by Sarah Bale
“Jamie! I’ve missed you baby girl!”
Denver pulled me into his arms and hugged me until I giggled. His hug was different, but much appreciated.
“I’ve missed you, too, Denver. Do you know if LaTonya is already inside?”
He shrugged and opened the door for me. “Not sure. I just got back from the arena. Even if she’s not here yet you have to come have a drink with me.”
I nodded and followed him through the lobby. It felt strange being there with someone other than him. I shoved the thought away. Denver and I entered the bar and I saw so many familiar faces that my eyes filled with tears. God, I had missed this more than I realized.
LaTonya sat next to Richmond. They were staring into each other’s eyes and it made my heart ache at the sight.
Denver tugged on my hand. “Come on. Let’s sit over here. LaTonya can come see you when she’s done ogling Richmond.”
I laughed and let him lead me to a table in the corner. I was glad he understood, though. A waitress came and Denver ordered vodka for us.
“This isn’t what I usually drink,” I said as we raised our glasses to each other.
He threw back the drink and replied, “Yeah? Sometimes trying something new is a good thing, Jamie.” He watched me for a moment. “Drink up.”
I couldn’t ignore the tingling I felt in my stomach. Was he flirting with me? Is that what this was? I lifted the glass to my lips and drank the contents. Surprisingly, it wasn’t that bad.
“See?”
“Not bad.”
We ended up chatting for about an hour before LaTonya came over to the table. She hugged me.
“I’m glad you’re here. It’s not the same without you.”
“It’s weird being here, though.”
“I know, honey. I know.”
Richmond joined us and it felt like old times. Denver told joke after joke and had us all rolling. Around midnight, Richmond tugged on LaTonya’s hand.
She said to me, “You can come hang out with us…”
No, I couldn’t. I shook my head.
“I’m going to head back to my hotel. I’ll text you later, though. Maybe we can go shopping before you leave tomorrow.”
I had a bonus check that was burning a hole in my pocket.
“Yes. I’d like that.”
She hugged me and they left the bar.
When they were gone, Denver ordered us another round of drinks.
“Are you trying to get me drunk?” I asked with a giggle.
In all honesty I was feeling lightheaded, but that didn’t stop me from taking the shot.
He leaned forward. “Maybe I’m hoping I won’t have to sleep alone tonight.”
“I’m not a rat.”
My words echoed the same thing I’d told Mesquite.
Denver brushed the hair from my face. “And I’m not looking for sex, Jamie. I just want to cuddle.” He stood. “Come on. It’s too cold for you to catch a cab and I’ve got a king size bed.”
He held out his hand and I stared at it. Mesquite hadn’t tried to contact me once in the last month. That chapter seemed to be over. Was I ready to start a new chapter? I looked up into Denver’s chestnut eyes. I put my hand into his and stood. Time to see what this new chapter had in store for me.
