“Fine. I’ll be there.”
They both stand and high-five each other. Amanda waves at me as she dashes out the door when she spots the guy that owns the hardware store. She hugs him and then he gives her a steamy kiss that makes my eyebrows rise.
I eye Jamie. She grins. “Times are a changing, Jeremiah. Go with the flow.”
She picks up the leftovers from her lunch and smiles. “I’m off. See you Monday.”
“Yeah. Sure.”
I sit down and then get my check and theirs. “All ready to go?” Devin steps in front of me, holding a coffee pot in her left hand.
“Yep. I’m ready as I’ll ever be.” I hand her my credit card and groan when she walks away.
Monday night is going to be hell. But I’d gladly dance in those flames just to see my girl happy again.
Chapter Three: Harvey
∞∞∞
After our meeting at Stacy’s earlier in the week, I can’t say I’m really looking forward to the night at the bar. But I promised Amanda and Jamie and my cousin went through hell when she met Rafe. At least from me teasing her. She’s not about to let me get away with dodging our get-togethers just because Jeremiah’s back in town.
I wince when I think about the knowing eyes of Ruth. Jeremiah’s sister knows damn well what’s going on and I can see it on her face.
I want to ditch the whole damn thing but if I do, Jamie and Amanda will probably show up and drag me out of my house by my hair.
I pull my black hair up in a short ponytail, sparkly rhinestone earrings dangling and catching the light. I turn my head back and forth, hesitating. Should I change what I’m wearing?
I feel the need for some armor tonight so I’m wearing a tiny, sequined pale green tank dress that hits me mid-thigh. I’ve got high heeled dark grey boots on. I don’t have any high heels just boots so this is as good as it’s going to get.
I smooth my hand nervously across the dress. I turn and head for my closet. I need to change out of this dress. No way can I wear it in public. I bought it when Jamie convinced me to get it to wear to her new year’s eve party last year. I couldn’t do it though.
My phone rings and I groan when I see the number on the display. “Yes, cousin. I’m almost ready. I was just going to change.”
“You should already be changed,” she asks suspiciously. “What are you wearing right now?”
I crinkle my nose, unable to lie to her. “That green dress I bought last year.”
“Why the hell are you going to change?” she screeches. “Get your ass out here. We’re waiting in your drive!”
“I thought we were meeting at the bar.”
“Nope. We’re picking you up. Now hurry up.” She clicks off and I grunt, staring at the dead phone.
“She really needs to work on her manners,” I grumble, picking up my gray purse.
Jamie screams when I walk out the door. “You look fantastic. I can’t believe you were going to change. You have no taste.”
“And you have no tact,” I mutter, under my breath, climbing into her little car.
Amanda laughs. “She’s got you there.”
“It must run in the family because I don’t think Harvey has any tact either.” Amanda cocks her head.
“Yeah, That’s true. You’re both bad.”
“Could we just leave the personal digs for another day? I’d like to get tonight over with.”
“Yep. But you better get that sour look off your face before we hit the bar. Gossip spreads faster than wildfire. You’ll be everybody’s favorite topic of conversation if you look that damn depressed. They’ll have you weeping into your beer before morning.”