Mila gestured to the six water glasses. “We got this much started but decided not to order anything until you arrived.”
“What’s up with Cole?” Claudie glanced toward the bar.
“My brother’s been fascinated with animatronics for years.” Jordan took a seat next to Claudie. “We can order, though. Between Rio and me, we have a lock on what Cole wants.”
“That’s terrific,” Mila said, “but everybody’s on break except Clem. He’s the one who brought us the water, so we’ll have to… oh, never mind. They’re coming over.”
Luis made a command decision and walked around the table to sit next to Mila. Rio took the chair next to him, leaving the one beside Jordan for Cole. Perfect. He planned on doing a lot more listening than talking.
“Your brother’s cute.” Claudie lowered her voice but he still heard it, along with Jordan’s quick yes, he is.
He’d been so focused on his own issues he hadn’t considered that one of his sisters might show an interest in Cole. It would have been a nonstarter if Jordan’s brother still had a job in Helena, but now….
Would this be a good thing or a bad thing? Either way it could be a very complicated thing. What else was new?
Chapter Thirty-Four
Jordan sipped on her beer and munched on pretzels and nuts, mostly because it gave her something to focus on other than Luis. The kitchen staff was also on a break, so they were limited to whatever was available at the bar.
At first the conversation was simple chitchat about the autograph party. Cole supplied a few basic facts about himself for Mila and Claudie’s benefit.
Luis was mostly quiet, and Jordan couldn’t shake the notion that he was in horse whisperer mode. Five years ago he’d described in detail how his dad had taught him to understand wild horses through quiet observation.
Luis’s seating choice put him across the table from her. Was she the wild horse in this scenario?
Rio’s comment about his conversation with Cole was a reminder that her brother had never had a serious relationship. She vaguely remembered him saying years ago that he wasn’t sure marriage was for him. She’d dismissed it at the time, but maybe they were both destined to be single.
Cole nudged back his hat and cleared his throat, which always signaled he was ready to say his piece. She put down her beer and took a deep breath.
Leaning forward, he rested his arms on the table. “Since I suggested this gabfest, I’ll start the ball rolling. We’re here to discuss the relationship between my sis and Luis. I think it’s great they’re willing to let us help talk it through.”
“So am I,” Mila said. “I’m glad you suggested doing this.”
“I didn’t know I’d get so many of the Bridger Bunch involved, but the more the merrier. I’ve only caught a glimpse of what your family is all about, but I guaran-damn-tee you’re nothing like the family Jordie and I were saddled with. You folks love and support one another. We didn’t get that.”
Mila, Claudie and Rio all flinched, but Mila was the one who spoke. “Was it physical abuse?”
“Just one time when my dad took a belt to me. But they didn’t care enough to expend the energy it would take to beat us. They just made sure we felt like crap about ourselves.”
Claudie swore under her breath.
“Now that we’re older,” Jordan said, “we know they did it because they felt like crap about themselves. Likely still do. But….”
“The damage was done.” Claudie gave her a sideways hug. “I’m so sorry, Jordan. You, too, Cole.”
“It is what it is,” Cole said. “We’ve both struggled with it in our own way. I’ve pretended it didn’t affect me, that I can build a life that works and be perfectly fine. Jordie will have to speak for herself on that.”
“Same.”
“The point is, when you believe you’re unlovable, you don’t let anyone get too close. I’m an expert at that. But my little sis, here, let this guy get under her skin.” He looked at her. “Am I right?”
She nodded and avoided looking across the table. “Which is a problem because he’s fallen for me and he deserves somebody better.”
Luis exploded. “Don’t say that! I promised myself I would just listen, but?—”
“Easy, dude.” Cole gave him a look. “I’m still debating whether you’re good enough for her.”
“What?” She stared at her brother. “Have you been paying attention? He’s kind, considerate and funny. Any woman would be lucky to?—”
