Easy Fall

by Moose, S.

  “They stopped by a few weeks ago and said the bar was packed. Did you see them?”“I did but didn’t get a chance to talk too much. I’m glad they made their way over. That was nice of them.”

  “Shawna is so proud of you.”

  Justin turns his attention to me. “Bob and Shawna are my parents’ really good friends. They used to be friends with my biological parents too, so I’ve known them for a while.”

  “That’s really nice. I’m glad your family is around and want to come by. Since I’ve been in New Orleans, I’m making it my mission to always be at The Cure.”

  Courtney places her hand on mine. “We’ll have to get together on Friday. Will you be busy around four?”

  I think for a moment, trying to remember my schedule. “I’m pretty sure I’ll have that time free. I have a few meetings in the morning.”

  “Oh, you’re working while here?”

  “Yes. I’m a graphic designer, so I’m able to work anywhere without issues.”

  “That’s great.”

  Justin and Coach get up and head to the grill, leaving me with Courtney. I’m not as nervous as I thought I would be with them.

  “Tell me more about you,” Courtney says. “Justin’s very hard to get ahold of sometimes. It’s been months since we’ve seen him. I know he’s busy, but he’s our boy, and we miss him.”

  “That’s sweet. You sound like my mom.” I laugh and reach over for my glass of iced tea. “About me. Well, there’s not much to say. I’m from Chicago, and I’m beginning the process of moving down here. I have my parents, and I’m an only child.”

  “You’re moving here?” she asks with delight in her tone. “You’ll love it. If you ever want to get together or need help with anything, please let me know. Coach and I will help you with anything you need.”

  “That’s really nice of you. I appreciate it.”

  “We appreciate you coming into Justin’s life. When we lost Carson, we lost Justin too. It’s broken our hearts, but we gave Justin his space because we knew he needed it. I’m glad he has someone in his life to make him happy. It’s good to see him smile again.” Courtney wipes a tear before it falls down her cheek. “It’s been so long since he’s called me Mom.”

  This breaks my heart. Knowing that they couldn’t have kids of their own and took in Justin and Carson, then lost Carson before his life started again, it hurts. I want to hug her and tell her I’ll never hurt her son.

  “Time to eat, everyone,” Coach announces, and I follow Courtney inside to help her finish getting everything ready.

  Chapter 20

  Justin

  The drive back was great. Mallory was a little tipsy from the wine she and my mom drank. There’s music playing from the radio and she’s singing and dancing, not caring how she sounds or looks.

  I loved seeing the two women I love so much getting along. Coach was proud and impressed too.

  I make a mental note to be a better son and visit more often. I hate how upset my mom gets when I don’t see her. She’s done plenty of good in my life and I need to let her know how thankful I am of her. Nothing should be holding me back, and I need to stop using the bar as an excuse.

  After taking Mallory back to her place, I head back to mine and get refreshed for dinner with her, Lisa, and Jerry.

  Jerry’s sitting on the couch with a beer in his hand and the remote in his other. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy,” Jerry tells me. “It’s good to see you moving on from Angie. I thought you’d be stuck on that bitch forever.”

  “I love her, man. She’s the best thing to happen to me.” I raise my beer bottle to his, and we clink them together. “Enough about me. What about you and Lisa?”

  He shrugs and takes a swig of his beer. “She’s a goddess. There’s no one else I want to be with, but she’s hot and cold. In the bedroom, we connect, then we go into the real world, and she turns into someone I don’t know.”

  “She’s probably scared. That’s what it sounds like.”

  “Women.” He huffs. “Back to you. So you love her?”

  “I do.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I am. I’ve never been sure of anything else in my life. She’s someone I want to be with. There’s no question about it.”

  “I’m happy for you, man. It’s about time someone comes into your life and turns it around. How was seeing your parents?”

  After my biological parents deserted me and Carson, Coach and Courtney took us in. It was hard to adjust. They put us in counseling, and we went for a few weeks, but the connection we had with Coach and Courtney became strong. Coach worked at the middle school as Carson’s and my football coach and then moved up to high school when we moved up. He was always a father figure to us, and Courtney was a stay-at-home wife, so she always had time for the team and helping.

  After a few weeks of getting acclimated in their home, we formed a stronger bond, and one day, we started calling Courtney, Mom. We referred to Coach as Dad every now and then, but he was mostly just Coach to us.

  “You know what we should do?”

  “What’s that?”

  “Throw a private party at the bar. I feel like a party’s needed. You’ve been busting your ass with work, and I’ve been busy at the office and with the band. Let’s plan it with the girls. It’ll be fun to get everyone together and show them off. What do you say?”

  “Set it up.” I look at the text on my phone and motion for Jerry so we can get going.

  * * *

  The night of the party, the girls get the bar set up with decorations, specials, and helping Crystal and my staff. It looked good for only a day’s notice. Coach took me and the guys out while my mom and everyone else were at the bar. They told their friends about what we were doing, and we have the Inn Boudreaux packed with people, so business was booming for everyone.

  We get to the bar, and I see Mallory and Mom laughing at the bar while drinking wine. The image of the two of them leaves me frozen where I’m standing as I admire them.

  “Why in the hell are you wearing a dress that short?” Jerry screams at Lisa. “If you bend over, people can see everything. You’re out your mind if you think I’m going to have men eye-fucking my girlfriend.”

  “First of all, you have no right to stand there and tell me what to do, and second of all, I am not your girlfriend. You never asked me.”

  “I swear on everything that’s holy, you drive me batshit crazy.”

  “Likewise.”

  I feel Mallory next to me and give her a kiss on the top of her head while watching my best friend cause a scene.

  “Do you think my dress is too short?”

  I know what she’s wearing, and I love it. “Nope. You look beautiful, baby.”

  I’ll kill any fucker in here who tries anything with her.

  “Aw, babe.” She laughs and playfully pushes me. “Your grip on my waist got a little tighter for a second.”

  “Sorry about that. I don’t think I’ve told you today how thankful I am for your help with this. I know it was a lot to ask.”

  “Not a problem. It was fun spending the afternoon with your mom. She’s so sweet and nice.”

  “Couldn’t agree more.”

  I give Mallory a kiss before going to see how my dad’s doing. They’re staying at the Inn today as well. I wish I had a house, so they could stay with me.

  Coach gives me a pat on my back. “Looking to be a busy night for you.”

  “Sure is. Eli Boudreaux is bringing some out-of-town clients by, so I made sure I had the finest bottles of whiskey and cognac ready.”

  “We’re so proud of you, Justin. Your mother and I just want the best for you. I hope you know that.”

  “I do. More than you know.” I clear my throat and turn to face him. “I’m sorry I haven’t been around these past few years. Things were hard, and I buried myself in the bar and ran myself ragged.” I clear my throat again, trying to keep my composure. “You and Mom didn’t dese
rve that.”

  “Justin,” he says, “we don’t hold anything against you. You lost your brother in a terrible car accident. I know you blame yourself, and it’s hard for you to accept he’s gone. With you keeping the bar afloat, you’re keeping his memory alive. He’d be proud of you just as we all are.”

  “Thanks, Dad. I appreciate it.”

  When Eli and his wife, Kate, come in, I get Mallory and go over to introduce them to her.

  “Eli and Kate, thank you for coming tonight and for spreading the news of the party. I appreciate it.”

  Kate gives us a warm smile. “Not a problem. You know we love it here, Justin.” She looks at Mallory, then at me.

  “This is Mallory Elliot. Mallory, this is Eli and Kate Boudreaux.”

  Kate moves Eli out of the way and gives Mallory a hug while Eli shakes my hand and asks how the night’s going.

  “Pretty good. Everything seems to be in order. Jerry and the guys are getting ready to perform soon.”

  “Can’t wait. It’s nice to get out of the house and do something with Kate. Since we had our daughter”—he blows out a sigh— “she keeps us busy. I love being a dad, but a little break from dad life is nice too.”

  “Eli! I love this song. Come on, let’s dance.”

  When Kate drags Eli walk away to dance, Mallory comes over to me and rests her head against my shoulder. “She’s really nice.”

  “They both are. Having fun?”

  “I really am. It’s nice to meet your friends. Everyone I’ve talked to can’t believe how well you’re doing. They’re proud of you, and I am too.”

  “Thanks, baby.”

  Chapter 21

  Mallory

  Lisa and I dance without a care in the world. The songs Jerry and his band play are good. I look around and see people laughing and having fun. This is the kind of night we all need.

  I turn around, and a tall girl with long blonde hair comes over to me. “You’re Mallory, right?”

  “I am.”

  She brings me in for a hug. “I’m Lily. I’ve known Justin for the longest time. Girl, whatever you did to him, don’t ever leave. I don’t think I’ve seen him this happy in a while.”

  This makes me smile. I hate knowing how sad and alone Justin was before I came into his life. People are telling me how happy they are for him and wishing us the best. What they don’t know is Justin’s done the same for me. This is the happiest I’ve been, and being here tonight just reaffirms my decision to move here. It’s the best thing I can do for myself.

  “I hope you stay! I’d love to get together. Justin knows my number, so be sure to call me.”

  “I will! Thanks for coming tonight.”

  “You bet.”

  Lily walks away, and I join Lisa for another dance. I look for Justin and see him with more of his friends. He sees me looking at him, so I blow him a kiss and wave to him.

  Jerry joins us on the dance floor, and Lisa gives him the cold shoulder. I can’t help but laugh because I know exactly what she’s doing.

  “Don’t mind her. She really likes you but won’t admit it.”

  Lisa turns around and shoves me into Jerry. “I need a new best friend.”

  Jerry puts his arm around me and sticks his tongue out at Lisa. “I’ll be her new best friend since you’re giving up that title.”

  “Whatever.”

  “Can I talk to you for a second? Outside?” Jerry asks me.

  “Sure thing.” I wink at Lisa, and we walk outside. I’m not sure what this is about, and I’m a little nervous. “What’s up?”

  “Don’t think I’m an asshole for doing this, okay?”

  And all the nerves are back. “You’re making me nervous by saying that.”

  He runs his hand through his thick brown hair. “I don’t mean to. I’m sorry. I can get protective, and you know Justin’s my best friend.”

  I nod. “Yes, I know.”

  “I know he’s told you a lot. The thing is, even though he told you, you weren’t there to experience it. He was in a dark place when Carson died and then hit rock bottom when Angie left him. She told him she wasn’t happy, wanted out, and packed her things. No one saw or heard from her until she started coming back around in the past year or so. When she left, all life that was left in Justin was gone. I saved him too many times, and I hated seeing him like that. He wanted to die. He felt like there was nothing left. Did you know he almost lost the bar?” I stand in silence and continue to listen. “I’m really not trying to be a dick. I’m looking out for my friend, just as you would look out for Lisa.”

  “I don’t think you’re a dick at all. You’ve known Justin for a long time, and you saw the worst sides of him.” I place my hand in his. “I know what you’re trying to say, and you don’t need to finish your speech. I’m moving to New Orleans. I love Justin, and I want to be with him. You don’t need to worry. He’s the one I want to be with. I’m not using him, and I don’t ever want to hurt him.”

  “Please don’t. I don’t think he’d survive if you did. Look at what you’re doing to him now.” He moves to stand in front of the bar. “Things are finally looking up for him.”

  “Jerry, trust me when I tell you this. I truly love him and want to be with him. Don’t worry.”

  “Okay, Mallory. I believe you.”

  I give Jerry a hug and tell him again not to worry. When we walk back inside, Justin meets me at the door and picks me up in his arms, twirling me around. People around us clap their hands and hoot and holler.

  “Where have you been?”

  “Just outside talking to Jerry.” I look over and give him a playful wink. “He was doing his best friend duty and making sure everything was on the up and up. You have so many people who care about you.”

  “That means a lot, but there’s only one woman who I want right now.”

  I tap on my chin, pretending not to know who he’s talking about. “Who would that be?”

  “You.”

  My whole body comes alive when he kisses me. His hands cup my face, and it makes me melt. When he pulls away, his hands are still holding my face, and he smiles so wide I can see the happiness pouring out of him. Being with him is what happiness, real happiness, feels like. Justin twirls me around on the dance floor, kissing my lips and dipping me, causing a goofy laugh to leave my lips.

  “I wish I could hear your laughter all the time.”

  He pulls me back up in his arms, and I kiss the tip of his nose. “You are, silly. I’m moving here, and I’m not having any second thoughts.”

  “You sure?”

  “Positive.”

  * * *

  I’ve been working all morning. Justin’s down at the bar and hasn’t said too much to me. I’m not sure what’s going on with him or why he’s been quiet.

  Last night was amazing.

  Epic.

  We had the best time with his family and friends. I met so many people who cared about him and wanted the best for him. It felt like we were on the right path, and things were going to stay right.

  Until now.

  “Can you talk to me?” I ask, lifting my head from the computer and watching him work behind the bar. “You haven’t said anything to me, and I’m not sure what I did wrong.”

  “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

  “Okay. Then why the silent treatment?”

  He shifts his eyes to me. “Nothing to talk about.”

  “Right.”

  I take that as my cue not to push it. I still have no idea what’s going on. The communication between us has always been great. There’s something on his mind, and I can’t imagine what it could be to make him feel so distant and cold to me.

  “Can I get you something to eat?”

  “No. Crystal’s grabbing us subs on her way in.”

  “Sure. That sounds good.”

  He sets the glass down on the bar a little harder than expected. “Did you want something else?” Annoyance is laced in his tone.

 
“Nope. Subs are fine. I need to take this meeting, so I’m going back to my place.”

  “Fine.”

  “Alright.”

  Grabbing my things, I head to my apartment. I need to figure out whatever’s wrong, but I also need to take this meeting and focus on my job.

  Fuck.

  After the meeting, I put my laptop away and look at my phone. There are no messages from Justin. It irks me to know he’s been so quiet this entire afternoon.

  Granted, I did tell him I was in meetings all day, but still, he could’ve sent me a text, letting me know he was sorry or was thinking about me.

  Was it so hard to say a few nice things to me?

  When I leave my bedroom, there’s a note from Lisa on the table.

  Hey babe!

  Out and about with Jerry today. I won’t be back tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow. Love you lots!

  Things are going well for them, and it makes me happy she’s open to the idea of having a boyfriend and letting someone in.

  I grab my purse and head to the bar, hoping he’s in a better mood. When I walk in, I’m frozen in my place. Angie’s at the bar with him, and he’s laughing. They don’t see me, but Crystal does. She comes toward me and brings me outside.

  “Care to tell me what’s going on?”

  She throws her arms in the air. “No idea. When I came in, he was in a pissed off mood and wouldn’t talk to me or anything. Then she came in about an hour ago, and at first, he was cold, but then they started talking about Carson, and that opened him up. I have no idea what’s going on with him, or why he’s all of a sudden being nice to her.”

  “I don’t get it.” I rub my forehead, looking at them. Justin still hasn’t noticed me. “He hasn’t texted me at all this afternoon, and now I know why. What the hell do I do?”

  “Go in there. Don’t let her think she can take him away from you. Sure, they were together for a while, but I’ve never seen him so in love. I was upset at first because I liked him, but you two make sense.”