Silver Lake Read Online Free Page A

here now. A stream of curses drifted in from the patio where Jason was working on lighting the ancient grill, and A.J. laughed and called out, “It’s nice to see you too, bud.”
    The knot of tension that had taken up residence in the back of Rain’s neck loosened slightly. Everyone was here now, and the awkwardness had melted away. A shout of victory from Jason as he won his battle with the grill added to her relief, and she pulled the steak tips out of the fridge with a smile tugging at her lips.
    ****
    A bonfire on the beach had seemed like the perfect idea after dinner, dessert, and drinks. But the June nights were still cold, and the brisk air quickly cut through Rain’s light jacket. She moved from her spot next to Jason to huddle closer to the crackling fire. Allie had been smart enough to bring a blanket with her; now she was curled up on the sand with her head on one of A.J.’s outstretched legs. The firelight played across Allie’s face as her eyelids closed and popped back open.
    “Allie, you look exhausted! You should probably get to bed. In fact, we all should get to bed soon,” Rain said. Maybe the dreams would even give them the night off, she tacked on silently.
    “Hmmm? No, I’m awake. I am tired, but I don’t want to miss anything! You guys should actually feel really special. I’m away from my kids and on vacation. If I was with anyone else, I would have gone to bed and stayed there until Monday. And that includes Brian!”
    A.J. was leaning back on his hands and he pushed himself forward, took a swig of his drink and adjusted the blanket around Allie’s shoulders. “We appreciate the effort, truly. But we’re really not all that interesting.”
    Allie grinned sleepily. “Rain is. She’s going to write a children’s book this summer,” she announced mischievously.
    Rain narrowed her eyes at her friend as everyone’s attention turned to her. She was glad the darkness hid her signature flush of embarrassment. “It’s just an idea, Allie,” she mumbled.
    “We’re waiting, Rain,” Jason prodded as he shifted closer to her and nudged her with his shoulder.
    She sighed and linked her arms around her knees. “Well, I taught both morning and afternoon kindergarten this year, and I was looking for fun ways to teach the kids the alphabet. So I thought it would be helpful for the parents to have a book at home that they can read with their children, that dedicates a week to each letter of the alphabet. For each letter, I would list crafts, activities, recipes, animals, games, even sight words that all begin with that letter. ‘A’ would include things like making a paper airplane and a fun snack like ants on a log.” Rain shrugged self-consciously.
    “I think it’s a great idea,” A.J. replied, and the others echoed his approval. “But what in God’s name are ants on a log?”
    Allie burst out laughing. “How can you not know that? Well, I suppose it’s not something they serve regularly at business lunches in the world of high finance. It’s raisins…never mind, I’ll make some for lunch tomorrow. You’ll love it.”
    A.J. shook his head. “You lost me at raisins. But I expect to be mentioned in this book under friends that begin with ‘A.’ Wait, awesome friends that begin with ‘A.’ I think you’re on to something here, Rain.”
    “Wait, I should be in that chapter too!” Allie pointed out. “‘A’ is also for Allie, as well as award-winning author. Seriously, we’re all behind you, Rain, one hundred percent.”
    Jason smiled roguishly at Rain. “I think ‘B’ should be for breakfast in bed. What time can I expect that?”
    Rain rolled her eyes in the firelight. “‘B’ can also be for breath. As in, I wouldn’t hold yours.”
    A.J. shook his head. “Nice try, though, buddy.” He toasted them with his drink. “‘C’ for cocktail,” he added, taking a healthy swig.
    She tried not to giggle as she feigned annoyance. “Very funny. But I’m going to