Chapter 2
Raquel
The crisp air is rejuvenating resting underneath a beautiful oak tree concealing me from the brutal conditions of the sunlight. Most of the guests have taken off now, and Tessa has taken Jeremy’s seat. Aiden and Damon are cleaning the grill, and we are savoring our beers, just enjoying the night. After pondering over today’s events, why were Tessa and I the only women? Did she invite me to meet someone? Jeremy is charming, but is it in my best interest to get entangled with someone my brother is working with?
My relationship situation has come up several times in conversation and this might have been her plan of seeking to set me up. I’m not keen on blind dates, because when do those usually work out? Although Jeremy has been a delightful shock. He is the first man to ask me out since being in Grapevine, and he didn’t sit around hitting on me the entire time. Maybe that’s why I am attracted to him. He seems like a gentleman, and those are troublesome to find these days.
Tessa knows about my situation, and being divorced isn’t something that I holler from the rooftops. It’s embarrassing to know my marriage failed, but not for the lack of trying. Dean had straying eyes, and that’s not something I could solve. I would much rather be divorced, than stuck with a man who is not faithful.
“Did you have any trouble dropping Lily off?” Tessa asks, searching around the backyard.
I have met many of the men from the fire department, but they all seem rather playerish. Men in uniform seem to have an ego problem, and that’s not something I’m seeking at all. Confidence is sexy, but I don’t need to know how many women you could have other than me. Yes, I had one of them tell me something along these lines, and I ended up laughing in his face. Bryan is someone I try to steer clear of, especially after that conversation, but he is always wanting to strike up a discussion if he sees me. I’m thankful he did not show up tonight.
“His new girlfriend or whatever she is, came outside when I dropped her off. Who does that?”
My phone vibrates and I take it out of my pocket.
Jeremy: I’m headed to bed after a long day’s work, but I wanted to let you know I will call you tomorrow. Have a great time at the party.
A smile emerges and Tessa notices it. I didn’t predict he would contact me so soon. He proves to be a gentleman and I want to find out more about him. Sometimes men are good at putting on an act to get what they want, and I don’t have time for players.
“What’s that for?”
I lean over, and present the text.
“I’m all for you getting back out there after what you have been through with your divorce. Jeremy’s a good guy, and my husband has known him since their junior high days.”
This is a good sign. Texting me within an hour of leaving. Maybe Tessa can give me some knowledge about him. Jeremy has already gained points in my book. Yet, I don’t know how my brother is going to react if I date one of his coworkers. Should I even care? We are both adults, and it’s not like he has dated none of my friends.
“I wonder how sexy he looks in his uniform, though. Did you see his arms?” I ask, giggling.
Things have been turbulent since the divorce, but it’s not like my ex-husband isn’t already living with some new woman. In fact, she moved in about a week after the divorce was finalized.
“I say go for it, girl. You deserve to be happy. Your brother will get over it.”
The glass door opens, and Eli steps into the backyard. I know he is going to come talk to me but, should I mention Jeremy? Will he flip out and cause a scene?
He approaches me and Tessa. “Enjoying yourself, sis?”
I thrust my shoulders, and glimpse over at Tess. “You missed the special guest.”
He searches around. “What special guest?”
“The new guy, Jeremy,” Tessa responds. “He asked your sister out, you know.”
Damnit, Tess.
“Hold on a damn minute. The guy hasn’t even started yet and already he’s trying to date my sister? What the hell.”
Why did she have to bring it up? Let him get some alcohol in his system first.
“I mean, you’ve been trying to screw Brittaney for ten years. So, why does it matter?”
To be fair, Brittaney has never been interested in my brother at all. And I think she has spelled out that it’s never going to happen. She isn’t the dating type, and by that I mean she does short-term relationships, but nothing long-term. For the decade I’ve known her, the longest one she has had is five months. Speaking of her, I haven’t heard from her in a while, and that’s an indicator she has met someone new. Every time she gets a new boyfriend, she goes MIA. I’m used to it by now, but sometimes it’s hard to consider her a friend when she can go months without even speaking to me.
“Listen, I don’t care who you date, but it can’t be someone I work with, that’s weird. The guys talk about our relationships at work, and I don’t want to hear anything about you. That’s crossing a line.”
“Grow the hell up, Eli. That’s such a double standard. You can try to screw my best friend, but I can’t go out with someone who works with you? Don’t be an indignant ass.”