We’ve all seen Millie’s look so many times that none of us cower anymore (though we secretly acknowledge its genius).
“You’re acting like relationships are a liability instead of a strength.”
“I can’t blame you,” Parker says. She and Sonny dated in college, but she broke up with him because she thought she’d hold him back from his future NFL career. She also didn’t think she deserved someone like him (she was wrong on both counts).
“It’s hard to let people in,” Parker continues, “especially when you don’tneedto.”
“Everyone needs someone,” Jane adds, slapping Tripp’s stomach.
Patty’s wedged between Rusty and Tripp, and I can tell by the flare of his nostrils that he’s not feeling this conversation any more than I am.
“What is this, an intervention because I’m keeping professional distance with my band?”
I look at Patty, silently asking for help, but he doesn’t speak up. His brow is flatter than usual, like he’s mulling over everything everyone’s saying. It’s fine. I don’t need him to back me up against my best friends.
I’ve got this.
I meet Millie’s gaze, locking into those bright green eyes that aren’t as intuitive as everyone thinks.
“You say relationships aren’t a liability, but I saw my momma give up everything for the man she loved.”
Millie sighs. “Why isn’t that a beautiful thing?”
“Because he never should’ve asked that of her.”
“Did he?”
The question comes from Patty, not Millie, and it throws me off.
I’ve never considered the possibility. I drop my shoulders and hold my head higher.
“I guess we’ll never know.”
“You could ask,” Patty presses.
He raises his right arm, scratching his head, and I notice a tattoo—three bold vertical lines that curve slightly at the end, like a tail.
“You have a tattoo,” I blurt.
He quickly drops his arm and adjusts his sleeve, before plunging his hand into his pocket.
“You’re avoiding my point.”
I grab another chip and more guacamole.
“I disagree,” I say, taking a bite and chewing obnoxiously.
“I thought y’all weren’t disagreeing,” Jane teases, half-smiling.
I snort. “That was Millie and me. Disagreeing with Patty’s totally fair game.”
Patty raises an eyebrow, looking mildly amused despite himself. “I’m honored.”
“Don’t be,” I reply. “I meant to shame you.”
“It failed,” he counters. “You’re two shows in. You don’t have to let anyone in yet.”
“Yet?” Ash asks.
