Rance was easier to see. He also reminded Luis of someone. As he watched Rance kid around while he signed books, his behavior was somehow familiar. Yet this was the first time he’d met the guy.
Jordan turned to him. “Did you run into Beau McLintock this morning in the tunnel room?”
“Yeah, I certainly did, and… wait, that’s it! I was trying to think who Rance reminds me of and it’s Beau. They don’t really look that much alike, but the way they talk, their mannerisms….”
“Makes sense. Beau is Rance’s big brother. Rance probably idolized him the same way Rio idolizes you. He copied Beau’s style and it’s stuck with him.”
“Rio doesn’t idolize me.”
“Wanna bet? He wants to learn to waltz so he can dance like you. He was the one bragging about your pitching in the state championship games. He got out of bed at five this morning because you were the one asking him to. I doubt he’d do that for Monty or Zay, at least not without a lot of grumbling.”
He rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. “Auntie Kat said he idolizes me. I thought it was her way of buttering me up so I’d comply with her wishes.”
“Both things could be true. It’s obvious to me you’re his role model.”
“Auntie Kat said pretty much the same thing, that I could do for him what Dad did for me. But damn, that’s a hell of a responsibility.”
“Don’t worry. You’re up to it.”
“You never met my dad. He left big boots to fill. He had a way about him. So much charisma.”
“I didn’t meet him, but I’ve met you. You have a way about you, too, Luis Bridger. And you’re loaded with charisma. Trust me, I know how special you are. I’ve been around. Rio’s in good hands.”
Her speech made his face heat. “Thank you.” It also raised a question. “If I’m all that and a bag of chips, why are you running away?”
“You know why. I love my work and I’m constantly on the go. That wouldn’t make for?—”
“We could work around travel plans.”
“We’re not a good match. I’m not right for you.”
“I disagree.”
“Look, this is why I took Cole’s suggestion that we talk it out over a beer. He’ll give you a different perspective. Let’s not get into it now.”
He did his best to tamp down his frustration. “I’m just confused. We have fun, you think I’m great, but you?—”
“You know that old line? It’s not you, it’s me?”
“Yes, and it’s a damn cop-out.”
“Not always. In this case, it’s the absolute truth.”
“Only because you think?—”
“Luis.” She held up her hand.
He blew out a breath. She was right. This wasn’t the place. But he was so ready to get everything out in the open.
She expected Cole to confirm she had issues, but admitting it didn’t mean the situation was hopeless. People could overcome old conditioning if they had a reason to. They could compromise on the amount of time she spent on the road.
Since talking about it was a bad idea and he couldn’t think about anything else, they waited in silence while the tanned couple in front of them laughed and chatted with Rance. Then it was their turn.
Jordan laid her book down. “Hi, I’m Jordan.”
“Nice to meet you, Jordan.”
“Congratulations on your first book.”
