Shaking off the melancholy that the conversation with Henley caused, I turn my back to the bar to survey the room around us.
It’s been years since I’ve been to The Charming Bull, a two-story bar and dance spot located about forty-five minutes from Blossom Peak. And the only reason I’m familiar with it is because it’s about the same drive from Garnet Valley.
Taking a drive to The Charming Bull was like a rite of passage once you reached the age of twenty-one. Big groups of us would make a weekend of the trip, booking two hotel rooms for ten people, pre-gaming in the rooms before heading to the bar, dancing until they closed, and then grabbing a greasy diner breakfast the next day before returning to our regularly scheduled lives.
That last year of college was epic, even though the only reason I have those memories was from appeasing my parents’ demand that I get a college degree. But I’m sort of missing what those memories made me feel—like I belonged and had roots.
Right now, I just feel like a plant that hasn’t been able to really grow because I keep being moved around, exposed to the elements, and tossed on the ground when I’m no longer needed.
And that’s exactly why I ran back to a place where I did feel whole—because I never felt that wayin Blossom Peak.
Dilynne smacks me on the ass, making me jump. “Then let’s find us a table, a spot on the dance floor, and maybe later, a man to give us some orgasms.”
Laughing, I follow her lead as she pulls me by the hand, weaving us through the throngs of people. For one split second, I wonder what Henley and Remy are doing back at his house, but I shake that thought off quickly and focus on the melody of LoCash’s “I Love This Life” booming through the speakers.
Once Dilynne finds a high-top table she deems suitable, we take a seat across from each other and sip our drinks.
“So, do you think my brother is surviving right now?”
The mention of Henley instantly makes me smile, and my cheeks get warm.Damn my easy blushing.“Yeah, I think he’s fine. Honestly, he’s doing so much better since those first few days.”
Dilynne shakes her head, studying her drink. “I still can’t believe he’s a dad. He’s never wanted a family, which I don’t blame him for. I mean, I don’t want kids, but not because of our childhood.”
“You don’t want kids?”
“Nope. I just don’t think I got that maternal instinct. There are plenty of women who will make fabulous moms, but I don’t think I’m one of them.”
“Do you think you might change your mind?”
Dilynne shakes her head. “No. It’s a gut feeling. Kids just aren’t something I ever envisioned in my life. I like my freedom. I like being able to go to car shows on a whim or work on a car until one in the morning. I could never do that if I had a child.”
“True.”
“What about you?”
My smile is instant. “Oh yeah. I’ve always wanted kids. Since my mom owned a daycare, I was always around children and I love thechaos, watching their minds explore the world around them, and guiding them through growing up. If life is kind to me, hopefully I’ll have five.”
Dilynne’s eyes nearly pop out. “Five?”
“Yeah. I have a friend back home who’s one of five siblings. I used to love going over to her house. It was always loud and chaotic, but God, her family had big celebrations full of laughs and hugs. There was always someone around if you needed anything.” I look back down at my drink. “I’m tired of being let down and feeling alone, and the last thing I would want is for my child to feel that way.”
Dilynne covers my hand with hers. “You’re not alone when you’re with our crew,” she says confidently. “Look, I know my brother is your boss, but if you needed anything, he would be there. Same with Rhonan, Elliot, or Fletcher. Those boys are all like brothers to me and Laney, Fletcher excluded now, of course.” We share a laugh. “All I’m saying is, we are a family. It’s been that way since my brother and I got placed with Carol and Nick, who are basically our parents anyway.”
“Carol seems like a hoot.”
Dilynne fluffs her hair. “Where do you think I got my sass from? The woman is my idol. She’s not afraid to speak her mind, be herself, and stand up for what’s right.”
“She thought I was Remy’s mom.”
Dilynne stares at me for a moment. “I mean, you could be. You both have dark hair and light eyes.”
“Yeah, well, watching your brother explain that I’m just the nanny when they assumed she’s mine was far more entertaining.”
Dilynne holds her stomach as she cackles. “I can only imagine.”
The DJ comes over the speakers, interrupting the regular music. “Open mic night is almost here! If you’re interested, sign-ups are atthe bar to the right of my booth. We’re only taking ten acts, so get your name on the list.”
Dilynne turns back to me, her eyes and smile wide. “You should totally sign up!”
