenna's lips twist into a satisfied smirk. "I'm so happy that everyone could make it, but I doubt you had anything better to do."

"I can think of a few things," Maud retorted, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

Maud sat with her elbows on the table and her chin resting on top of her hands. But despite her outwardly casual demeanor, she exuded an untamable sort of confidence that no one could ever overlook. It had made her borderline invincible in high school, and us as a group by extension. But we weren't in high school anymore. That much was obvious.

The productiveness of our brunch hinged on civility and Maud could be anything but civil when her ego found a worthy opponent. Today, that opponent was Brenna.