Her smile says it all. “It seems I might have that effect on him.”
She’s not wrong. Travis Thorne has been a human thundercloud since his divorce ten years ago, but once Nina came to town, his permanent scowl disappeared.
“You definitely do,” I agree.
Nina leans in, eyes glinting. “Speaking of the Thorne brothers.” She leans closer, lowering her voice. “Travis and I are meeting them at The Sand Bar tonight for drinks. I told him I’d invite you and Willow,” she says, mentioning another close friend of mine.
My heart skips, but I keep my face neutral at the mention of the Thorne brothers, specifically, Jordan. He’s the one brother I can’t seem to get out of my head. I’ve known him my entire life, and watched him flirt with every woman in this town—even meon occasion—without a second thought. But I know with me, it’s not intentional. Flirting is as easy and automatic as breathing is for him. I force myself to pause for a beat and play it cool.
“What time?” I ask, keeping my voice steady.
“Eight-ish,” she replies casually, but I can tell she’s studying me, looking for something in my expression.
I nod like it’s no big deal. “I’ll be there.”
I take one last look in the mirror. I’m wearing a new pair of jeans, my favorite suede clogs, and a light-blue sweater that makes my eyes seem brighter. It’s not fancy, but this is about as dressed up as I get these days. I remember in college, my friends and I spent hours preparing for a night out. Oh, to be young and naive again, with no responsibilities beyond getting good grades. And even that felt like the weight of the world on my shoulders. Boy, was I clueless.
I flip off the light as I leave my room and walk down the hallway. The television volume grows increasingly louder as I approach the living room. “Pops, I’m going to The Sand Bar with some friends. I’ll have my phone on me if you need me for anything,” I shout.
He swats my words away like they’re a fly, and picks up the remote, turning the volume down. “I’ll be fine. Have fun, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” He waggles his eyebrows.
“Pfft. You’re all talk. I know you and Nan met when you were in high school and you?—”
“Never looked at another woman again,” he finishes before I can.
I smile. “I can only hope to have the kind of love you two shared.”But unless Mr. Right moves to Havenport, I don’t see it happening.
He sobers. “Even though she’s gone, I still feel her. Seventy years together… that just doesn’t disappear.”
“I know, Pops. I think about her every day.” It’s been two years since she passed away, and I still miss her desperately.
He nods. “That’s the sign of a fulfilling life, when your loved ones continue to feel your absence like a presence. I hope you miss me half as much when I’m gone.” He grins.
“Don’t get sentimental on me. You’ve still got plenty of shenanigans left in you.”
He grins. “Damn right.”
I blow him a kiss. “Don’t wait up.”
“Be safe,” he calls out as I head toward the door.
“I will.” Plucking my jacket from a hook, I slip it on and step outside. I double check the knob to make sure it’s locked up tightly. I’m descending the stairs to the driveway when Willow pulls in. The Jeep’s headlights are blindingly bright as I pass in front of them and then slip into the passenger seat.
“Hey, girlie,” she says, smiling.
“Hey! How was your day?” I fasten my seat belt.
She backs from the driveway and peels off down the street, the force pushing me back in my seat. “Not bad.”
“Are you sure about that?” I ask.
Her gaze briefly flicks my way. “Yeah, why?”
“Your driving seems more aggressive than usual.” And that’s saying something.
“Nope. But I did do some work on this baby.” She caresses the steering wheel.
“Did you add a rocket booster?”
