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It was such a sweet offer, and one she wanted to take. She turned to Caden, who was smirking. He was obviously reading her mind. He nodded. “Have fun. I’ll see ya in a few.” He leaned in, grasping her neck and kissing her. As he pulled back, he turned to Bailey. “See ya later.”
“Bye.”
Marissa watched as he walked back to the group. A few members seemed fixated on her and Bailey. Even after Caden returned to the group, she noticed one in particular staring at them. Saint.
“You’ll love the diner. It’s not gourmet or anything but damn good food.”
Marissa smiled, falling in line next to Bailey as they crossed the street. It had been awhile since she sat at a table with a total stranger. Striking up a random conversation with someone she didn’t know was a rare occurrence. She had been out of practice for too long. What would they even talk about? As they walked through the door, her belly grew anxious, and she wondered if she’d made the right choice.
An hour later, it was confirmed. She had definitely made the right choice going to lunch with Bailey.
Marissa covered her face and swiped away the tears forming in her eyes. Her stomach ached, and her ribs may have even been sore at that point. She inhaled, trying to catch her breath. She couldn’t remember the last time she laughed so much. Marissa chuckled again and then shook her head.
“So, you held a meeting and gave a power point presentation on why you shouldn’t be mayor?”
Bailey sighed and twisted her lips. “Yep. But they refused to let me resign, so here I am.” Bailey laughed, shaking her head. She inhaled deeply and settled back in her seat, eyeing Marissa. “This was fun. Thanks for coming with me.”
They must have been kindred spirits because Marissa was thinking the same. It had been forever since she had real female companionship. There was something about Bailey that made her comfortable and at ease. And laugh her ass off.
“We should do it again.”
Bailey grinned. “Yeah? That would be awesome.” She glanced around the room and leaned forward while lowering her voice. “I love everyone here, but sometimes I kinda miss people my own age.”
“Is there anyone your own age here?”
Bailey twisted her lips and gazed up at the ceiling in thought.
“Not really. There’s Trista, but she’s off at college and usually only comes home in the summer.” She raised her brow as if she had just thought of something. “And Phoebe, but she doesn’t live here full time, either.” Bailey smiled. “You’d like her, everyone does. She’s very entertaining.”
Carla strolled over with a snicker and filled Marissa’s cup. “And she’s got a helluva right hook.”
Right hook? As in punching someone? Bailey frowned at the waitress. “Carla.” It was a playful warning.
Carla laughed. “What? It’s true. Maybe her right hook will serve as a lesson to old ignorant fools to watch their mouths.”
Marissa watched as Bailey drew in a breath and glanced up at her. Carla moved to the next table, and Bailey remained silent.
“I’m sorry.” She waved her hand in front of her face. “It’s uhh…. just small town drama.”
Marissa didn’t press for more details. Obviously, it wasn’t something Bailey felt comfortable talking about. However, she was curious about Phoebe.
“So, you got family around here?”
“No.”
“Me neither. Mine live a few states away. You visit yours often?”
Marissa fiddled with her straw wrapper. “My parents died a few years back. I don’t have any other family.”
Bailey gasped and reached out, grabbing her hand. The shift in her shirt revealed a rough raised scar on her wrist. “I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks.” Marissa drew in a deep breath but sputtered her words. “So, I don’t have anyone to visit.” Marissa glanced down at Bailey’s wrist again. She knew better than to stare, but she was mesmerized by the sight of the rippled skin. When she realized she’d been staring, she glanced up to find Bailey watching her. Oh God, way to be an asshole to someone who had been nothing but kind to me.
“I’m sorry.”
Bailey cocked her head, and her lips curved slightly. “You’re fine, Marissa.” She pulled back on her sleeve, revealing the scar drifting up her arm. “It happened a long time ago. I’m used to people looking. Usually, I cover up, ya know. Super self-conscious, but with you?” She shrugged her shoulder. “I don’t know, not feeling the judgy vibe I get from others.”
“Trust me, Bailey, I’m the last person to judge anyone.” Marissa snorted.
