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Lenny seemed to remember at that point that he was not alone and dropped Vanessa’s hands. He turned and wrapped his arm firmly around Junie’s shoulders, tugging her close to his side.
“Junie, this is Vanessa. Vanessa, this is Junie.”
Junie held out her small hand and Vanessa barely hesitated before grasping it and shaking it warmly. I did not miss the disappointment that registered momentarily on her face.
“Nice to meet you, Junie.”
“The pleasure is mine,” Junie smiled.
I wondered if Lenny could feel the edge of her anger. Junie did not like being blindsided, although she covered it well. Vanessa hung around for the rest of the break and when Lenny got up to go back on she hugged him, said her goodbyes, and left. Lenny turned back to Junie, resignation in his gaze.
“Are you going to be here when I’ve finished the set?”
“Should I be here when you’ve finished the set?” she snapped back.
He nodded, emphatically. “Yes, you should, definitely.”
“We’re going to talk,” Junie warned.
He sighed. “I know.”
He leaned towards her, but she swayed back slightly onto her heels, and he got the message. He gave her a half smile and headed backstage. Barrett hauled me to my feet and wrapped his arms around me.
In my ear, he whispered, “He’s a good guy. That’s been over for a long, long time. She’s not a threat. At all.”
I nodded. “I’ll tell her.”
He walked off and I turned to Junie.
“Do I need to give you the same pep-talk you gave me in the car?”
She sighed. “I’m just...disappointed. Wondering if that shouldn’t have come up somehow in conversation.”
“Well, does he know your history?”
“Noo…”
“Okay, then?”
“But I was never married. If an ex-husband was liable to show up, I might’ve mentioned it.”
“Don’t make any snap judgements or decisions. You don’t know how long ago it was, and he didn’t even know she was in town, which likely means he didn’t have any reason to think she would show up.”
She nodded so I continued. “Barrett said that’s been over for a long time. She’s not a threat.”
She nodded again but looked doubtful. Vanessa was the epitome of what every man Junie had ever dated had wanted her to be: graceful, classy, cultured, and Lenny had married Vanessa.
“They’re divorced, Junie. Don’t let it get under your skin.”
The opening riffs rang out and the time for conversation was over. I could feel Junie’s tension slowly dissipate as we listened to the music and danced, although we drank a bit more than usual.
When the second set was over, Barrett, Lenny, and Lucky made their way to our table. Barrett pulled a chair closer in the crowded space and caged my knees between his thighs.
“Hey, angel. You good? Want to stay for a few drinks?”
I nodded, wanting to see how things played out with Lenny and Junie.
“I’m sorry I ever pictured that bitch with you,” Lucky shuddered as he sat down next to Junie.
