The group nodded approvingly, the mood brightening at the prospect of a plan.
“So, what you got in the fridge, cuz?” Lily asked, slapping her knee and getting to her feet. “We got a house full of hungry people, and I’m cooking.”
Ace pointed a finger at her. “Just don’t burn my kitchen down,” he warned.
“That was one time!” she scoffed, rolling her eyes. The duo led Cam and Phillip into the kitchen, leaving Dante and Bailey on the couch alone.
They stared at the TV, reading the scrolling message over and over. Finally he looked over at the young woman, studying the concern on her face.
“Your family is fine,” he assured her. “They’re probably more worried about you than you are for them. We’ll get them tomorrow.”
She smiled, drawing her knees up to her chin. “Thank you,” she said quietly. “You don’t have a reason to do all this for me, but you still do. So, thank you.”
He didn’t say anything, just smiled, and she returned it, leaning her head on his shoulder for a time.
“Yo, Scarface, heads up!” Ace bellowed, entering the living room and tossing a cold beer.
Dante caught it, and Bailey laughed, getting up and heading into the kitchen to join the friendly argument inside about what to eat for dinner.
Ace plopped down onto the cough next to him as he cracked open the can.
“Scarface, huh?” Dante asked, and took a long gulp.
Ace shrugged. “Well, I was gonna go with Leatherface,” he drawled, “but that would imply that you know how to use a chainsaw. And I can’t in good conscience be making assumptions like that.”
Dante chuckled and raised his can. “Cheers.”
They clinked their cans and took long gulps.
“Really do appreciate the hospitality,” Dante said sincerely.
“It’s my pleasure, man,” Ace replied with a grin. “My cousin told me how you washed up on shore and saved her life. I got mad respect for you doing that. Whatever you need from me, I’m game.”
Dante nodded thoughtfully. “Good to know, man, good to know.”
“Now, for the most important question of the day,” the redneck declared, pointing a finger at him. “How do you like your steak?”
Dante grinned. “Just run it through a warm room, and it should be good,” he replied.
Ace grinned, rubbing his palms together. “Oh, this is gonna be fun,” he said conspiratorially. “Been a long time since I Had a running partner. Yo Lil! Your new man is fucking awesome!”
Dante sat quietly as the cousins playfully bickered, everything else tuned out as he nursed his beer. Too many things ran through his head, but all of them revolved around one thing.
Saving Grace.
END
Up Next: Grace and Troy fight for their survival against foes living and undead in Lowcountry - Pt. 2
Book 2 can be found here! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R6KP6XP
The main Dead America Series can be found here. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RWMXVNJ
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Dead America | Book 1 | Lowcountry [Part 1] Page 8
