“I was supposed to come out for one drink.” He picked up the fresh beer, reached it toward Linc who clinked the neck of his bottle against Jeremy’s.
“It’s never just one drink. Gotta admit, when Coach sent me home from the game tonight, the last thing I could have predicted was ending up here with you.”
Jeremy nudged him playfully. “You’re living every woman’s fantasy right now, man.” He winked and sipped his beer. “Okay, maybe not every woman. But there’s… like… at least one.”
Linc rolled his shoulders. Talking to Jeremy had lightened his load. Finding an unbiased opinion had cemented his decision to step out from his father’s shadow and live the life he wanted to, even if it was the harder path.
“Now, wanna tell Uncle Jeremy why you’re using Johnny White’s face as a piñata?”
Chapter 27
Cleo
“If you’re gonna keep ignoring your boyfriend could you at least turn the vibration off? It’s distracting. And annoying AF.”
Cleo’s phone vibrated across the counter of the coffee shop. Was she avoiding Linc? Possibly. Did she feel bad about it? Absolutely. She sighed and picked up her phone, three missed calls and a handful of texts. “He knows I’m working.” She put it back on the counter.
“Yeah, on a Wednesday night, Cho-Cho. He also knows it’s quiet.” Molly gestured around the almost-empty café and pointed at the open book in front of Cleo. “So quiet that you’re doing homework and chatting to yours truly. Answer the man, for crying out loud. He’ll send a freakin’ SEAL team to hunt you down if you don’t.”
Cleo giggled. “He wouldn’t. But I take your point.” She unlocked her phone and checked for messages.
Lincoln: Wanna watch a movie after work?
Lincoln: You okay? Busy night?
Lincoln: I can’t help but feel like you’re avoiding me, Miss Bennet.
Lincoln: I’m sorry for snapping at you and taking off the other day. I have a lot on my mind. I know, no excuse for being dickish.
Lincoln: Spoke to Coach this morning. He told me I need to buck up or I’m out.
Lincoln: I’ll be here when you’re ready to talk.
“Wow. That poor, desperate boy. Put him out of his misery, Cleo. Do it now, or I’ll wrestle that damn phone from your hands and do it for you.” Molly pointed a condemning finger at her. “And be nice.”
Cleo shook her head. “I’m always nice.”
“Mmhmm. Be extra nice. ‘Kay? I get the impression he needs nice right now.”
“And you’re more concerned with what he needs than what I need?”
“Nuh uh. Whatever this is…” She waved her palm in front of Cleo’s face. “Not here for it. It’s not me you’re pissed at. Hell, it’s not even Lincoln you’re pissed at. So don’t come at me with your bad mood, Cho.” She fell silent for a moment before adding. “You shouldn’tathim either. Don’tatus girlfriend.”
Unease sputtered in Cleo’s stomach. Who was she truly mad at? Melissa? Johnny? Herself? Why couldn’t she shake the agitation and move forward? Linc’s outburst was minimal, but her reaction was… more. Invisible bands tightened across her chest.
The door opened and one of the Pirates walked in.Dallas? Houston? What the hell is this guy’s name?
“Austin, what are you doing here?”
Austin. I knew it was something Texas-y.
“Felt like a hot cocoa on my way home. How are you ladies doing?”
“Good, thanks. Shitty game last night.” Molly was always after a story.
Austin shrugged. “It happens.”
Cleo grabbed a to-go cup. “Cream and marshmallows, Austin?”
