Drew tunes back into our conversation, seeming curious about my answer.
“Yeah,” I admit. “No rush, but yeah.”
Sydney leans closer. “That’s not Jenna. She’s never wanted that kind of life.” She straightens. “Actually, Wyatt and I thought you might be a good match for—”
I cut her off. “I don’t need help finding someone. I already found her.”
Her voice takes on a soft motherly tone like when we were kids. “Eli, I’m trying to save you a lot of pain and heartache here.”
Drew slowly shakes his head. “Syd, he needs to learn the hard way.”
I scowl. “So you think it’ll end badly too?”
He lifts one shoulder in a careless shrug. “I’ve got no opinion either way. My point is, you can only learn by experience, and no amount of well-intentioned advice will have any effect.”
Sydney turns to me. “Even if you ask her out, she won’t go for it. I already told her I’d never forgive her if she hurt you.”
I glance over at Jenna, who quickly looks away, her shoulders slumping. She probably knows Sydney’s talking about her. This is getting out of hand.
I give Sydney my sternest cop look. “Don’t get in the middle of this.”
“I already am. She’s my best friend; you’re my little bro. I have to look out for your best interests. Who else is going to do that?” She means because our parents have passed.
I blow out a breath and shoot Drew an exasperated look. He inclines his head slightly, an imploring look in his eyes. He wants me to keep the peace with Sydney.
Fine, but I’m doing it my way. “Okay, Syd, I’ll think about what you said. Thanks for having my back.”
She tears up and grabs me in a fierce hug, practically choking me. She turns to Drew for the same, but he shoves her head instead.
She gives me a watery smile and goes back to her friends.
As soon as she’s out of hearing range, Drew whispers, “You’re going behind her back, aren’t you?”
I take a pull on my beer. “Is there any other way?”
He inclines his head. “But—” he lifts a finger “—if this thing with Jenna does go someplace, you have to tell Syd. Don’t leave her in the dark for long, or it’ll be a mess. I don’t like a mess in our family.”
“Agreed.”
6
The next day before I start my late shift at work, I text Jenna a simple question that somehow feels like tiptoeing through a minefield. Dinner on Saturday night?
She responds immediately, probably already home from work.
Jenna: I’m not available.
Me: You mean you’re seeing someone?
Jenna: No.
Me: Is Syd the problem?
Jenna: She’s right, you know. I’m not what you’re looking for.
I clench my jaw and type quickly. How do you know that if we never spend time together?
There’s a long pause. Just when I’m thinking she’s not going to answer, another text pops up.
Jenna: I’m going to be really busy working this holiday weekend anyway. Labor Day weekend is nuts around here.
This is true, and I’ll be working a lot too. Not only does everyone in town celebrate the last long weekend of summer, but a lot of out-of-towners rent lakehouses and have parties. Still, I’m not giving up so easily. I just need to dial it back, give her an option that feels safe.
I text back: Next Saturday after that. Come to The Horseman Inn and watch me play guitar. Casual friendly outing with no witnesses. Syd and Wyatt will be at a fundraiser in the city that night.
I wait as three dots appear. She’s about to answer, and I realize I’m holding my breath. The dots disappear.
I let out a breath. Dammit. I shove the phone in my pocket and get ready for work.
On Saturday night I’m back at The Horseman Inn, playing acoustic guitar. I haven’t seen Jenna in a week, but she’s never far from my thoughts. I can’t help but think if she was really into me, she wouldn’t let Sydney hold her back. Though I understand her not wanting to lose Sydney’s friendship. I don’t have anything to lose in that regard. Sydney will stick by me no matter how much I screw up. She was my staunchest defender as a wayward teen and helped smooth the way to keep any serious charges from being held against me.
But Sydney’s not here tonight. Neither is Jenna.
I change my sheet music to a new song, a ballad by Bob Dylan, and begin to play. Locals like the mellow background music, and it relaxes me. It’s also my way of contributing to the family business. The Horseman has been in my family for four generations. I practically grew up here since my dad owned the place when I was a kid. There’s a good crowd at the bar tonight. Betsy’s handling it like a pro.
After I finish the song, I look around. A few customers clap politely, which I acknowledge with a nod and a smile. And then she walks in, alone, heading straight toward me in a red dress with a black leather jacket thrown over it. High-heeled black leather boots. My heart thumps double time. She flashes a smile and takes a seat at the corner table diagonally across from me.
I tuck my guitar in its case and walk over to her. “Hey, you made it.”
She shoos me away. “I want to hear you play.”
“Haven’t you heard it before? I’m sure you must’ve been here on a Saturday night once or twice.”
A slow smile spreads across her beautiful face. “I was always distracted by my friends. Tonight I’m going to really listen.”
I lean close, breathing in her floral scent. “Any requests?”
She looks up at me, her green eyes soft, almost vulnerable looking. “Whatever you usually do.”
I put my hand over hers and give it a squeeze. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Pink tinges her cheeks. “It’s nothing.” She glances around. “Don’t make a big deal.”
I head back to my chair to play some more from my repertoire. Usually I play from seven to ten. It’s now eight. Will she stay the whole time?
I play a ballad, occasionally glancing at her to see what she thinks. Her gaze is warm, her body swaying in time to the music.
She’s into me.
Jenna
I was ridiculously nervous about showing up here tonight. I went back and forth on it so many times, and now that I’m here, I’m so glad I went through with it. I’m just one of a crowd in the back room, and Syd’s in the city tonight. It’s perfectly okay to listen to him play. Is there anything hotter than an alpha male in touch with his sensitive side? Eli plays guitar like he’s coaxing the gentlest, most intimate notes from it, music that reaches into my soul. No words, just notes tumbling over each other, building to a crescendo, and then fading away.
I’m enthralled, wrapped in a soft cocoon that contains only the music, me, and Eli.
“Jenna, what’re you doing here all by yourself?” Audrey asks, startling me. I hadn’t checked in with Audrey about coming here.
“What’re you doing here?” I ask.
She gestures toward the dining room behind me. “Just finished dinner with my parents.” I wave over at Mr. and Mrs. Fox.