“Fine,” I said, knowing she was right. “Then we’ll meet him, but then what? He’s a single dad. He won’t be interested in either of us.”
“Why not?” Janie asked.
“We’re young,” I said firmly.
“Honey,” Janie said, her tone serious. “That will only make him want us more.”
She winked and took a drink of her beer. Everything Janie did was suggestive and leading. She was always trying to push me to experience new things and new people. Though her definition of ‘experience’ was slightly crazier than mine. Growing up sheltered, you either turned out crazy and rebellious, or shy and awkward. I was the latter. Janie was the former.
“Just keep your eye out,” Janie said. “If you see him, let me know.”
“I will.” I laughed and shook my head.
We spent the next hour chatting about the new man in town. Janie wondered aloud about his body. She felt sure he would be chiseled. I, on the other hand, contemplated all the reasons he would have for moving to our hole-in-the-wall town.
His wife dying was sad, but it didn’t exactly warrant uprooting his kids from their home.
“Look out,” Janie said suddenly diverting my attention, her eyes shifting to something behind me. “Tanner is on the move.”
“Dear God,” I groaned. “Not this again.”
“Hey, Emily,” Tanner said, stepping up beside our table.
“Hi.” I smiled and turned my attention back to Janie, hoping Tanner would get the hint. He never did.
“Mind if I join you?” he asked, already pulling up a chair.
“Actually, tonight is kind of girls’ night,” I said, giving him a pointed look.
“That’s okay.” He shrugged. “I don’t mind a little girl talk.”
“God, get a clue,” Janie said under her breath.
I shot her a look, but it didn’t matter. Tanner was too busy staring at me to notice anything Janie said.
“How are you, Em’?” Tanner asked, his eyes boring into mine. “It’s been a while.”
That wasn’t true, but I didn’t have the energy to point it out. Every time Tanner saw me around town, he would accost me with his presence. Whether I was drinking at Sal’s with Janie or walking through the square, Tanner would just appear at my side. He’d been doing it since high school, and as much as I wanted to ignore him, he made that impossible.
“I’m fine,” I said with a sigh. “How are you?”
“I’d be a lot better if you would let me take you out,” he said, scooting his chair closer to me. “We’ve been playing this little game for years now, Em’. Don’t you think it’s time we do something about it?”
I looked at Janie who was openly glaring at Tanner. She glanced at me with wide eyes and then shook her head, silently telling me to get rid of him before she kicked his ass. If there was anyone who could get under Janie’s skin, it was Tanner Gregory.
“Listen,” I said softly. “Tanner, we’ve been friends for years, and you know I care about you.”
Tanner’s smile was wide and bright. He looked so hopeful that it almost made me lose my resolve. All I had to do was remember his annoying persistence, and my resolve came flooding back, stronger than ever.
“But,” I continued. “I just don’t see you that way. I’m sorry, Tanner.”
“Emily Ward,” he sighed. “What am I going to do with you?”
“You could accept her answer and move the hell on,” Janie said, louder this time.
Tanner glanced at her and then looked back at me. His eyes stared into mine, overwhelming me with their intensity. This was just one thing I hated about Tanner. He had a way of making me feel painted into a corner; like no matter what I did, he would find a way to get me.
“You know we’re perfect for each other,” he said softly. “Absolutely perfect.”