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I hope that one day, you know the magic of a sweet slow dance. That’s what that Hopeful Romantic had written.
Well, guess what, lady?
I get in my truck and start the engine, but I don’t pull away. The photographer walks out of the shop, and a few seconds later, Liz follows. And then Emmy is the only one left inside.
I could make some excuse to go back in.
See if she wants to get dinner.
Or I could stop acting like a fool. This whole thing was a fabrication. Liz basically said we were creating a fantasy. The kind I’d been known to mock.
So why did it feel so real?
I get out of the car, but instead of going back into the bookshop, I walk down the street to DeLucca’s. I’m not surprised to find Jace and some of the other guys playing pool in the back. I order a beer and head back there. Maybe they’ll help me get my head back on straight. Because not only was that moment with Emmy tripping me up, but so was the fact that she pulled out the same quote as the podcast lady.
Or maybe it’s a coincidence. Emmy is well-read.
I shake the thoughts away. I don’t know what to make of any of it, and I don’t want to dwell on it. I need a distraction.
“You survived!” Jace is holding a pool cue, waiting on Blister to take a turn.
“Barely,” I groan. “It wasn’t the worst thing in the world, but I’ll be happy if I never have to do that again.”
A waitress brings me my beer.
Jace clinks the bottle with his own. “To never having to do that again!”
I raise mine in the air and take a swig.
“Until next year!” he adds.
I wince. “I think I’ll be sick that day.”
“That bad?” Jace frowns.
No, that good.
“It was fine. Emmy’s great. Just. . .not my thing.”
The restaurant is quieter than usual, and I’m glad for it. I want the distraction, but not the noise. Not when my mind is already so loud.
“Emmy’s. . .great?” Jace asks.
I try to brush it off. “Nah, it’s nothing.”
He eyes me. “It’s not nothing, whatever it is.”
“It’s probably the test he’s taking, right Larrabee?”
I turn and find Levi standing off to the side with Turner.
“What’s he talking about?” Jace sets his bottle on the table.
I shoot a pointed look at Levi. I’m liking this guy less and less.
“Overheard the captain saying you’re looking to move up. Lieutenant Larrabee.” Levi has a big mouth. How does he even know about the test?
The chatter in the bar dulls to a low hum. I straighten.
