“She could be getting into any kind of trouble alone right now. She was clearly not sober.”
Callie reaches out to me, grabbing onto both of my arms. “Olivia only had a little buzz. She can still take care of herself.”
I’m no longer listening as I tear away from her grip and surge toward the bathroom. I’m about to walk in when Callie catches up to me again. “I’ll go check to see if she’s in there. Chill.”
When she comes back out and shrugs, I begin to panic. This is why I had to come here tonight, to make sure they were being safe.Oh god, could she have left the bar on her own? She wouldn’t do that, would she? Was she upset with me for not being more open with her?
Again, Callie grabs onto me. “I see what you’re doing. Slow down that brain of yours. I’m sure Olivia is still here and perfectly safe. Something bad doesn't happen every time someone drinks. I promise.” She draws back. “I’ll go check the dance floor and the patio in case she just needed some air. How about you check the bar?”
I nod, taking a calming breath. This isn’t like me to feel anxious, but all of this seems just a little too familiar.
I reach the bar, scanning the barstools for her beautiful brown hair or bright red top reflecting in the neon lights. I don’t see her.Deep breath. I’m sure she’s fine.It’s a lot easier to say it in my mind than to actually believe it.Why would she just disappear like that?
“She’s definitely not outside or on the dance floor, but I’m certain she wouldn’t just leave.” Callie stops, her eyes trained on something behind me. A lopsided grin slowly grows on her face, and she points to what she’s looking at. “Found her.”
ChapterTwenty-Six
Olivia
“What on earthare you doing back here?” Callie calls, dragging my attention from Jax who is showing me how to make a Mai Tai.
I rush up to the counter where Callie is leaning over, beaming. Rhett lurks behind her, looking a whole lot of things, none of which are happy.
“Sorry! I wanted a glass of water after I went to the bathroom, and then I was going to come back and find you, but Jax was showing me how to mix drinks and telling me about how he’s going to buy part of the bar. I guess I just got distracted.”
Jax hands me a cup of water, and I take it before walking around to the other side of the bar. Rhett immediately pulls me toward him, wrapping me up in a hug. “You can’t just take off like that.”
“I’m sorry. I just wanted water and got distracted.”
“Are you upset with me?”
I narrow my brows. “For what?”
“For not telling you more about my life.”
“I mean I want to know more, but I’m not angry with you for it.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yeah.” I smile at him, but it slowly falls. “Are you okay?”
He nods, shirking me off and muttering something about waiting for us out in his truck.
* * *
Ever since Rhett retreated from the bar, I’ve been distracted, trying to figure out what happened tonight. What would make him so closed off? What would put that panic in his eyes at the idea of not knowing where I was?
Something traumatic must’ve happened to Rhett at a bar, maybe involving someone he loves. That would maybe explain why he won’t open up to anyone or why he doesn’t believe in love anymore. He’s afraid of growing attached to someone again because he’s afraid of losing them. Knowing what motivates him makes me feel a little more confident that I can help him and return the favors he’s done for me.
“Hey, are you okay?” Callie draws me out of my head.
I give her a nod and the best smile I can, which she thankfully seems to accept.
Despite being distracted, I’ve still managed to have a great night with Callie. She has a zest for life and this way of making me feel so loved and welcomed. I wish I could wrap her up and take her back to San Francisco with me. I could use someone like her in my life on a daily basis.
The Callahan sisters played three more Shania Twain songs. I unfortunately only remember the name of one, “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” because, one, the title is funny; two, Callie informed me it is another one of her female anthem songs; and three, I enjoyed the beat but had to stand off to the side looking like a chump during the line dance because it involved a lot more footwork and spinning than “Any Man of Mine.”
When Callie and I approach the bar to say goodbye to Jax and close out our tab, he gives me a firm handshake before saying, “Screw it,” and pulling me in for a quick squeeze. “It was nice to meet you. I hope I’ll be seeing more of you real soon.” The meaningful look he gives me as he says it makes me feel a little uneasy. Maybe Callie was right. I think heisflirting. “Ya’ll get home safe.”
