I’m sorry.
You were right about everything.
I do have too much pride, but I’m working on it.
I don’t want to lose you.
I love you.
He could go over there and say all those things to her, in front of their friends to show her he could get past worrying what anyone thought because she was the only one who mattered.
Or—his heart surged up into his throat—he could go one step further.
Chapter 22
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Joy’s smile had begun to hurt over an hour ago, and with the three happy couples at the table, summoning a carefree response was becoming nearly impossible. She’d thought she could keep pretending and get through the night, but she feared one more stretch of her lips would shatter her brittle façade.
Dana had noticed the diamonds and emeralds missing from her ring finger right away, and judging by Tara’s frequent glances, she wasn’t fooled by the explanation that Joy had forgotten to put it back on after putting on some hand lotion.
She glanced toward the stage when the drummer moved off toward the back. Hopefully, the music would start soon so she could plead a headache and leave after a couple songs. She’d been tempted to try the excuse earlier, but didn’t want to endure the inevitable inquisition. This way, she could blame it on the music.
Tara leaned over to be heard above the noisy bar. “When you gonna spill and tell me what happened?”
Joy stiffened at the question, her stomach bottoming out because her friend’s tone made it clear exactly who she was asking about. The answer tumbled and tripped over itself in her mind.
I screwed everything up. I was scared he’d realize with the farm gone he had no reason to stay in Redemption. It was easier to push him away than risk him breaking my heart when he leaves. But now I realize I broke it myself when I gave up the best thing that ever happened to me.
She cast Tara a quick glance, then shrugged with forced nonchalance. “There’s nothing to tell.”
“I don’t believe you. You’ve been way too quiet all night. I mean, you barely even heckled Charlie up there on stage.”
“I’ve got a lot on my mind with Gram.”
Tara brushed her long, black hair back over her shoulder and dropped her gaze to Joy’s joined hands on the table. “Did something happen with her that you guys decided to stop pretending? Is that why you’re not wearing the ring anymore?”
She realized she’d been rubbing her bare left ring finger with her right thumb. Drawing her hands down into her lap, she scrambled to think of something to say.
Say, “Yes.”
Tell her you gave up the ruse so she doesn’t realize that Logan didn’t want you any more than Luke did.
The strumming of a guitar was a welcome relief, despite the sharp ache the sound created inside her chest. At least with the band starting, she wouldn’t have to answer any more questions.
Charlie broke into a chuckle across from her as he set his beer back on the table. “There’s something I never expected to see.”
The rest of the group all followed his gaze. The surprise in each of their expressions made Joy turn her head as well.
She froze at the sight of Logan up on the stage, his head bowed as his fingers worked the strings of the guitar. Without conscious thought, she swiveled her entire body around to face him.
“Logan sings?” Jenny asked.
“He’s just trying to show me up,” Charlie joked.
“As if that’s hard to do,” Wes retorted.
The resulting laughter from their table brought Logan’s head up. Bright color infused his cheeks, but the moment his gaze met Joy’s, it went no farther. Barely able to breathe, she watched him lean in close to the microphone.