Mike: Please be careful. Text me as you go and when you get home. I should be the one thanking you.
Me: You’re welcome, LOL. I’ll check in when I can.
Mike: Don’t text and drive.
Me: Stop texting so I can drive.
Mike: Be safe, James.
Me: Will do, Michael.
I set my phone in the holder on the dash so I have a clear view of my GPS and put my car in Drive.
Tossing my phone to the side, I decide it’s time to get my ass in gear. I need to shower, grab something to eat, and get to the bar. I’ll need to get the deposit ready for the bank tomorrow and look over the inventory. That’s something I do twice a week, which prevents having to keep a lot of money in inventory and not really knowing what I’m going to need. I place an order twice a week with my supplier, who luckily for me has next day delivery.
I park behind the bar next to Olivia’s car, unsure whether she’s here or left it here last night. Grabbing my phone, I check for messages. Nothing yet from Jamie. She’s been on the road for about two hours now. I would’ve thought I would’ve heard something from her.
I’m not going to text her while she’s driving—not yet, anyway. I’ll give her a little more time.
Unlocking the back door, I hear music as soon as I step inside. I assume that means Olivia is here, but I’m still cautious as I walk through the empty room toward the back office and inventory room. I find her sitting at the desk, bobbing her head to the music, what I assume is last night’s deposit laid out in front of her.
“Hey.” She grins. “What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing,” I say, taking off my coat and laying it on the chair.
“I heard you had a late night. David is helping his dad with something, so I decided to give my big brother a hand.”
I groan. “News travels fast in this town.”
“Whit was just excited. She’s really rooting for the two of you. We all are.”
“Explain to me how it could work.” It’s a question I’ve asked myself a million times since I dropped her off this morning.
She shrugs. “That’s not up to us.”
“My life is here, Liv. Our business is here.”
“It is, and hers is in Chicago. The question is where is your heart?”
“Heart? Jesus, Liv, I’m not in love with her.”
“Not yet.” She grins.
“Okay, old wise one. How exactly am I going to fall in love with her when she’s six hours away?”
She shrugs again. “That’s all you, big brother, but it’s going to happen.”
“All right, crazy girl. How was last night?” I point to the money laid out on the desk, changing the subject.
“Good. An average Saturday night. And to think, you weren’t here,” she gasps dramatically.
“You got them jokes,” I say, sitting in the chair across from the desk.
She grins. “So when are you seeing her again?”
I check my phone for messages and nothing. “I don’t know. The wedding, I guess.”
“Did you all not talk about it?”