by Leah Atwood
Jay strode over and claimed a spot on the blanket that had been spread out. “Ben mentioned having a bonfire at the house tonight. You game?”
“Sure.” Lack of sleep, combined with the sun’s rays, gave his voice a lazy drawl.
“Everyone else is going back to the cabin now. I’m down with staying here a little longer if that works for you.”
Rob looked out to the crystalline blue lake. Clouds of cotton reflected in the water, and the sun was beginning to lower, sending its light through the branches of trees. Most families and beach patrons had left, or were in the process of packing up their belongings. The setting was the definition of tranquility. “I’m in no hurry.”
“I figured as much, so Caroline already planned to ride back with Adam and Elle.”
“Is it true, she’s leaving the tour next week?” He’d heard whispers, but the action seemed so anti-Caroline, who’d always accompanied them on tour, as their manager and now Jay’s fiancée.
“Yes.” The corners of Jay’s mouth turned upward into a smile. “Can you keep a secret?”
Was that a trick question? He had an arsenal of them. “As long as you’re not about to confess to a crime and make me an abettor.”
Jay laughed. “Nothing like that. Caroline and I set a date.”
Another wedding. Just what he needed. “When’s the big day?”
“Twelfth of September.”
“I’ll mark it in the calendar,” Rob said, proud of himself for keeping the sarcasm from his voice.
“That’s why Caroline’s going back to Nashville early, to do all the planning. We weren’t going to tell anyone yet, so we’d stay focused on the tour, but I have a feeling she’s already told Elle and Sophie.” Jay took off a flip-flop from one foot and dumped out the sand before replacing it. He looked down at the blanket, clearing his throat. “I know you don’t really like weddings, but it would mean a lot if you’d stand up with me.”
Rob hesitated, longer than he should have. “Of course.”
“I should tell you something else.” Jay’s face set in straight lines.
“What’s that?”
“Dani’s going to come to Nashville and cater it.”
He swallowed hard. There was no way he could attend another wedding with Dani present and keep his sanity. “That’s nice,” he ground out.
Jay broke out in laughter. “I’m just teasing you, but the look on your face is priceless. Man, you really do have it bad for her.”
“Whatever. Remind me again why we’re friends?”
Ignoring him, Jay continued. “By the way, your phone is in Caroline’s rental. You left it by the register at the café this morning.”
“You didn’t think to tell me this hours ago?”
“Where’s the fun in that?” The devilish grin Jay sported, hinted at more.
Wanting to groan, but refusing to give his friend the satisfaction, Rob braced himself. “Your nose is looking a little red. You wouldn’t have been sticking it where it doesn’t belong, now would you have?”
No shame evident, Jay shrugged. “It’s not my fault you had your messages open when I went to see whose phone it was.”
“Doesn’t mean you had to read it.”
“Contrary to your low opinion of me, I respect boundaries. I saw it was from Dani and closed it out right away, once I knew it was your phone.” He brushed at an insect that landed on his arm. “If you want me to know what’s going on with you and her, I’m sure you’ll tell me.”
“That’s right.”
“Doesn’t mean I can’t still give you a hard time.”
“You’re a pain.” Rob scooped up a handful of sand and tossed it at Jay.
Taking the sand in stride, Jay smirked. “But I’m still one of your best friends so you’re stuck with me.”
“You can be replaced,” Rob shot back, but for all the faults of his friends, he knew it wasn’t true. They might not know everything about him, and they got under his skin more often than not lately, but they were true blue friends, through thick and thin.
Chapter 8
“I’m living on the edge.” Dani laughed and handed Gram a clean plate to dry.
“It’s about time you start living, missy. All work and no play doesn’t constitute a life.” Gram’s wrinkled hands worked a dishrag over the plate, wicking away the moisture.
“I don’t work all the time.” She’d taken the day off for Gina and Greg’s welcoming party that had ended a half hour ago. This was the second Saturday she’d taken off this summer. Last year, she hadn’t taken any.
Gram set the dish down and shook a finger. “One day, child…” She trailed off, leaving Dani wondering what she was going to say.
Dani’s mom walked into the room, her arms full of large bowls and platters. “This is the last of them.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Dani took the dishes and set them in the soapy water. “I know what I am getting Gram for Christmas.”
“A grandson-in-law?”
Lately, it seemed like Gram was pushing her to find a man and get married, which was odd because Gram had always been her biggest supporter.
“Dani will settle down when she’s ready.” Her mom spoke to Gram, but gave Dani a squeeze on the shoulder.
“Exactly.” Dani could have hugged her. “You know how I feel about devoting my time to Bayou Bits.”
“Well, I’m not getting any younger and using your career as an excuse is a flimsy cover. Look at your cousin. If Bryce can manage his career on top of a family, surely you can, too.” Gram’s staunch determination should have annoyed Dani, but it worried her.
Was Gram starting to think about her own mortality? Dani shook her head, unable to think of a world without her grandmother. “I’m not Bryce. If someone comes along with whom I feel a strong enough attachment, then I’ll consider dating. Otherwise, I don’t need the distraction.”
Images of Rob flitted through her mind. The one person she’d experienced that with wasn’t boyfriend potential, but she was happy with their friendship. Which reminded her, she’d never replied to his last text. At some point last week, they’d switched from the messenger platform to texting. Thank goodness for the unlimited phone service.
“All I’m going to say is that God didn’t intend for us to be alone.”
“That’s enough.” Dani’s mom placed a gentle hand on Gram’s shoulder. “It’s also better to be alone than married to the wrong person.”
Exchanging glances, Dani saw the same worry reflected in her mom’s eyes. So, it wasn’t her imagination—Gram was definitely acting out of character.
“You make a good point, Robyn.” Gram turned to Dani. “What is this great gift if not a grandson-in-law?”
“A dishwasher.”
Gram crinkled her eyes. “Pshaw. I’ve lived seventy years without one, there’s no need to start now. Washing dishes is good for the soul.”
“Is that why I always had to wash them?” Dani asked her mom, a teasing lilt in her voice.
Her mom smiled and nodded. “That’s what Gram always told me, and I liked the sound of it.”
The house phone, hanging on the kitchen wall, rang and Gram went to answer it. She was silent at first, her ear pressed to the receiver, and listening intently. “Okay, thanks for calling. I’ll let everyone know and please, keep us updated.” She hung the phone back on its holder, the spiral cord twisted. A broad grin reached to both ears. “Looks like we had the welcoming party just in time.”
“The baby?” Dani asked.
“Yes, that was Gina’s mom. Gina’s water broke on the way home from the party, and they just checked in at the hospital.”
Dani’s mom clapped her hands. “What a wonderful way to end this day.”
“Should I back out of the singles class barbecue tonight? I want to be at the hospital when the baby comes.”
“No, sweetheart. Go have your fun. First babies usually take their time making an appearance, and Gina’s mom is with her for support.” Bumpin
g her hip, Dani’s mom scooted her away from the sink. “I’ll finish cleaning up, there’s not much left.”
“Your mom is right, dear.” Gram wiped her forehead with her palm. “The baby probably won’t show up until the wee hours of the night, and I’m sure Gina will want some rest before accepting visitors. Goodness knows you need a night out with folks your own age.”
Dani didn’t miss the tired look in Gram’s eyes. “Go lie down for a spell, Gram. I don’t have to leave quite yet—Mom and I will take care of this.”
Gram’s chest rose and fell with heavy breaths, and the defeat in her expression made Dani want to cry. “I think I will go sit in front of the air conditioner for a few minutes. This old body doesn’t tolerate the heat like it used to.”
After she left the room, Dani turned to her mom. “What do you know about Gram?”
“Nothing that you don’t. I’d like to think if it were something serious, she’d tell us, but I don’t know.” Her mom bit her lower lip, worry lines creasing her forehead. “I pray she’s only tired and needs some rest.”
“I hope so.”
A companionable silence filled the air as they finished cleaning up from the party. When they finished, Dani picked up her keys and purse, ready to leave.
Her mom put an arm out to stop her. “I’m really proud of you. I know why you organized this party, and it warms a mother’s heart to see your compassion.”
Uncomfortable with the praise, Dani shrugged. “She’s family. We look out for each other.”
“You’ve turned into a fine young woman, Danica.”
Emotions lodged in her throat. “I’ve had good examples to follow.”
“Have fun tonight. If I hear anything about Gina, I’ll give you a call.”
“Please do.” She gave her mom a hug, went to tell Gram bye, and then left for her house to get ready for the night.
At home, Dani changed out of the tangerine-colored sundress she’d worn for Gina’s party and put on a pair of denim shorts and a pullover lime-colored shirt with sheer, flowing sleeves. She decided not to wear any jewelry—it was too hot outside for any added accessories. The white sandals she wore with her dress earlier would suffice for tonight as well. Looking in the mirror, she was happy with her appearance, but added a layer of dark plum lipstick. She liked the way the vivid color brought out the deep brown in her eyes.
She dug her phone from her purse. No more messages from Rob, but she might catch him before he went onstage.
The party was a success. Best part is that Gina went into labor on the way home.
A reply came within seconds. That’s great. Hope all goes well.
Is Bryce nearby? Could you let him know?
He is, but I don’t think that’s a good idea.
Dani stared at the phone, confused. —Why not?
He doesn’t know we’re friends and might get the wrong idea about us. Bryce doesn’t think I’m capable of just being friends with a female.
Blood froze in her veins. The subtext was clear—friendship was all they shared, but the truth knocked the breath out of her, because she realized she did want more than friendship. Every conversation they had, everything she learned about him, made her fall for him. Little by little, he was opening up to her, and subconsciously, she’d allowed herself to believe in a possibility of a relationship that extended beyond friendship.
So be it. The truth stung, but the needle in her heart was her own doing. He’d never implied anything more than what it was between them. She never should have let her guard down, but it wasn’t too late to rebuild the walls.
Good idea. He tends to overreact. I’ll call him tomorrow once I know more info. :) The smiley face served more as her reminder to smile than anything else.
She didn’t hear anything more from Rob, and she decided that was for the best. This was the first Saturday she’d had off to go out, save for the wedding, in over a year. The look on Mel’s face when she told her she’d be at the barbecue was priceless.
“You know it’s on a Saturday, right? In the evening?” Mel, the event’s organizer, had teased with a good-natured smile.
“Yes, I know. I’ve already cleared it with my assistant to cover for the whole day,” she’d said.
Picking up the round brush from her dresser, she looked in the mirror again. Initially, she’d thought to leave her hair down, but second-guessed that decision, as the humidity increased with every passing hour. She brushed her hair until it had a glossy shine, then, using nimble fingers, coerced the strands into a french braid, leaving the plaits loosely woven to preserve a casual air.
It was almost time to leave. She went to the refrigerator, a state of the art, french door model with a hot water dispenser that she used often when she opted for a cup of hot tea. Its sleek, stainless steel front looked out of place in her otherwise outdated kitchen, but it was her splurge last spring. As she had the money, she would update the cabinetry and other appliances. Most of her cooking was done at the restaurant, and she rarely used her own dishwasher, making the fridge a priority. Especially after she’d opened the freezer of her old one and found the food thawed.
Last night, she’d made a double batch of her herbed potato salad, one for Gina’s party and one for the barbeque. She grabbed the peach-hued Tupperware bowl from a refrigerator shelf and closed the door. Was there anything else she was supposed to bring? Not that she could remember. Balancing the bowl in one hand, she slipped her other arm through the strap of her purse and grabbed her keys.
Mel’s house was twenty minutes away. Dani hadn’t been there before, but was familiar with the road, because she’d had a friend in high school that had lived on the same street. After she pulled onto Cypress Lane, she slowed down, watching for the correct house number. She needn’t have paid attention to them. A house came into view with a driveway full of cars she recognized from church. Several other cars and trucks lined the street in front of the home.
She parked her Explorer, grabbed the potato salad, and got out of her vehicle. The smell of grilled meat filled the air, and her mouth watered. A flashy black sports car parked behind her SUV. Jeff Comeau stepped out from the driver’s side, all pearly white teeth and beefy muscle that belied him sitting behind a desk all day. At six feet four inches tall, he stood above most people, and had thick, chocolate brown hair that all fell naturally into place, no styling products needed. Many a woman had hoped to attract his attention over the years, but none had succeeded.
Dani wasn’t intimidated by his good looks, and didn’t deny he’d been blessed by the gene pool, nor was she impressed by his family’s wealth—his daddy owned the local bank and had recently put Jeff in charge. To her, Jeff was an old friend, someone she’d known since they’d gone to pre-school together, much like Webster Malone.
“Let me take that for you,” Jeff said, snatching the bowl of salad from her hand.
“Thanks. I wasn’t expecting to see you here.” Everyone knew Jeff worked more than even she did. The term “banker’s hours” meant nothing to him.
“And miss out on a meal that’s not microwaved? I don’t think so.” An easy smile spread across his face. “What about you? I haven’t seen you around lately outside church.”
“It’s hard to get away from Bayou Bits on the weekends.” She began walking toward the house.
Jeff followed, matching her steps. “You would think weekends should be clear for me, with the bank and all, but I can’t remember the last entire weekend I had off. I logged in a full day this morning and afternoon preparing for an upcoming audit.”
They reached the door and Jeff knocked. Mel answered, switching a curious look from Dani to Jeff. Two people who rarely attended events, arriving together. Jeff carrying her bowl. Dani had no doubt of the thoughts running through Mel’s overactive imagination.
“Glad you guys could make it.” Mel peered behind them, and Dani had a sneaking suspicion she was searching to see if they came in the same car.
She reclaimed the bow
l from Jeff. “Where do you want this?”
“Follow me out back, and I’ll show you.”
Mel turned and started to walk.
Jeff winked. He clearly hadn’t missed Mel’s probing gaze either. “After you.”
Amused, Dani went through the house, exiting the rear door leading to a patio. On top of a round table was a small, inflatable kiddie pool filled with ice. Various containers were nestled inside.
“Go ahead and find a spot on the ice.” Mel chuckled. “It might look strange, but it works great to keep the food chilled.”
“Very innovative.” She carried the bowl, set it on the ice, and moved some cubes around its sides.
At the far end of the patio, several men from the singles class were hovering around the grill. To the side was a smaller table that held platters of hamburgers, hot dogs and smoked sausage. In the yard, Brad Jones and Eli Alexander were playing a round of horseshoes. A volleyball net was set up, but no one yet had initiated a game.
Dani moved from the patio, taking a seat on a lawn chair that was set up as part of a circle where several other women sat.
“Hi Dani, glad to see you,” Rachel Seabreeze said, and several similar sentiments echoed through the group.
Dani spent the next half hour socializing with them, catching up on the latest in their lives. No one brought up the woes of being unattached. It was a subject of which she grew weary during some previous events she’d attended though she delighted with those who were dating and forming relationships.
Ted Delafonte, the unofficial leader of the singles class, cleared his throat from the edge of the patio. “The food’s all ready, so what say you we pray then eat?”
The group quieted down, and Ted recited a prayer, blessing the food and their time together. Dani stayed back, choosing to let the line die down before going to make a plate. After ten minutes, she left her seat and went to the table with the meat. The bag of hamburger buns was empty, so she reached for the next one and untwisted the red tie. She grabbed a bun and used a pair of tongs to pick up a patty with cheese melted over it. From the kiddie pool buffet, she dropped a spoonful of bean salad, potato salad, and pasta salad onto her plate. She added a deviled egg, telling herself she’d run an extra mile tomorrow.
