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“Because, Goldman Schultz is one of the top firms in northern Florida,” Bridget said in a voice that indicated she hadn’t been thinking about their relationship at all. “They represent the interests of a lot of high-profile and substantial businesses in the area. Even with my GPA and family name, I wasn’t sure they’d take a chance on me.”
Isaiah’s resolve flopped harder than an opponent trying to force a foul. “You’re talking about Goldman Schultz?”
“Yes. I told you they offered me a job.”
“You told me you applied and interviewed, but I didn’t know you had it.”
“Oh…well that’s why we’re celebrating. What were you talking about?” She really sounded confused.
“You moving here.” He hesitated a second. “Us getting back together.”
“Oh, right. Of course I’m happy about that, too.” She laughed but it sounded forced. “I mean, our parents practically have us married already.”
Doubt slithered into his brain. “If you hadn’t landed the job with Goldman Schultz, would you still have come to Jacksonville?”
There was a moment of silence that was a shade too long. “Yes. I would have at least considered coming.”
“At least considered.”
“Come on, Isaiah. We both knew how hard it was for us to work out when we weren’t in the same city. If I hadn’t gotten the job, us getting back together would have been unreasonable. Neither of us like long-distance.”
She was right. They wouldn’t work if she lived elsewhere. “What if there was no job here and I still wanted you to move so we could get back together?”
“I don’t—”
A woman’s voice interrupted. “Come on, Bridget. They’re bringing your cake out.”
“Okay, I’m coming right now. Look, Isaiah, let’s talk about this later when I’m in town.”
He ran a hand over his face. “See you next week.”
“See you soon. Can’t wait. ’Bye.” The words were automatic and held a hint of relief.
He stared at the dark phone screen. Well, that hadn’t gone as he expected. Being unsure wasn’t supposed to be a part of his relationship with Bridget. His brain said this was the right move, but something about the decision still felt…off. One conversation didn’t mean he should start up anything with another woman. Bridget would be there next week. Maybe things would be different when he saw her again versus talking on the phone. He would work out his feelings for her before doing anything else. Rash decisions lead to rash actions, like chaining himself to a fence to save the home of a girl. That rash action had cost him his first college scholarship offer and nearly cost his parents their jobs at the university. No more rash decisions for him in life or love.
He stood and strode to the kitchen for something to drink, satisfied he would trust his judgment over his hormones. Though he still wondered what Angela was doing now.
CHAPTER 8
Angela slid a drink across the bar. The man barely threw her a glance. His eyes were glued to the woman dancing on the stage.
“Enjoy the show, sir,” she said in an encouraging tone.
She looked at the two other men at the bar to see if they needed anything, but they too were captivated by the dancer. Getting ignored because of the dancers was the ultimate goal. The Thursday-night crowd was decent. Thursday night was half-off wings-and-beer night, which meant a bigger crowd going into the start of the weekend. All the guys at the bar seemed satisfied, so she decided to enjoy the breathing room. There were a few drink orders from the waitresses serving customers on the floor so she got to work on those.
“Why in the hell are you humming?” a female voice said from behind Angela.
Angela glanced over her shoulder at her friend and one of the dancers, Vicki. Onstage, Vicki went by the name Honey, and played up the name by wearing a sexy bear costume that consisted of a faux-fur bra and skirt that barely covered her behind. Glitter body oil made her brown skin shimmer in the lights of the club, and long blond highlighted hair hung loose around her slim shoulders. Every dancer, waitress and bartender at Sweethearts wore something to play up their stage names. Angela became Angel and always wore sparkly white wings with her tank top and skirts.
