Page 68 of Second Chance

“On the coffee table with the water glass and the medicine.”

I step back from Denton, crossing my arms. Suddenly, a chill skitters over me, and I recall again where we are—in the halls of our high school.

“I didn’t leave the letter or the number. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Or what Jax is playing at or why he was snooping in my house.

“I thought the number was yours. You left my keys and my phone but no means to get back to the pub. When I called the number, your son answered. I asked for you, not knowing if you worked at the brewery also, but he said you didn’t work there. That’s when he told me I called his number. I told him I didn’t know it was his and I was looking for you.” Denton combs his fingers through his hair. “After a few choice words, he asked me why I would be calling you. I didn’t really feel like explaining everything, so I told him it must have been a mistake. A mean joke, Spice, but still a mistake.”

My brows pinch as I continue to roam Denton’s confused face. I agree with him. There has to be a mistake as Jax clearly didn’t leave the number and neither did I. Another chill prickles my skin, and I suddenly feel like the halls are haunted.

“Could it have been Jordan?” I don’t know why I’m asking Denton, as if he knows any better than me why one son or the other would give Denton the long overdue letter or leave Jax’s number.

“How would I know?” Denton’s right. He’s been played by someone, but which one of my people did this to him?

“How did you get here?”

“I called the pub and told Billy to come get me.”

Good Lord, soon the whole town will know Denton spent the night at my home. It’s bad enough half the town knows he left the pub with me last night. Complicated, Alyce’s word repeats. I don’t know what else to say until I speak to a son…or two.

“I need to get to practice. I’m sorry about all of this, but I’ll figure it out.”

“Have dinner with me?” he asks, reaching for my arm as I turn away from him. “The diner.”

Ugh. Not the diner, but something in the way he looks at me makes me agree.

“Meet you at six?”

30

The Not-a-date Date

[Denton]

I don’t know why I’m nervous. It’s Mati, and it’s not a date. It’s the diner but being seen with her will definitely make a statement. I sit at the counter, but I’ve already told Hollilyn I’ll take a booth when Mati arrives. Hollilyn has been managing the place while Dolores takes time to be with our mother. I haven’t been to the farm all day, and I need to give Dolores relief. I also have questions to ask Mother, but I don’t know how.

“Hot date,” Hollilyn teases as I swipe fingers through my hair again and she passes me to walk behind the counter.

“It’s not a date,” I retort. Hollilyn turns to face me, her bright eyes widening.

“Wonder if she thinks it’s not a date?” Hollilyn nods behind me, and I spin to see Mati standing inside the diner door.

Goddamn. Mati wears black leggings with ankle booties and a fitted white sweater that looks soft and fluffy. It just covers her hips, and when she turns, it’s going to hug her ass. I rub a sweaty hand down my jean-covered thigh and look at her hair, softly curled and falling in loose waves over her shoulder. She wears a touch of makeup which I haven’t seen her wear before. The light covering highlights her eyes and covers the freckles over her nose and cheeks. Her lips are coated in a dull peach color, and she looks delicious.

I stand from the stool and cross the diner.

“You look gorgeous,” I blurt like I’ve never been on a date before, but I remind myself it’s not a date. It’s Mati.

She pushes her hair behind her ear, blushing a little and looks away from me, but the smile on her face and the tug of her teeth at her lip tells me she appreciates the compliment. I wave toward the booth in the back. It’s hardly private nor is the place fancy. I should have taken her somewhere nicer, like The Patio, but I wanted casual, uncomplicated, easy.

Mati takes a seat, and I sit opposite her after throwing my leather jacket onto the bench. Hollilyn brings us each water, and I can’t stop staring at Mati. It’s like I’m sixteen, wanting her all over again, and fighting the feeling to reach for her.

“So, what’s good here?”

Mati laughs. “You really don’t know?”

“It’s been a long time. The last time I ate here consistently was when Magnolia worked here.” The comment is a reminder of the passage of time. I clear my throat. “I ate here my first night back, but I’ve been at the farm most nights eating everyone’s generous casseroles.” I rub my belly. “I’m gonna need extra workouts when I get home.”

Mati’s expression drops for a moment before a false smile curls those peachy lips.