There were too many things to figure out, including how to not mess things up with Graceagain. It had been a long time since I was anyone other than the playboy. I didn’t know if I knew how to connect at all.
Much less connect and not get attached.
The air was cold and the square was dark when Wren called it for the day and kicked me out of the apartment. When I got outside, I realized that the square was lit again. The first time I’d been here, I was struck by how much someone cared about this place. Most small towns were run-down, but this one felt like it was up-and-coming.
I had a feeling it would be short-lived. But it was still nice to see for now. Back when I was young, everything had this glow. That had faded over the years.
When I got to my truck, I paused. The plan had been to go back to my hotel, but being alone would make all the thoughts of my future come back, and I was exhausted from ruminating on everything I’d fucked up over the last few days.
Bell’s Brews was fun the first time I went, and I couldn’t say no to a beer. When I walked in, it was slower than it was the last time. There was just Mark and Hugh, who were playing cards at a table alone.
“Oh, look who it is. I heard you were back in town,” Mark said.
“Just for a short while,” I replied. “Wren has more things for me to rewire.”
“It’s good to see you.”
I nodded before turning to Hugh. “Hey, Hugh.”
He huffed. “You remembered my name? You must like me or something.”
“I remembered to take care of my truck. I fixed the dent a while ago.”
“Good. Don’t go hitting any more stop signs.”
“I’ll do my best, sir.”
He didn’t grace me with a response, and I walked up to the bar.
“Want what you got last time?”
I blinked in shock. “There’s no way you remember that.”
“Kid, this ain’t one of those big bars in the city. I remember everything. Too much, even.” He shuddered.
I almost asked, but it wasn’t my business.
“Yes, please.”
He disappeared and brought back my beer. “How’ve you been?”
“Busy,” I said. “Uh, you?”
Mark laughed. “You’re not the best at small talk, huh? If you prefer your beer in private, I can leave you alone.”
“I’m trying not to be rude.”
“We have city people come in here all the time. They all are a little different.”
I opened my mouth to say I wasn’t from the city, that I used to be just like everyone else here, but I was cut off.
“He could come sit with me,” Hugh said.
“You want someone to sit with you?” I asked.
“You better not offer to play poker with him,” Mark said. “I can’t watch you swindle someone else.”
“Now hang on a second.” I shook my head. “Who said he’d win?”