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16
“This is a very ironic drink we’re having,” Jezebelle said as she leaned into Brick and kissed him. His hand wove around her neck, pulling her closer and deepening the kiss. She had no objections to any of his many touches he had displayed since arriving at The Corner Bar for celebratory drinks. She was counting down the minutes when they could be alone and have sex for the first time as husband and wife. Although, she had no idea when that would actually be. Everyone was drinking and having fun. It could last all day and night.
He slowly retracted his lips from hers and she couldn’t help but moan in disagreement.
“It’s a refreshing drink. Don’t you like it?”
She brushed a hand over his bearded cheek as she shook her head at his ridiculous grin. “It’s called Blue Monday. It’s not Monday, and I’m not feeling blue. It was an odd drink to pick.”
“It’s perfect for an afternoon drink. Light and refreshing. Plus, I love tasting pineapple on your lips.” Then he dove in for another soul-crushing kiss that had her moaning deliriously in frustration when he pulled away again.
He winked before turning back to Corey who was talking to Dane and Jaxson about baseball.
She conceded she had lost his attention, as the men loved their baseball, and turned to Gabby and Mia.
“Congrats again, Jezebelle. I’m so happy for you and Brick. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy before.” The smile that Mia wore told Jezebelle she was as happy as her. Not because she got married today, but because she had the love of her life by her side and life was looking up.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy before. Content and looking forward to new adventures, like being on stage. But this happiness feels different.”
Gabby nodded. “I know what you’re saying. There’s something about building a life with someone else. It’s satisfying in an odd way that’s hard to describe.”
“Exactly.” Jezebelle was grateful her friends understood why she had married Brick so quickly and how she felt. She knew just thinking about some of the people she went to high school, they wouldn’t understand her impulsiveness. Not that she cared what they thought of her. She was done letting what others think control her life.
Like her mother, who suddenly appeared in the doorway to the back area of the bar, her gaze searching.
It landed on her.
Her lips twisted with disapproval, her eyes as cold as death. She didn’t point or mouth a word. Her look said she expected Jezebelle to get up and come to her—immediately.
“Do you want me to ask her to leave?” Gabby said, suddenly sitting on the edge of her seat.
Jezebelle didn’t realize how lucky she was, not only to have Brick in her life but for such great, supportive friends. She knew Gabby would stand up, say whatever came to mind to her mother, and have no problem doing it if Jezebelle asked her to.
But she never would.
Old Jezebelle would’ve stood up right away without saying much to her friends.
It was time to stop hopping to her mother’s tune. It was time to stop taking the easy way and dive into the hard that was a part of life.
Like standing up to her mother.
“It’s okay. I’ll be right back.”
She started to stand when Brick laid a hand on her waist. “Do you want me to go with you?”
She smoothed her hand across his cheek, loving the rough feeling from his scruff. “No, but it was nice of you to ask. I’ll be right back. It’ll be okay.”
He didn’t look convinced of that, but his hand retreated. She missed his touch and the strength she had felt in it. Some of her bravery slipped out when he removed it.
But she could do this.
She stopped in front of her mother and didn’t say a word. If her mother had something to say, she could say her peace first. Her mother should’ve gotten the clue she didn’t want to speak to her after ignoring all her calls.
“I do not appreciate being ignored. To make me track you down and come here.” Her mother shook her head as her lips first sneered in disgust then went tight with anger.
“I’m sure you’ve been in a bar before, Mom. It’s just that, a bar.”
“This is my last day in town and to ignore me is so disrespectful. I had a lovely day planned for all of us.”
