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She gives me a timid wave. “Sorry for the surprise. Sue-Ann was busy and said it was okay if I came back. But if it’s not cool, I can go. Come back later, or not at all if you’d rather not talk to me.”
I blink at her, downright floored. I get why she’s asking if I’d like her to leave. According to Windfall’s gaggle of gossips, Jake cheated on me with her, after which I broke up with him and her family moved out of town. Like the rest of Windfall, she probably assumes I believed the rumors and lashed out at my boyfriend. I just can’t imagine why she’s here, of all places, facing me after all this time.
“I have no issues talking to you, Larkin. Jake told me nothing happened between you two, and I believed him. You were probably more harmed by those rumors than me. I’m sorry if you went through a tough time.”
“Wow, thank you.” She tips her head, assessing me as intensely as I’m watching her. “But if you knew the rumors were false, why’d you break up with him after that night?”
This conversation is veering too close to dangerous territory. Callahan territory—the man at the center of that erratic time of my life. The last thing I need is to exhume thewhyof those angst-filled days. Already, my default setting around Cal issuppress years of pining so I don’t puke my feelings all over the guy’s perfectly handsome face.
“As much as I’d love to chat,” I say, “I have some work to do. What brings you by?”
She rocks on her heels, then flashes me a disarming smile. “I’m a great waitress and an even better bartender.”
I actually laugh. “I certainly like your confidence.”
She smiles wider, her dimples sinking into her cheeks. She’s even prettier than I remember. Tall with blue-green eyes. Thick lashes. Smooth, light skin, and a scar beside her nose that reminds you imperfections add to a person’s beauty. Her air of confidence is new, though.
“I’m also good under pressure and could sell sand to a camel,” she says. “I’m reliable and patient and have no issues working extra shifts. Except Mondays. That’s the one day I have other commitments. I’m moving back to Windfall shortly and have worked in restaurants and bars since I was a teenager. If you’re willing to give me a chance, I would absolutely love to work here.” She blows out a breath. “I promise I won’t let you down.”
If all staff I interviewed came with this level of salesmanship and hustle, the Barrel House would print money. “Consider yourself hired.”
She beams. “Really?”
“Your timing couldn’t be better. I just lost a bartender and need to fill the gap. Today was turning into a nightmare, so thanks for giving me a reprieve.”
“Sorry today’s been rough, but thank you. This bar has a great vibe. Can’t wait to be part of the team.”
I smile easier. When things aren’t falling apart, the bar really is great. It’s a welcoming place where people come to relax and have fun, even though it hasn’t been as busy lately.
“Happy to have you,” I tell Larkin and pass her my card. “Email me what day you can start. I’ll shoot a schedule over to you.”
She takes the card and spins it in her hand, looking hesitant for the first time since walking in here. “I saw you when I came in—with Cal at that table. I’m glad you two are finally together.”
“I’m notwithCal,” I practically shout. “Why would you think I’m with Cal? He just moved back, and we’re just reconnecting. As friends. Because we’ve only ever just been friends.”
Just. Just. Just.
Might as well advertise my blatant feelings in Windfall’s next issue ofThe Jangler.
Larkin holds up her hands, as though keeping a rabid animal at bay. “Sorry. You two were so close growing up, and the way you looked at the table…” She lifts her shoulders. “I assumed you and he—”
“You assumed wrong,” I cut in. The words are so forceful my back gives an unforgiving twinge.
Another side effect of working at the bar has been developing intermittent back pain from lugging beer kegs. I grip the chair’s armrests, close my eyes, and breathe slowly for the count of ten. The pain recedes. The room goes quiet. Hopefully Larkin left, taking her painful questions with her.
I peel my eyes open.
Larkin hasn’t left. She’s seated across from me, leaning on the desk, her blue-green eyes full of compassion. “You have feelings for Cal, but he doesn’t feel the same?”
No.That’s the only word that should be careening inside my brain. I’ve never, not once, told a soul about my Cal Crush—the all-consuming longing that had me on the verge of pain during high school. The same anxious yearning that had me stumbling over myself while playing soccer when the guylifted the hem of his freaking T-shirt.
Thanks, Captain America, for blinding me with your lethal abs.
Honestly. A move like that should be illegal. Ten years in prison for taunting me with chiseled perfection.
Cal was big before he vanished. He returned to Windfall a mountain and is as fun and sweet as ever, and here Larkin is, bluntly asking if I have feelings for him. A truth even I find appalling. What kind of woman would have dated the brother of the guy she truly wanted?
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I tell her. “We’ve always just been friends.”
