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She ran to the truck and threw herself into my arms, causing me to stumble back. I love both my parents equally, but there’s something special about my mom. She was a saint if there ever was one. To live in a house filled with testosterone couldn’t have been easy for her, but she handled it with grace. After the longest hug in history, she released me. Her eyes shone with tears, happy ones, according to her, and we walked hand in hand through the front door, Jackson trailing behind us.
Dad met us in the den and greeted me with a firm handshake and a pat on the back. That was always his way. Mom explained that my twin, Ben, would be here shortly. Knight was out of town on business and wouldn’t be back until tomorrow.
Dinner went off without a hitch. Mom made her signature pot roast with all the vegetables along with my favorite dessert, New York Style Cheesecake. Conversation was easier than I anticipated. Dad gave the rundown on his cancer treatment and how optimistic the doctors were. Mom gushed about her latest book club. Ben filled us in on the latest hotel news.
After dinner, we joined Dad in the study for cigars and a bourbon. It wasn’t long before he excused himself for the night. It was still early, so when Jackson said he had to check on things at the bar, Ben and I offered to ride with him. I was curious about what kind of bar could survive in a small town like Stone Creek and the clientele who frequented the establishment. I was determined to see my little brother succeed, whether he wanted my help or not.
Chapter 4
Molly
Ican’t believe your luck.” Tess Livingston was one of my closest friends in Stone Creek. We met on my first day at Juilliard when we were assigned to be roommates along with Julia. Tess visited Stone Creek after we graduated and never left, having fallen in love with the small-town vibe.
“If you only knew.” I relayed the events from Club Max to Tess and Lucy as we strolled into Jack’s Place.
Lucy Dawson was my best friend since elementary school. She was usually mild-mannered and sweet, but being a fiery redhead, she never backed down from a challenge. “I would have kicked his ass if I had been there.” Her eyes blazed as she shook her head and clenched her jaw. She was fired up for sure.
Tess and Lucy knew about Jordan’s continued indiscretions, and although they tried to get me to leave him, they respected my desire to see it through. When I finally ended it, they took me to Vegas to celebrate. It was a banner weekend as they both hooked up for one-nighters while I ate Ben and Jerry’s and binge-watched Sex and the City in our hotel room.
“So, Mol,” Lucy said as we made our way toward the bar. “If you could design your perfect man, what would he look like?”
I rolled my eyes like I always did when they tried their matchmaker tactics. “Seriously, Luce, the perfect man doesn’t exist. Trust me.” I had dated a few guys, and I had friends who had dated a lot of guys. We knew the perfect man wasn’t out there.
“Humor me.” Lucy was not letting this go.
“Let’s order drinks first.” I wanted to prolong this conversation as long as possible. I sat down at the bar as my two friends stood on either side of me.
“What can I get you pretty ladies?” Gus was a big flirt but totally harmless. His wife was a waitress at Jack’s, and they both were retired teachers trying to supplement their income.
“Hi, Gus. We’ll have the usual times three.” He arched a bushy eyebrow. “Three Cosmos coming right up,” he said and winked as he quickly went to work mixing the cocktails.
Gus slid the drinks over to us, causing them to almost slide off the bar. With our drinks in hand, we walked into the dining area and found a table toward the back. “So.” Tess started and stopped, staring at me while she blinked her hazel eyes dramatically.
“So, what?” I would not make this easy for my friends.
“Come on, Molly, if the perfect man existed, how would he look?”
They wouldn’t give this up anytime soon, so I thought I’d play along. I took an extra-long sip of my drink to fortify myself and smiled. “Well, if, and I mean if, someone like that existed, he would be tall, dark, strong, and sexy. He would have the darkest eyes, and he would definitely look good in anything he wore.” Was it getting hot in here or what? My mind wandered back to Saturday night. Strong arms, soft hands, dark eyes…
“Would he look good in tight jeans and a well-fitted Henley?” Tess grinned from ear to ear.
“What about his hair?” Lucy questioned.
“His hair would be dark, of course. Long on top but cut short on the sides.” I sighed and stirred my drink.
“Well,” Tess continued. “I think what you described just walked through the door.”
“What?” I spun around so fast my head hurt. I squinted toward the entrance and couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I closed my eyes, but when I opened them, he was still there.
Navy eyes, dark hair, tall, strong, broad shoulders. He was with Jackson, the owner, and his brother, Ben, who managed the Lux Hotel. What was he doing here?
“Uh, Molly, are you okay?” Tess and Lucy asked in unison. I slowly turned back toward my drink, lifted the glass, and guzzled the rest of my Cosmopolitan. I motioned Sophie, Gus’ wife, to bring me another. I would need more alcohol, for sure. Whoever he was, what was he doing in Stone Creek? When I finally found my voice, my words came out broken.
“I’m… I’m… yes, I’m okay.” My friends were moments away from calling bullshit. I was never at a loss for words, no matter the situation. Sophie showed up at that time with my second drink. I should have asked for something stronger.
Lucy and Tess just sat staring at me. I wasn’t sure what they were waiting for, but before I could ask, I saw three figures in my peripheral strolling confidently our way.
“Hey, Molly, Tess. How’s it going? Lucy, looking as feisty as ever.” I managed a smile, Tess blushed, and Lucy just rolled her eyes as Jackson came and stood next to our table.
