Poppy: Fine, don’t tell me. I’m going to sleep now, anyway. G’night.
Braden: Sweet dreams, Mouse. Text me when you’re at the restaurant.
With the early morning flight, I arrive in time for the two o’clock meeting with Jim this afternoon. I wanted it out of the way before focusing on the main reason for my visit. His offer to meet here rather than me driving to Big Sky was helpful.
I’d called in a favor earlier this week to a local downtown law firm for the use of their conference room and arranged to have one of their clerks transcribe and act as a witness. They had the room prepared, and the clerk waiting when I walked in, just in time to greet my client.
“Good to see you again, Mr. Marlow. I appreciate you making the trek to Bozeman,” I say as we shake hands.
“My pleasure, Braden. And please, call me Jim. Big Sky has too few restaurants to choose from, so it’s nice to come down the mountain.”
“I’m glad it worked out then. Should we get started?”
“Lead the way.” He motions his arm to proceed.
The deposition took place over the next two hours and couldn’t have gone better—not that I was worried about it. The only reason I came in person was to kill two birds with one stone and figure out what this is with Poppy, what our potential is, and why I can’t stop chasing her.
I close the folio before me and nod to the clerk in dismissal, calling it a wrap.
“Well, Jim, that should do it. Thanks again for accommodating my schedule.”
His smile is kind in return. “No worries at all. I’m happy you made it up here again. Why don’t you join me for dinner while you’re in town? No sense dining alone after coming so far.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’ve already got plans with a woman who lives here,” I say with a devious grin.
“Well, I won’t stand in the way of that.” He winks. “How about a drink then? One of my favorite bars is one block away if you have time.”
Glancing at my watch tells me it’s still two hours before my date. “Let’s do it. Give me a minute to wrap things up here, and I’ll be ready. Feel free to wait in the lobby. I won’t be long.”
“I’m in no hurry.”
A little while later, we’re sitting with drinks at none other than Plonk on Main Street with a cheese tray on the way. I’m not worried Poppy will notice me since I discreetly chose a corner booth, and now I’ll be able to watch her when she comes in.
“So how is it you know a woman from Bozeman? Friend from college?”
“We met on the flight back to San Diego after I came out for our initial meeting. We didn’t hit it off at first, but then she happened to be the maid of honor at the same wedding I was in that weekend.”
“Proves what a small world we live in. So why does it sound like there’s more to the story?”
For some reason, I find myself opening up and describing the entire thing in detail, which is way too much information to share with a client, but something about Jim Marlow makes me want to spill my guts. Of course, I leave out the raunchier details and Owen’s involvement.
“That’s quite the tale. I take it you like this girl?”
“That’s what I’m trying to figure out, sir. Truth be told, I’m not a big fan of relationships. Between being jilted by a woman, a dad who left my mom for an affair, and the line of work I’m in, I’ve steered clear of them.”
“Would you be open to some wisdom from an old man who’s been around the block?” he asks shrewdly.
I nod. “I’d love it. What do you got for me?” I ask, then sip my drink, wondering where he’s going with this, considering his wife recently cheated on him.
He chuckles, then goes in the opposite direction than expected.
“Well, son, you know my current situation would suggest a different take on things, but I’ll tell you something, living without love isn’t a life worth living. To appreciate someone, to worship, to strive to be better for another person, fills you with purpose and inspires compassion. There’s nothing like having a woman you’re excited to come home to every day.” He gazes into the room, lost in his own thoughts, before continuing.
“If you came back for her, which I’m assuming is what prompted this meeting, then it might be the start of something here.” He points to his heart. “And if that’s the case, it’s worth pursuing.”
“That wasn’t what I expected, given your circumstances, but I appreciate the advice. Can’t say it’s up to me anyhow. She’s not exactly a huge fan of mine. In fact, she doesn’t even know I’m here yet.”
He laughs. “That surprises me. You seem like you could charm the pants off anybody. Where did you go wrong with this one, andhow in the world are you taking her to dinner if she doesn’t know you’re here?”
