Jo thought about it for a second. “I’m glad I wrote the article, I really am, but the residual effects; maybe I’m not thick skinned enough.”
This is exactly where he wanted this conversation to go.
“You mean dealing with the Officer Laramie’s?”
“Yes and there are others too, trust me.”
“Enlighten me.” Wes said his voice low and deep.
“Oh, no let’s talk about something else, please.” She was so desperate to change the subject. Wes hated how uncomfortable she looked so he yielded to her request.
“Okay then tell me about singing?” He knew what he’d read on line, but he was genuinely interested in what she had to say.
Her smile was honest as she spoke about singing with her sister; first just for their parents, then at family get together's, and then even at larger venues. She told him how they had won the talent show at The State Fair when they were Juniors in high school.
It gave Wes the opportunity to ask about her family. She told him that she had a twin sister, Betty Lou and they had grown up in Sussex, New Jersey. Her parents were alive and well and still lived in the house they grew up in. Her mother was a Music Teacher and her father was an Accountant. She described how her sister and she were so hard to tell apart that they had pulled some good pranks, even on their parents. She had Wes chuckling and she couldn‘t help but notice how Jace and Andy kept sneaking glances at their friend.
Jo asked Wes about his family. He didn’t want to put a damper on the fun mood she had just created, but he decided to share a little. He told her that his mother had passed when he was young and his father passed away when he was over seas about eight years ago. Jo couldn’t imagine not having a family and she didn’t even realize that she had placed her hand on top of Wes’ as if to comfort him. Wes felt the warmth of her tiny hand and because he didn’t want her to feel self-conscious he continued talking. He told her that Jace and Andy were his family now and he went on to describe some of the adventures the three had experienced when they first came back to the States that they could now laugh about.
Jo realized her hand was still on Wes’ and she became slightly flustered. She tried to pull it away but Wes caught it before she could move it far by placing his other hand on top of hers gently forcing it back down.
Jo looked from her trapped hand to Wes’ handsome face.
“I like you holding my hand.” Wes said softly.
Jo felt a pleasant twirl begin in her stomach that made her blush.
“Is this okay?” He asked just as softly. Jo couldn’t even speak. Her female parts had kicked into over drive and it had been such a long time that they had even been test driven, except in the shower, that that she was afraid if she spoke she’d blurt out what she was feeling, which was ‘Hell yes! I love it.’ So instead she clamped her lips shut and nodded affirmatively.
They continued chatting and when Wes stifled a yawn she knew it was time to end their evening.
“Wes this has been nice. I’m glad we met again and that I had the chance to properly thank you.” She stood up from the table and Wes stood up with her. Jill chose that moment to come up to them. She stood very close to Wes and Jo knew she was sending her a message.
“Jo here’s your pay. Ty put your tips in the envelope as well. Let's talk this week and set up another date.”
Jo felt like she was intruding now so she took the envelope, told Jill she’d be in touch, grabbed her guitar case and headed for the front door. Wes started to follow, but Jo watched as Jill placed her hand on his arm.
“Wes, can we talk please?”
“Now?” Wes said sounding perturbed.
Jo continued moving away from the two of them and finally she was out of earshot. If he was seeing Jill why would he have flirted with her, held her hand? Jo was definitely confused. She walked outside and took her cell out to call the cab company.
Back inside Jill was rambling about something concerning the bar, Wes was barely paying attention.
“Jill.” His tone was stern and made her stop talking. “I don’t know what you are talking about or why you needed to talk to me now, but I have to go.” He headed towards the door that Jo had walked out of.
“Wes.” Jill once again grabbed his arm. “You know I like you. Please don’t go after her. I can give you everything you need.”
Wes took her hand off his arm.
“We’ve been through this Jill. I’m not interested. Please don’t make this difficult. You’re a good manager and I’d hate to have to let you go.”
Jill looked mortified that he would even be thinking that. She turned away from him and went back down the hallway to her office. Wes made a beeline to the front door.
“Jo!” She was standing out front and Wes looked around for her car. “Where’s your car?”
“I, uh, it’s in the shop.”