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“You really have an issue with patience, don’t you?” I tease him. I open my palm, and he strokes his index finger along my lifeline. His finger pauses at the pulse point at my wrist.
“Only because my time here is short, and I don’t want this date to end.” I flick my gaze up, but he hides his eyes. His focus is intense on my hand. I can’t tell if he’s joking, or if he’s misreading this entire night. I need to tread carefully.
“That’s sweet, and the best part is still ahead. It always is.” I whisper my response, and when he lifts his chin with a half-smile, I know I’ve successfully traversed his concerns.
“We’re here,” Lucas says as he pulls the car to the rear parking lot of the Legendary Hall. It is the largest catering and event space in Mesa, and it also is co-owned by my older sister, Catherine.
I slip my hand out of Trent’s and type a quick text to Catherine to let her know we’re here.
“Are we crashing a wedding?” Trent jokes as he hops out of the car.
We follow a fast-walking Lucas toward the back of the building. I don’t have to say a word; Lucas knows my every thought. “Where would be the fun in that?” I say in Trent’s direction as Jasmine skips next to him, attempting to keep up in her ridiculous heels. “It’s a perfect night.” I spin on my heels. The sun has set, a burnt-orange strip sitting in the distance, and the heat from earlier in the day has receded.
“Best I’ve had in some time,” Trent flirts in my direction, and I shoot him a half-smirk to let him know I appreciate the sentiment.
Legendary Hall has a massive parking lot in the property’s front. The rear parking lot is much smaller and used by the staff, deliveries, and the occasional overflow. Few guests get to experience this part of the building.
The rear door pops open, and my older sister steps out with a bright smile. She’s dressed in a smart two-piece navy business suit and a white silk top with a red, white, and blue bow. Catherine spots Lucas first and pulls him into a hug, the whisper of words I don’t hear eliciting a laugh.
Catherine is ten years older than me, an age gap that meant we missed a lot of time growing up together. Her four years away at college when I was young, followed by my years away for college. She also moved out of state for several years before returning to Mesa six months ago when she purchased the Legendary Hall. She and her boyfriend, Hunter, are co-owners in business and in life. Their romance is a story that warms my heart to this day.
“Sis, what a pleasant surprise. And you brought friends.” Catherine pulls me into a tight sisterly hug, and I register the humor in her voice. Me crashing on her at work is not unexpected, but the only other person I’ve let tag along before is Lucas.
I swing a hand at the group. “You remember my friend Jasmine?”
Catherine waves at Jasmine, who busies herself with adjusting the rose in her hair.
“And this is Trent, Lucas’ college friend. He’s staying with the Hobbses for a bit.” I gesture for Trent to join us. “Trent, this is my sister Catherine.”
He extends his hand, and they shake. “Pleasure meeting you. I guess this date is going well if I’m being introduced to family.” He delivers the words with a half chuckle before silence hangs heavy in the air.
Catherine’s brow rises. “Did he say… date?” She can’t hide the shock from her voice or the pointed look in Lucas’ direction. Since returning to Mesa, I’ve shared with Catherine my feelings about Lucas.
“Double date,” I jump in before Trent says anything else. “Jasmine asked Lucas out, and it was either have Trent learn how to crochet with Mrs. Hobbs or hang with me for the night.”
“Ahhh, I see…” Catherine bites down on her lower lip, and I know she’s going to grill me when she comes by the house for Sunday family dinner. “Do you guys want to come in?” Catherine waves her arms toward the rear door.
“Nope, just the usual,” Lucas chimes in and points at the bare white painted bricks at the back of the building.
“I figured. I’ve already turned on the speakers and projector when I got the text.” Catherine winks at Lucas. “Welcome home, Lucas. Great seeing you.”
Lucas looks up from his phone and shouts, “Same.”
Catherine disappears through the rear door, and I turn to face the white brick wall with the one-foot Legendary logo at its base. When Catherine and Hunter started the renovation of the hall, I created two special sections, one for them and one for me. The first one is in the lobby, a social media showcase with a green screen with dozens of props and flowers our shop restocks on a weekly basis. It has become a focal point for people attending events, many of them staging goofy and silly photo shoots for their social media accounts. Each of them tags the hall and creates a buzz that has improved their visibility.
The second spot I created just for Lucas and me, this backyard playground. High on the light poles in the parking lot are four medium-sized outdoor speakers. I shared my thoughts for this space with Lucas, and we worked together remotely to design it. It was his idea to add the outdoor projector. During his quick visit home for spring break, we sat in my car with the top down and had a private drive-in movie night. Other nights, we stream music videos, and it becomes our private exclusive dance club. The best in the world, in my opinion. Like I said, it’s all about the company.
Without a word, Lucas hands me his phone. We communicate without using words. Silence, a nod, a wink, a touch, a questioning look, a grunt, a shove—the list is endless, and I love each one.
His gaze flicks up toward the speaker to let me know the phone is connected to the wireless system. The music selection for tonight is mine for the choosing. I hit his YouTube page and pull down his playlist: I want to dance with the GND. I have a similarly named playlist under my account. First up, a dance anthem from Carrie Underwood.
“Oh my god, Adrienne,” Jasmine screeches and pulls Lucas by his hand toward the empty concrete space in front of the brick wall. Lucas shoots me a save me look. This selection, this song, has always been ours. But I knew the risk the moment I picked this spot tonight.
My feet remain rooted in place, and my hand squeezes his phone tight as Jasmine mimics Carrie’s spin from the video, which is playing behind her.
I chew on my tongue and watch. If Lucas is going to date, I’m going to have to get used to seeing him like this. We’re going to have to learn to share the special places in our lives with others. It’s no longer just him and me.
Jasmine’s screech snaps me from my trance, her infectious scream causing my lips to tip up in a quick smile. Her joy brings me a semblance of contentment.
