I hope she doesn't think I was bragging because I wasn't. The only thing I wanted to do was provide context. Her eyes got a little twitchy when I mentioned Lisa.
Unsure of what her motives are, I needed to make sure she knows I'm not currently attached to anyone. It's probably not even the case, but a guy can hope.
After a few moments, she shakes off the question. "Oh, you know, the usual. Teaching kids and meeting up here for drinks with my friends twice a week."
Another wince. This time at her own response. "Sounds pretty chill. All I do is work and go home."
I don't mention anything else I do in my spare time. It's not like I have a ton of extra time, but you can only watch so much TV without getting bored.
"And hang out with literal music stars."
"They are normal people, just like us."
She purses her lips. Clearly, she doesn't agree. "I guess."
She takes a deep breath and lets it out. And another. She must be working up the nerve to say something. This woman forgets I know her tells. Anytime she did, or said, something that made her uncomfortable she'd go through these same breathing exercises.
"You don't have to be afraid to say whatever is on your mind. I'm still the same guy."
Twenty minutes ago, I wouldn't have said that. I was ready to get in my truck and hightail it back to Asheville. But she came after me when she thought I was ditching the reunion. The least I can do is see what exactly she wants.
"How long will you be in town?" That's not the burning question I expected.
"Through the end of the week. What's up?"
It's something I haven't told the guys, or my parents. Eric told me to take longer, and for once I'm going to take his advice. Besides, they can handle the lunch crowd. Angie already told me she would close the kitchen down at night if it becomes too much.
She glances over my shoulder at her friends. A part of me wants to look back to see what they are signaling to her, but it would be too obvious.
"Well, Hannah found out about this Halloween party that's happening in New Orleans, and got us all tickets. A coworker from school was supposed to go with me, but had to cancel. Any chance you might want to take her place?"
She's lying. Not about the ticket part. But the ticket being for a friend? A quick glance down and I can see her thumb rubbing a circle into the palm of her other hand. Another quirk I've almost forgotten.
It's not something I would normally go to. Hell, I try to get out of all the special events Stella creates for the bar. Which is difficult when you're the one who runs the kitchen.
Letting Jaylen down isn't something I want to do, though. She seems dead set on going to this party, especially since the tickets are paid for.
"When is it?"
She perks up at the question. "Halloween night."
"That's in like three days." How the hell am I supposed to find a costume? Even back home, costumes in my size are hard to find. I looked because I wasn't sure I was going to come to the reunion. Stella and Angie wanted us to come to work dressed up. At least I don't have to do that now. This may be worse. I'll make an ass of myself in front of the woman standing beside me.
"I know." She holds her hands up in surrender. "If you don't want to go, it's fine. I just didn't want to go alone."
"Hannah and Kelly will be there."
She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. "You know how those two are at parties. I'm shocked they are still talking to the guys and not out on the dance floor."
Dammit, she has a point. "I don't have a costume. What if I can't find anything?"
Her face falls with each rebuttal, and I hate that I'm causing her any stress. "We can always figure something out. But, like I said, no big deal if you don't want to go."
The way her eyes shift to her feet seals the deal for me. "I'll go."
"Really?" She glances up at me through her lashes, not quite wanting to believe the agreement that fell from my lips.
"Yes, really." I can't believe I'm doing this.
