“What’s the worst that can happen?” she urges, her voice gentle.
“He’ll reject me, and I’ll be humiliated.” Which would be awful, but at least I’d be out of this strange, tense, awkward limbo I’m currently in.
She laughs. “If, for some reason, lightning strikes and he rejects you, you can plot revenge and make him suffer.”
I chew on my lower lip. “True.”
“Take a chance and see what happens.” She points toward the bar. “I’m going to go back.”
She walks away to where we were sitting.
I lean against the wall and blow out a hard breath.
If Hailey is right, and she usually is, I’m going to have to initiate the conversation.
I can send the first text. I wouldn’t even have thought about it a week ago. A week ago, I had no shame about begging him for attention.
I take out my phone and open our text exchange. I run my thumb over his name on my screen. I care too much. Want him too badly.
His response matters, and I can’t have that.
I slip my phone back into my pocket and head back to the table.
Charlie
Why did I think this was a good idea? I’d blame Ryder and Griffin for dragging me out, but it’s not the truth. The truth is, I knew Jessica would be here, and for some stupid reason, I needed to see her.
I thought if I could gauge her behavior when it’s not in an office setting, maybe I’ll get more clarity about what the fuck is going on.
And since she was once again glued to Cole Montgomery’s side, I guess I got my answer.
My jaw clenches as I fight the urge to watch her go when she wanders away with her sister.
She’s wearing a navy knit dress with a square neckline and sleeves that end at her elbows. I feel like I’ve memorized every detail of her, and I’m still not tired of looking.
So, instead of letting my gaze drift to the direction she took off in, I take a sip of my drink and find the three men watching me.
I point to the table where the girls are. “Ready?”
Griff gives me a shit-eating grin and holds up the beverages. “The wife is waiting.”
Cole gestures to the fire department crowd. “I’m going to head back. See you guys later.”
Thank fuck. I can’t stand one more second standing next to him.
When she gets back, she’ll probably go to him. The thought of her smiling up at him, flashing those eyes, daring him, makes me want to punch something.
Another reason it’s good we’re over.
Through the crowd of people, I catch Sam’s gaze on me. I tense, but before I can turn away, he indicates he’s coming my way.
It gives me an excuse to stay behind, so I say to Ryder and Griffin, “I’ll catch up with you.”
Ryder gives me what now feels like a permanent frown before they move away.
I lean over the bar and wait, longing for the days when Sam’s bar was only for barflies and friends. It’s still like that sometimes, especially when Big Red’s from the town over has entertainment and line dancing, but more and more, the townspeople of Revival find themselves here.
He finishes up his last customer and comes over, throwing a bar towel over his shoulder. “Hey, you doing okay?”