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“Stick with that. I wouldn't walk away if that's what you're thinking,” Tommy said.
Jackson nodded as he wrung his hands together.
“Think you can introduce me to her friend?”
Jackson watched his friend steal furtive gazes at the woman talking to Bailey.
“If she knows what's good for her, she'll stay away.” He walked ahead of Tommy and stood behind Bailey. “Excuse us, ladies.”
Bailey pivoted and hugged Jackson tight. “That was awesome!”
“I'm Tommy. You are?” Tommy extended his hand to Bailey's friend.
“Noelle Johnson.” Noelle accepted his handshake, but Jackson noticed her left hand. The woman was married or engaged.
Bailey broke their embrace but kept a hand on Jackson's shoulder. “This is my best friend.” She turned to Noelle. “This is Jackson and you've met Tommy.”
“Nice to meet you both,” Noelle said. “You guys are incredible.” She
focused her attention on her friend. “You did amazing!”
“Thank you,” Bailey said.
Jackson snaked an arm around her waist. “You were perfect.”
She smiled.
“How about we celebrate,” Tommy said. “We can order some food.”
“I have to meet my fiancé.” Noelle adjusted her purse on her shoulder.
Jackson watched Tommy’s face fall. While his friend tried to mask his disappointment with a faint smile, he knew Tommy didn't like the sound of Noelle being engaged.
“Congratulations.” Tommy extended his hand to her once more. Noelle accepted the gesture with a bright smile.
“You can join us,” Jackson said. Tommy would probably refuse but he offered, anyway.
His friend shook his head. “No thanks. You two have fun. I’m going to order some food to go. Nice to meet you, Noelle.”
“You too.” Noelle gave a final hug to Bailey and waved to the group. Tommy didn't stick around, but went to the bar.
Jackson pulled Bailey to his chest. “I meant what I said.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “You really liked it?”
“I loved it.” He inhaled her sweet perfume. He needed time to think. Was what he felt real?
Chapter 9
What was Mia's Ford Accord doing parked in her mother's driveway? Was her mother worse? Bailey locked her car, carrying groceries filled with more medicine and soup. She unlocked the door to her mother’s mid-century modern home.
She rolled her shoulders back as she entered the foyer. “It's me, Mom.”
“I'm in the living room,” her mother called out. A cough followed.
Bailey walked to the living room. She spotted Mia sitting on the sofa and smiled. Her cousin stood to hug her.
Bailey then greeted her mother with a kiss to her forehead. “Feeling better?”
