After the Rain

by Bruce, Brandy

  “I like that name,” I said, hoping to bring more positivity to the conversation.

  “Me too. But—I think maybe I’m going to hold off,” Paige decided suddenly.

  “Okay.”

  “He’s only in town for the weekend, and I think—well, I’m just looking for someone more available. Plus, his emails have been really formal. I need someone casual and fun loving.”

  Like Milo, I thought, but this time kept my mouth shut. I had a feeling Milo wasn’t the one, but no doubt Paige would find that out eventually.

  “Have you seen Ben lately?” Paige asked. She seemed to have given up on croutons and stabbed a piece of chicken.

  “We went zip-lining the other day.”

  She put down her fork. “What? More dating with you two?”

  I bit off the end of a dill pickle and dropped the rest in my lunch basket. “I told you, we’re not dating. Repeat after me: Debra is not dating Ben. We’re just friends, Paige. I’m not the kind of person Ben is looking for.”

  She looked amused. Those freckles across her face scrunched up with her grin. “What kind is that?”

  I finished the pickle wedge and wiped my hands on a paper napkin. “The church kind. You know what I mean. He’s in full-time ministry. I would imagine he’d need to date girls who go to church and talk to God. Like that Mikayla girl.”

  Paige pursed her lips. “Mikayla? The children’s pastor? Do you know her? How did you know she likes Ben?”

  I shook my bag of chips, looking for crumbs. “I met her at the church before our zip-lining thing. And I could tell she likes him because, come on.” I gave her a look.

  Paige nodded as though she knew this already. “Well, regardless, Ben seems to want to spend time with you. You should give him a chance. What’s not to like about him? I mean, the guy can rock a man bun. He’s the embodiment of cool. Is he … is he anything like Luke?” she asked, her voice quieting at that last part.

  I didn’t want to talk about Luke, but—it was sort of a relief to have a friend who wasn’t afraid to bring him up. Paige wanted to know me. I looked at her sadly eating chicken because her croutons were gone. She wanted to be real friends. Beyond surface level.

  I wanted that too.

  I thought of my nana saying she only really needed one good friend. Maybe that was all I needed too. There was no doubt that Denver felt more like home, knowing I had a friend in Paige.

  “No, he’s not like Luke. For one thing, Luke has short blond hair. No man bun. Also, Luke is serious. He’s organized and logical and disciplined. Not that he’s rigid—he’ll do anything for anyone. But his personality is quieter. He’d never be comfortable being on stage, like Ben. Ben is laid-back and constantly easy-going, and he’s fine being in the spotlight. He can engage with a roomful of people. He’s very spontaneous. That’s not Luke. Luke—he’s good one on one. When you have his full attention, you just feel—” My voice trailed off and my throat tightened at the thought of those moments when I’d had Luke’s sole attention. “They’re different,” I surmised and pushed away the last bite of my sandwich.

  “Well, I still think you should give Ben a chance. He’s fun, and his voice …” This time, she was the one giving me the knowing look, and I nodded.

  “Oh yeah, that voice.” I could hear my phone ringing and pulled it from my purse and just stared at the Texas number.

  Jason.

  Jason never called me. Not like Lily and Addi did. He’d text now and then, but calling wasn’t his style.

  “I need to take this, Paige.”

  She waved me off as a waitress stopped to refill water glasses.

  I jumped up and walked a few paces away. “Jason?”

  “Deb!”

  The sound of his voice brought an immediate smile to my face. “Hi, is everything okay?”

  “Yeah. I’m wondering if I can crash on your couch for a few days next week, into the weekend?”

  My jaw dropped. “What?”

  “I’m coming out to Denver for this cooking seminar. The guy is a well-known chef and he’s teaching and doing a workshop on restaurant ownership. It’s like two days of classes—Thursday and Friday. Then I was hoping we could hang out over the weekend. What do you say?”

  I shook my head, still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Jason had called, was coming to Denver, and was apparently crashing at my apartment. “Of course you can stay with me.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Do you need me to pick you up from the airport?”

  “I better rent a car so I can get to my classes.”

  “I work downtown, Jason. I’m sure I can take you or you can borrow my car and I can take the train.”

  “Really? That would be awesome! My flight gets in Wednesday night at like ten. Too late?”

  “I can manage. Next Wednesday?”

  “Yeah.” He paused. “I can’t wait to see you, Deb. We’ve all really missed you.”

  A pang touched my heart. “I can’t wait to see you either. It will be fun to catch up.”

  I went back to the table and relayed the conversation to Paige. She took off her sunglasses and her mouth rounded into an O.

  “That is so fun! You have to make plans for where to take him next weekend.”

  I licked my lips, starting to feel a thrill of excitement at spending time with Jason. “I wonder if Twenty-Four Tears is playing anywhere. I’ll have to ask Ben.”

  “Totally. If they are, let’s all go. I want to meet your friend.”

  I texted Ben later that evening and didn’t hear back; then I remembered him saying the band practiced on Wednesday nights. By nine thirty I was in pajamas, worn out from my long day that had included the apology on air. I was just about to fall asleep when I heard a ding. The light from my phone illuminated the nightstand. I reached for it.

  Ben.

  SORRY. PRACTICE. WANT TO MEET UP SOMETIME TOMORROW?

  I laid back, my head on the pillow, and held my phone up, scowling at the light while texting my response.

  YES. I’M FREE ANY TIME AFTER WORK.

  I waited a few seconds for another ding.

  YOU NEED TO EXPERIENCE DENVER TACO TRUCKS. PICK YOU UP AROUND FOUR THIRTY. OK?

  I smiled. Full of surprises, that one.

  YOU AND ME AND THE TACO TRUCKS. SEE YOU THEN.

  Chapter Nine

  Life is out there waiting, so go get it.

  Mary Poppins

  What do you recommend?” I asked, peering up at the menu on the side of a red food truck.

  “I swear everything is good. I really like the chorizo tacos, but the green chili and shredded chicken are awesome as well. And that migas one—it’s like eggs and tortillas and—”

  “I know what migas are,” I interrupted.

  He held up both hands and grinned. “Order away.”

  We both ended up getting chorizo tacos, which were more like burritos, in my opinion. There were picnic benches nearby and Ben and I found an empty one. He’d brought two bottles of water for us, and we sat across from each other. I took one bite, closed my eyes without warning, and uttered a long Mmmm.

  He laughed, then wiped his mouth. “Told you. As good as Texas?”

  I opened one eye. “All right. Yes.”

  He finished two tacos in a matter of minutes, then threw back that water bottle. “Twenty-Four Tears isn’t playing next weekend, but I have something to ask you.”

  I nodded, still eating my second taco.

  “Want to go to the mountains with me? I’m going up to Breck. The place where I used to work as a river guide needs a hand. They’re booked solid and need another guide around because one of their guys is out with an injury. It’s fun for me and the extra money is good. I’m driving up Friday afternoon, and I’ll help out with the tours all day Saturday. Hiking and rafting and fishing and camping overnight. We could come back late Sunday or stay till Monday.”

  “And you want me to go with you?” I echoed in surprise. He nodded.
r />   “Yeah. It’ll be a lot of fun. There are a couple of groups and guides, and so far, my raft has extra room. Will you ... I mean, I’d really like you to come, if you want.” His eyes and voice were hopeful and I couldn’t keep the regret from my tone.

  “I wish I could, Ben. The reason I was asking about next weekend is because my friend from Texas, Jason—I told you about him; he was part of the gang—is coming into town. He’s coming out for a cooking seminar and he’s staying with me. I just thought if Twenty-Four Tears was playing, I would take him to hear you guys.”

  A slight frown shadowed his face. “Your friend Jason is coming to Denver? He’s staying with you?”

  I nodded patiently. “Yes. He was one of my best friends in Texas. Jase asked if he could crash on my couch for a few days. He’ll be here through the weekend. Too bad you’ll be gone. I wish you could meet him.”

  Ben stared past me at the parking lot for a moment, then crumpled the taco wrappings on the table into a ball. “Well, do you want to bring him along? Does he like white water rafting? I could get him a discounted rate. You guys could drive up Saturday morning instead of coming with me Friday night.”

  I opened my mouth to protest, then stopped. Jason would probably love rafting and hiking and fishing and whatever else. “I could ask him,” I said. “It does sound like a lot of fun.” I suddenly thought of Paige. “Oh, wait. Paige was looking forward to meeting him. Maybe I should hold off on plans till I talk to her. I don’t want her to feel left out.”

  Ben sighed. “Bring her along too, then. I can get her the discounted rate as well.”

  I brightened. “Seriously? Is there room for all of us to go rafting?”

  “I might have to ask one of the other guides to squeeze Paige into their boat, but we’ll make it work. She can definitely hike and camp overnight with us. Do you have camping stuff?”

  I bit my bottom lip and shook my head. He sighed again. “Okay. I’m sure I can scramble up extra stuff for you and Jason. I might have to borrow some equipment from some friends.”

  “Are you sure? That’s such an inconvenience for you ...”

  “It’s fine, Deb. I want you to come.”

  His eyes met mine and I felt my face flush. “Thanks, Ben.”

  The frown slowly vanished from his face and a very small smile emerged. “I listened to your show yesterday.”

  “Oh yeah? I had to apologize to a listener for being harsh.”

  “I thought you did a great job. Good advice, Miss Lonely Heart.”

  Then I remembered. I’d quoted him. The bit about everyone being lonely sometimes. A small smile emerged on my face as well. “It came from this worship pastor I know. He’s kind of a rock star, actually.”

  Then Ben flushed and looked down at the table.

  My breathing stopped for a second.

  I’m flirting. I’m flirting with Ben. What am I thinking?

  “Jason is very easygoing.” I redirected the conversation quickly. “You’re going to like him. I’m so excited! It’s like family is coming to visit!”

  Less than a week later, I pulled up to the curb at Denver International Airport, threw my SUV in park, and hopped out at the sight of Jason standing below a United sign, wearing a red backpack, an Astros ball cap, sports pants, and a gray T-shirt. Black hair, black eyes, and a constant tan that stemmed with his Hispanic heritage, he was adorable in every way.

  His face lit up when he saw me. I’d told myself sternly that there was no crying allowed, but it didn’t work. Tears filled my eyes as a living, breathing reminder of my life in Texas scooped me up in a bear hug. We talked fast, over and around each other, laughing as we tried to slow down. He seemed quite shocked by my short hair and kept exclaiming that he’d never seen me with short hair before. I exited the airport, and Jason scrolled through his phone, answering a slew of texts.

  My phone started dinging as well, Addison and Lily asking if Jason had arrived and letting me know they were thoroughly jealous that he and I were having a solo reunion.

  I listened as Jason brought me up to date on Addison and Glen and Sam and Lily, specifically Lily’s pregnancy. He didn’t bring up Sara and Luke—but I knew he would. This was Jason. He’d been there at my lowest moment—when I’d shown up at Sara’s apartment and bawled her out. He, more than anyone, had been a front-row witness to my meltdown. He’d also drawn the unlucky straw in driving me to the airport at the crack of dawn on Christmas morning, the day after Luke had shattered my heart. I’d sobbed the whole way.

  No, there was no doubt he’d go there eventually.

  We got to my apartment around eleven, and Jason dumped his duffle bag and backpack on the floor.

  “I like your place,” he said, eyes darting around.

  “It’s like living in a big closet,” I said, and he laughed.

  “Not even. You’ve got a separate bedroom and that kitchen island is amazing. And these blank white walls are great.” He looked at me and raised an eyebrow. “What’s with the boxes over there? How long have you lived here again?”

  My gaze followed his, and I flushed at the stack of boxes in the corner of the breakfast area, and yes, the walls, which were picture free. “Yeah, so I haven’t finished moving in yet. Blank walls make it feel bigger, I think.” I knew what he was thinking. My apartment in Houston had been small but much homier. Framed, signed posters from lots of musicians had lined the walls. Along with vintage movie posters of my favorite musicals. I’d hung up my dad’s old acoustic guitar he’d given me. One year on my birthday, the girls had surprised me with a night out to one of those art studios where everyone drinks wine and paints pictures. The pictures were musically themed, and Addi, Lily, and Sara had all given me their pictures when the night was through. I’d proudly displayed our artwork over the sofa in my apartment.

  Sara’s picture had not made the trip to Colorado, but the others were in a box somewhere.

  Jason stretched out on the sofa. “Well, no judgment from me on not hanging stuff up. But not unpacking? Are you staying or what?”

  I plopped down next to him. “I’m staying. I want to buy a place of my own when this lease is up. If I can afford it.”

  He nodded. “The appliances look new. And the lighting is great in here.”

  “These are newer condominiums. That part is definitely nice.”

  “Yeah. Last month I moved into a different rental. I think it was built in the seventies.” He kicked off his sneakers. “Go to bed, Deb. I know you need sleep to function tomorrow. What’s our plan for getting around?”

  “You’re taking my car. The keys are hanging by the door. My cohost is picking me up in the morning and giving me a ride to the studio; then I’ll take the light rail back to my condo. No problem at all. Will you be finished in time for us to have dinner together?”

  He nodded. “Definitely. There are a couple of cool chefs I’m excited to learn from at the seminar, but the main guy is Leonardo Romano. He owns two restaurants in Denver. You and I are going to one tomorrow night.”

  I smiled. “Can’t wait. And you’re right. I need sleep. Make yourself at home, okay? Seriously, mi casa es tu casa.”

  Jason grinned, then yawned. “Buenas noches, Deb.”

  Four-thirty a.m. came in a blink and felt brutal. I stumbled out the door of the lobby to where Andy sat waiting for me. Bless him, he had a grande Starbucks cup waiting on me, which I accepted gratefully. We got to work and the caffeine boost helped as we jumped into the morning show. Anything new in our lives was considered fodder for the show, so I talked all about Jason being in town. His arrival helped with the Miss Lonely Heart segment as I shared, in the most humorous way I could, his being there for me at my worst moments. I had one call-in where a girl told us how her fiancé had heartbreakingly left her standing alone at the altar, deciding at the last minute that she couldn’t make him happy. My blood pressure had risen as I listened to her story, at which point I recommended she create flyers with his face on them and their story and
distribute them as far and wide as possible.

  By noon, I was running on adrenaline. I walked to Union Station to catch the train back to Whitestone, still fuming about all the liars and cheats in this world. When I got back to my apartment, I collapsed onto my bed, fumbled for the comforter, which I pulled up to my chin, and slept hard for a few hours.

  I woke up with a headache, glancing at the clock. Three thirty. I took a hot shower, which helped with the headache, then got ready for dinner out with Jason. He walked through the door at five thirty and we left almost immediately for the restaurant. I’d seen one of the Romano restaurants downtown, but Jason wanted to try the branch on Franklin Street, so we used GPS to get us there. After a short wait, we were seated at a table in the large, family-style restaurant, complete with a huge water fountain in the waiting area.

  I ordered chicken Parmesan and a glass of merlot and listened to Jason gush over how much he’d enjoyed the seminar. Over the past year, he’d decided to change careers from computer programming to cooking. One of his first catering gigs had been to take charge of the food for Addison’s wedding, at which point we all realized how gifted Jason was in the kitchen. As far as I’d known, he’d been working as a line cook at a steakhouse in Houston, but he told me he’d recently applied for the sous chef position and was waiting to find out whether he got it.

  “This seminar was sort of a ‘continuing education.’ My boss was the one who recommended it to me. I’m so glad it worked out.” Jason dipped a piece of bread into the crab dip appetizer we’d decided to split.

  “Who was that last girl you were dating? Mia? Are you guys still together?”

  He shook his head. “That lasted like fifteen minutes. Addison set me up with someone from her church.” He rolled his eyes. “After I told her not to. That was awkward and didn’t go anywhere. I’ve been working a lot. And I work nights, so it’s not like there’s a lot of time to socialize.” He shrugged. “I’m good. I like where I’m at. Lily is ready to pop. She could have that kid like any minute. Are you going to fly to Texas when he’s born?”

  Eek. I hadn’t even thought of that. “I don’t know. Maybe, I guess.”