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In all the time I’ve spent with Larkin, she’s only exuded confidence. She’s a strong woman who knows what she wants and chases it. “Did I say something wrong?”
She swallows hard, then brightens. “Nope. Just a rush of nerves, but the good kind.”
I study her, unsure she’s being honest. But I feel the nerves too. And the excitement. I can’t wait to bounce bar ideas with Larkin, build a new business plan together, change the menu.
I inhale deeply and look at this old office with new eyes. Hopeful eyes. Dreamer eyes.Holy crapeyes.
I can’t wait to celebrate this news with Cal.
chapterthirty-nine
Callahan
I’m a mess as I walk toward the Barrel. The prospect of seeing Jolene’s gorgeous face light up with a smile has my adrenaline spiking, but nausea has joined my excitement.
Shortly, I’ll be sharing my bad deed with the love of my life.
She’ll be pissed I interfered with her job. She’ll be furious I didn’t discuss her options with her first. But she’ll be relieved too…right? She’ll find her feet quickly, take over that food truck, if it excites her. Or I’ll help her brainstorm ways to chase the dreams she put on hold. Whatever she decides, she’ll finally be doing what she wants.
Everything will work out just fine.
I push into the Barrel, and my heart decides to beat an ominous tune. The bar isn’t busy, but I spot Maggie and her boss on stools. Lennon is at a table with Desmond and E. I feel another twinge of guilt that the Barrel will be turned into a brewpub when the new owners take over. Lots of people love this place, but change is good.
I spot Jo easily—a force field that lassos me in. She’s behind the bar with Larkin, the two of them grinning like they’re sharing the secret Pepsi recipe.
The urge to bite my tongue and let the chips fall without telling Jo my part in what’s to come rises, but changing my controlling patterns means owning my choices. Jolene is the center of my goddamn world and deserves full honesty.
Her attention zips to me. I guess force fields know when they’ve got an object locked in orbit. The corner of her lips kicks up, and a pretty blush dusts her cheeks.
“Damn,” I murmur, aching to have my hands on her. My mouth. A moment to remind us both how right we are together, no matter my stupid mistakes.
“If it isn’t our cagey brother.” Lennon steps in front of me, getting in the way of where I need to be. “What brings you by the Barrel? I thought you avoided this place.”
“Only because you’re here.” I move to dodge him, but E and Desmond saunter up, boxing me in. Fucking great. “Is there a family meeting I wasn’t informed about?”
“There is,” E says. He flicks his attention to Jo, who’s watching us with amusement I don’t share. “The meeting is about you.”
My three brothers cross their arms, going for intimidation.
They don’t scare me. I mirror their poses and exude my calmest facade. “If this is about Jake and me at Sugar and Sips, we’ve worked out our differences. No need for any meeting.”
Desmond grunts.
Lennon points at him. “What he said.”
“He didn’t say anything.”
“We’re here about you and Jo,” Desmond says, using his out-loud voice. “We’re tired of you hurting yourself to make everyone else happy. You and Jo should be together. We all know it. Have known it for a while, along with the fact that Jake isn’t really into her. We plan to sit on him until he gets the message. She’s the one for you.”
“Wow, Des.” E knocks his arm. “That was incredibly heartfelt. Didn’t know you had it in you.”
“It’s the book-club books he reads with Mom,” Lennon says. “They’ve softened him.”
Des punches Lennon in the ribs. E snorts. I glance at Jo, and another wave of nerves rolls through me.
“Actually,” Lennon says on a pained cough, “maybe Des should start a dating advice column inThe Jangler. Dear Desmond has a ring to it.”
E shoots up his hand. “I vote for Dating with Desmond.”
