“Awful quiet in here today.” He looks around and shrugs, disappointment evident in his voice.
“Well, it is the Saturday before Mother’s Day. Maybe folks are out shopping.” I wipe the counter down in front of him, the condensation from his beer leaving a small ring of water, and place a coaster under it. “Besides, it’s still early. I’m sure things will liven up later.”
“Yup.” He grumbles. “I sure hope so. No fun drinking alone.”
I smile and pull a five out of the tip jar and make my way under the bar. “Why don’t I put some music on for us then, Joe? You got any requests?”
His eyes light up as I walk by, and he follows me over to the jukebox. “Oh, you know, I always love me some Johnny Cash, or you can’t go wrong with some good ole Hank Williams.”
“I know we’ve got “Ring of Fire” on here, but I don’t think any Hank.” I browse through the list of songs. “How about Kenny Rogers? We’ve got “The Gambler”?”
“Sure, sure! Kenny’s great.”
I punch in the numbers for the first two songs, and we continue to read through the song list, finding more and continuing to punch in numbers as the horn intro for “Ring of Fire,” followed by Johnny’s deep voice, fills the bar with music.
“I think we’ve got a good set picked out, Joe, but there are still a few more credits if you want to keep going.” I point to the number, indicating six credits still left.
“Can I pick a song?” His voice sends shivers down my spine as it vibrates against my ear, and my pulse quickens as I feel him behind me. I was so busy picking out songs that I didn’t even hear him come in. I pull my bottom lip between my teeth to try to lessen the smile that’s blooming on my face. Before I can answer, I feel a strong hand on my hip and another snake around me to punch in a number, his front flush against my back. “I hear this song has a great rhythm.”
I notice it’s the number for “Linger,” the song we danced to last weekend. “Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul,” I whisper so I know only he will hear it. Joe seems to understand something is happening here and discreetly walks away. In the background, all I can hear is Johnny crooning about falling into a ring of fire, and for once, I completely understand what he’s been singing about.
“More quotes? Who is it this time?” His hand is still on my waist, and the other is flat against the jukebox. I’m a prisoner, but I don’t mind one bit.
“It’s Plato.”
“God, you’re so damn smart.” He chuckles, and I feel his nose brush against my hair, which I wore down since I know he likes it that way, and then across my cheek before his warm lips brush the softest kiss across mine.
He steps back then, leaving my back feeling cold but igniting my insides, and I turn slowly to look at him. “Hi.”
“Hi.” His gaze travels over me and he nods. “You look pretty.”
“Do I?” I smile shyly and swipe my hands over the olive-green t-shirt dress I’m wearing. I threw a wide, braided belt around the waist and have my boots on. It’s way dressier than I usually wear to the bar, but I wanted to look nice for him, not that I’m going to tell him that. “Thanks.”
“The color makes your eyes look greener.” He reaches up and lifts my chin a fraction and gazes into them.
I can feel my cheeks heating, so I take a step back and motion toward the bar. “I should get back to work.”
He nods and his mouth dips into a slight smirk. “At least, this time, you’re letting me know you’re leaving.”
I grimace and step toward him. “Are you angry? I’m sorry! I just didn’t want to wake you. I had no idea what time you came in.”
His hand reaches out and glides gently down my arm before lightly grasping my hand. “Not mad. Worried.” He shakes his head and gives me a grin that’s just a shade shy of being wicked. “There are wolves roaming around out there. What if one of them had got you?”
* * *
I WATCH HER WALK AWAY, appreciating the way her hips rock back and forth until she pulls herself under and through the bar. My cheeks are getting sore from all the smiling I’ve done over the last twenty-four hours, but I just can’t seem to stop. I turn and set up my equipment as quickly as I can because I want to get a few minutes in at the bar with her before I have to go back to the barn. I notice Kelly doesn’t seem to be around and wonder where she is.
I look over my shoulder to take in the room and see who else is around and, when I do, catch her watching me. I wink, but she looks away before I can catch her eye. She’s shy as a church mouse, and I chuckle, hoping she won’t have to resort to shots again tonight. I thought she was getting a bit more comfortable with me, but maybe not. I plug in the last speaker and make my way over to my usual stool and sit down. “Where’s Kelly?”
“Oh, she’ll be in later. She and Adam had an appointment with the minister today about their wedding. They’re getting married in October.”
“The cop who came in last week? Big guy?”
She smiles and nods. “That would be him. He’s a good guy. First guy I’ve ever seen that can keep Kelly in line.”
“What about you?”
“What about me?”
“Ever had a guy that kept you in line?” As soon as I say the words, I realize how stupid I sound, and it’s not just the expression on her face right now. “Oh, Jesus, I didn’t mean it like that! That was my stupid way of asking about old boyfriends.”
“Uh-huh.” She’s nodding her head, but her expression still looks like she wants to maybe smack me. “You want something to drink, Justin?”
“Ice water?” I say meekly.
“Feeling a little bit like you’re in Hell right now?” Then she bursts out laughing, breaking the awkwardness of the moment just like that, and I know then and there that all I want is to spend more time with her.
“So, are you going to let me take you on a real date this time?” I watch her as she fills a glass with ice then water and places it in front of me, her eyes finally darting up to look at me, her lower lip clenched in her teeth. “I could take you to dinner tomorrow?”
She releases her lip and her brow furrows. “But it’s Mother’s Day. Won’t you want to do something with your mom?”
“We always do a special lunch with my mom and grandmother, so my night’s free.” I shrug, and then it hits me. “Oh, jeez, sorry. You probably have plans with your mom, though, huh?”
I watch as her face changes completely. Her eyes blink rapidly to keep tears at bay, and her lips turn downward as she shakes her head then clears her throat. “My mom died six years ago. I go visit her stone in the morning, but otherwise, I’m free.”
“Oh, shit.” I don’t know what else to do, so I get up, walk to the cut-through, squeeze under, and then go to her and wrap her in my arms. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
Her arms find their way around my waist as she muffles into my chest. “How could you have?”
“I don’t know, but I’m still sorry.” I pull her closer, trying to hug away some of the pain she’s feeling and because, honestly, I don’t know what else to do.
After a minute, she pushes apart from me and shrugs, her cheeks pink. “I’m sorry. I’m usually fine to talk about it, but sometimes, like the day before Mother’s Day, it hits me a little harder.”
“Hey, don’t apologize for that.” I place my hand on her cheek and, without thinking, bend down and kiss her. Not a long or passionate kiss, just a simple touch to try to let her feel something else right now. Her eyes meet mine, and when she gives me a lopsided smile, I know it’s her way of telling me she’s okay. I let my hand fall and nod before making my back to the other side of the bar.
“Do you want to talk about it? Does it make it better or worse?” I take a sip of my water to help calm my nerves. I’ve never really spoken to anyone about death or had anyone close to me die, so I’m not sure what I should do.
She gives me a small smile, her eyes sad, and shrugs. “It is what it is.
She got cancer. She fought really, really hard, but she lost. I miss her. I miss her a lot. But I know she’s around and with me, so I just try to take some comfort in that.”
“What about your dad?” I ask quietly.
“He’s still here but not the same since he lost her.” I watch as she picks at one of the coasters. “I try to go seem him once or twice a month, and he comes into the library every so often to visit. He lives here in town still.”
“Sydney, I’m really sorry. I can’t imagine.” I take her hand and squeeze it, thinking of my mom and how lost and empty my life would seem without her.
She gives my hand a squeeze back and then looks shyly up at me through her lashes. “I would actually like to go out tomorrow if the offer is still good? It would be a really nice way to spend what might otherwise be a shitty day for me, ya know?”
The corners of my mouth slide up and I nod. “I’d love to try to make it a better day for you.” I let go of her hand and grab a cocktail napkin off a stack on the bar then slide it over to her. “How about you give me your number this time?”
Her eyes crinkle in delight as she grabs a pen off the counter, quickly jots her number on the napkin, and slides it back to me. “Oh, wait!” She grabs it back and writes something under her number, then gives it back to me. “That’s my address. You can pick me up at six.”
I grin widely, slide the napkin in my pocket, and rise to leave. “It’s a date.”
* * *
CHAPTER EIGHT
I stand in front of the mirror with a frown, assessing the fifth outfit I’ve now tried on. I’m wearing a cute pair of black satin shorts with a sleeveless white top, but I’m not sure how the weather will be later and don’t want to get too chilly. I pull on a jean jacket to see how it looks but wonder if it’s too casual now. Where’s Kelly when I need her? Justin is going to be here in thirty minutes so I need to make a decision and fast.
I walk back over to my bed and pick up my black rayon jumper pants. Deciding they will be the perfect compromise, I smile. I slide the shorts off and the pants on, and then walk back over to the mirror and look at myself one more time. I slide the jacket off and decide I’ll just carry it with me and wear it if I need it. Mission complete. Who knew getting ready for a date could be so difficult?
Hair and make-up done, I pull my shoes on then walk out into the kitchen and open the fridge to see what I have to drink. I spy a bottle of white wine I haven’t opened yet and pull that out. After twisting it open, I pull a glass down from the shelf, fill it halfway, and then go to the living room and take a seat on the couch to wait. Simba, my big, orange fluff ball of a cat, saunters out of my bedroom and jumps up beside me.
“Hey, my little man. Coming to give me some love?” I stroke his fur and he immediately starts purring. I laugh at just how loud this cat’s motor is when he purrs. I’ve never heard another cat like him. He really is my little lion. I take a sip of my wine, moving my attention away from him for one moment, which results in a headbutt to my leg and a coating of orange cat fur on my black pants. “Oh, Simba, what am I going to do with you, you little ball of fur?”
I rise, give him a final pat, and move to the kitchen to see if I can find my lint brush. I open drawer after drawer, but of course, the time when I need it the most, I can’t find it. Seriously, Murphy’s Law is in full effect. Desperate times call for desperate measures, so I grab the duct tape I keep for emergencies just like this and rip off a big piece. I stick the two ends together, slide the smooth part over my hand, and pat the sticky side over my pants, successfully picking off all Simba’s hair. I smile and congratulate myself on a job well done by taking a big sip of my wine, just as a loud knock sounds at the door. I jump and almost spill wine down the front of my shirt, but somehow manage to keep it in the glass. Gah! He’s here!
After setting the glass on the counter, I walk quickly to the door, yank it open, and have to stop myself from gaping when I see Justin. Instead of the jeans I’m used to seeing him in, he’s wearing black dress pants and a white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the collar open just enough that I can see a peek of his chest. His black belt matches the sharp, black dress shoes he’s wearing, completing his look. “Hi. Do you want to come in?”
Instead of an answer, the smile on his face transforms into a look of surprise, and he laughs, then slaps his hand over his mouth as he tries to stop. “I’m sorry. I swear, I’m not laughing at you!”
I look up and down my body, to see if I did actually spill wine on myself, trying to figure out what he’s laughing at. “What? Justin, tell me!”
He steps in, taking my arm by the elbow, and leans down to kiss me on the cheek. “First, I just want to say that you look really nice. Beautiful, in fact.”
“Okay…” My brows are furrowed and eyes crinkled as I continue to wonder what the hell is so funny.
“Look at us.” He points to himself and then me. “We look like wait staff in our matching outfits.”
I look at him and then at me, and then back at him again, and realize he’s absolutely correct. Laughing, I bring my hands to my face. “Oh my God! You’re right! We look ridiculous!”
“No, no!” He’s trying so hard not to laugh. “Seriously, you look amazing, but this is just too funny.”
“There is no way I’m going to dinner looking like twins.” I hold my finger out. “I’ll be right back.” I point to the fridge. “There’s wine in there and glasses on that shelf. Just help yourself.”
I run through the bathroom, to my bedroom on the other side, and find the pink shirt I tried earlier. It’s only a little wrinkled from being tossed in the discard pile, but it will do. I pull the white shirt off, pull the pink one on, and run my hands over it to try to smooth out the creases. I shake my head. It’s just going to have to do. As I walk back to the bathroom, I check my reflection, fluff my hair, and give myself a thumbs up.
“Okay, better?” I stroll out of the bathroom into the kitchen and spin around, finding him sitting on the couch with Simba in his lap. “Oh no!” I frown. “He’s going to get fur all over you!”
“This is nothing compared to what I get on me at the farm.” I watch as he continues to run his hand down and over the cat, and I think I might actually be a little bit jealous but also a little bit smitten that he could care less about the hair. “And you still look amazing, in pink or in white.”
“Yeah, well, at least now we won’t be mistaken for the wonder twins, or worse, the help.” I giggle and motion for him to get up. “Come on, I’ll treat you to my special pet hair removal system.” I rip him his very own piece of duct tape and help him brush the fur off his pants.
“If you keep doing that, we’re never going to make it to dinner.” I look up at him, surprised by the look of heat that’s flaring in his eyes, and immediately step away.
“Sorry.” I grin sheepishly and pull the tape from my hand. “I’m ready if you are.”
His gaze doesn’t leave mine as he responds, his voice a bit gravely. “Yep, I’m ready.”
“Dinner, Justin. I’m ready to go to dinner,” I respond, making sure we’re talking about the same thing.
He smiles wickedly. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.” He gives me a playful wink and chuckles. “Do you have everything you need?”
I grab my jacket and purse then nod. “I’m good.”
“Okay, let’s go. I made reservations for us at Tilton’s. Have you been?”
I raise my brows in appreciation. Tilton’s is one of the nicer restaurants in the area. “Not in a long time.”
We leave the house, and he waits as I lock my door. Taking my hand, he walks me to his truck and helps me in. I’m not sure why, but I didn’t picture him having a truck. I know he works on a farm, but I pictured him as the muscle car, musician kind of guy more than a farmer kind of guy. He moves around to the driver’s side, jumps in, and starts up the engine. “All set?”
I nod my head, excited to be spending some time with him, and smi
le brightly. “All set.”
* * *
I LOOK over and hope she’s okay riding in the truck. She drives a little compact car, and she’s all dressed up wearing heels. “I hope the truck’s okay. I almost took my mom’s car instead, but I just feel more comfortable driving this.”
“Of course, I’m okay.” She looks at me, her eyes wide. “Why wouldn’t I be? This is a great truck.”
“I don’t know. You’re all dressed up, and I’m taking you on a date, and you’re maybe looking too pretty to be in a truck.”
She scoffs. “Justin, don’t be silly. The truck is fine. Don’t forget, I’m just a small-town girl. Nothing special about me.”
“Well, I’ll hope you’ll let me be the judge of that. I might have a different opinion on the matter.” I look over at her and smile when I see her cheeks are flushed with color again. It takes about twenty-five minutes to get to the restaurant, but the time flies as we easily fall into conversation about how busy the night before was at the bar, how lunch went with my mom and grandmother, and how many more new calves have been born since she visited. “We named Maisy’s new calf after you since she seemed to take quite a liking to you.”
“Shut up!” She slaps me playfully on the arm. “You did not name a cow after me!”
“We did. She’s our very first Sydney. You’re gonna have to come and see her.”
“Oh my gosh, I totally will.” I’m thrilled to see her face light up with delight over such a simple thing. “Just let me know when.”
I park the truck, shut the engine off, and jump out so I can go around and help her down. She’s already trying to step out when I get to her side, so I reach out and wrap my hands around her waist to help lower her down. As her feet touch the ground, she looks up at me, that damn lip in her teeth again, and just stares at me for a moment. Her hands are over mine, and I can feel her pulse quicken when I pull her in just a little closer and lean in and whisper in her ear. “I really, really want to kiss you again.”
Love Notes Page 6
