“A lot of women would have put up with that bullshit, baby, and just pretended everything was okay. Says a lot that you chose your own happiness.”
“No, a lot of women will put up with stuff like that for a time but eventually it will eat away at them. And then they’ll either get out, or become so resentful that the man can’t deal, so he cuts ties.”
“You’re right about that, Mouse.” I pull into a parking garage close to the lounge.
After I find a spot to park, I get out and then help her into the coat she brought with her before taking her hand. When we make it across the street I lead her inside, then scan the open, dimly lit room. The space is filled with small tables, couches, and chairs that are all set up in a way that each is an intimate place to gather with friends or a date.
“There’s Dayton.” Willow points, tugging on my hand and I find him sitting with a cute brunette that I don’t recognize. “Come on.” She starts to walk in their direction, dragging me with her.
I watch my brother stand and smile, as we get closer.
“I wasn’t sure you two were coming.” Dayton greets Willow by kissing her on the cheek, before reaching out to touch his fist to mine.
“Where’s Miles?” I ask, while Willow takes off her coat, laying it over the back of the couch.
“Said he was picking up his date.” He motions to the woman now standing awkwardly at his side. “This is a friend of mine, Grace.” His hand flicks out to me, then Willow. “My brother Clay and his girlfriend Willow.”
“Nice to meet you.” Grace smiles pushing her black framed glasses up the bridge of her nose.
“I love your dress,” Willow tells her, and pink spreads up her cheeks.
“Thanks, I love yours, too.” She nervously smooths her hands down her sides, then looks up at Dayton. “I’m going to get a drink. Do you want anything?”
“I’m good, babe,” he mutters, lifting the beer in his hand and she nods then looks at Willow and me. “Do either of you want something?”
“I’ll come with you,” Willow tells her, and then she tilts her head back to meet my gaze. “What are you drinking?”
“Brandy on the rocks.” I take out my wallet but before I can pull out some cash, she’s taking Grace’s arm and the two of them are walking away.
“So, she’s a friend?” I raise a brow at my brother once both women are out of earshot, and he shrugs.
“Yep, she used to work as an assistant to the DA in Denver but recently moved out here.” He looks toward the bar. “I tried for years to get in there but she’s so fucking shy that it’s almost painful.” He shakes his head then looks past me and I turn to see Miles and Ivy walking our way. I told Willow that Miles is always dating someone, but Ivy has been a pretty steady fixture for the last few months. She just hasn’t passed whatever test Miles has mentally set up in order for her to meet Winter. Then again, more than once I’ve caught glimpses of her true personality and if I haven’t missed it, I doubt Miles hasn’t either.
“What’s up?” Miles grins, giving me a one-armed hug while Dayton greets Ivy. “Where’s Willow?”
“At the bar.”
“You let her out of your sight?” He raises a brow.
“She’s where I can see her.”
He laughs as he touches his fist to Dayton’s.
“Do you want a drink, babe?” he asks Ivy.
She scrunches her nose. “Yes, but just a Vodka and soda, I promised myself that I wouldn’t go overboard with calories this weekend.”
“Right.” He shakes his head. “Be right back.”
As Ivy takes a seat on the couch and pulls out her phone, I look to the bar and watch Miles walk up to Willow and touch his hand to her back. When she spins to face him, a smile curves her full lips and she gives him a hug, then motions to Grace, who looks about ready to pass out when he turns his attention to her.
“Tucker’s here.”
At that statement from Dayton, I feel my jaw get tight. “You didn’t tell me he was coming.”
“He’s our brother,” he says under his breath, right before he grins and says loudly, “Look who made it.”
As he greets Tucker with a fist bump, and Naomie with a wave, I glance back toward the bar and see Willow, Grace, and Miles coming our way. As soon as Willow sees Tucker, her eyes fly to mine, and they do a scan of my face.
Jesus, I’m done for.
“We good?” Tucker asks, stepping up to my side and I pull my attention off of Willow to focus on him.
“You tell me.”
“I overstepped.”
“You did,” I agree, and he lifts his chin.