“I think you’re spoiling me because it’s my birthday,” Stevie says, clearly oblivious as she reclaims my attention.
“Every girl deserves to be spoiled on her birthday, but I tell no lie.”
Tears glisten in her eyes and her lip wobbles. “I am happy, but then I feel guilty, sitting here laughing and having fun in an outfit Garrick bought me when he’s…”
“He wouldn’t want you to be sad,” Hudson says, injecting himself into our private conversation and confirming he was eavesdropping.
I shoot him a cutting look. That’s not cool.
“I apologize,” he says, at least having the decency to look ashamed. “I wasn’t eavesdropping. I just heard that last comment, and I couldn’t let it go.”
I decide to give him the benefit of the doubt, nodding at him to continue.
“Garrick loved you so much, Stevie. Too much to want you to lock yourself away pining. He would want you to live your life to the fullest. The best thing you can do for Garrick is get on with your life.” His eyes lift to mine. “It’s what he would want for you.”
His words do the trick, and Stevie doesn’t mention Garrick again. I’m sure he’s still in her thoughts, like always, but it’s good for her to be able to set those aside and enjoy herself. God knows she deserves it after the annus horribilis she’s just endured.
When dinner is finished, Stevie readily agrees to head into the bar-slash-club. Hadley sneaks a high five with me behind her back as we make our way inside. It’s good to see Stevie laughing and looking carefree. Hadley was right. This is exactly what she needed.
“Come dance with me.” Stevie grabs my hand and leads me out toward the dance floor. She’s giggling and a little giddy from drinking cocktails and champagne.
Beats thump out of several large speakers around the room as we join the busy crowd dancing at the top of the room. Stevie shakes her hips and smiles as we throw some moves on the dance floor. I can’t remember the last time I went dancing, but I’m having fun.
“You were holding out on me, Colbert,” Stevie shouts in my ear. She prods my chest. “Where did you learn to dance so well?”
“I have two sisters who used me as their guinea pig before every formal.” I don’t mention the ballroom dancing lessons Father insisted we all take because it’s just plain embarrassing. Even if it has been helpful at charity and high-society events.
“Oh, I love this song!” Stevie jumps up and down, and I laugh as I twirl her around to song after song until we’ve both worked up a sweat. I bow out when the girls surround her, leaving them to it.
I’m at the bar, ordering a scotch on the rocks and a water, when Hudson finds me. “I was hoping we could talk,” he says.
“Sure.” Turning to face Garrick’s best friend, I ask, “Can I get you a drink?”
He shakes his head. “I’m good.” He holds up a half-empty bottle of beer.
I pay the bartender before following Hudson to a quieter part of the bar. We set our drinks down on the high table. “What did you want to talk to me about?”
He looks me straight in the eye, exuding quiet confidence. “What are your intentions toward Stevie?”
His question doesn’t surprise me. “I appreciate you don’t beat around the bush, but I’m not answering that. It’s none of your business.” I’m not discussing this with him when Stevie isn’t aware of the extent of my feelings. I lift my bottle of water to my lips and drink greedily.
“I disagree.” He pauses to take a mouthful of beer. “Garrick would want me looking out for her. I have tried my best to do that, but I was in Rhode Island, and I haven’t been around to see what’s going on.”
“She told me you’ve been a lifeline, and I commend you for your loyalty to your friend. But it doesn’t give you the right to pry into Stevie’s life. If you need reassurance, I promise you don’t need to worry about me. It seems we share the same goal. To take care of her. The last thing I would do is make life difficult for her. I just want her to be happy.”
“Happy as in state of mind or happy as in with you?”
“Look, man, I know you mean well, but I’m not doing this with you. Stevie and I are just friends.”
“For now.” He squares up to me. “She’s vulnerable, and I won’t see her taken advantage of.”
He’s starting to get on my nerves, but I know it’s coming from a good place, so I try to rein in my anger. “I would never take advantage of her. Whatever I feel or don’t feel for her is none of your goddamned business, and you need to back off or we’ll have a problem. Stevie loves Garrick with her whole heart. I don’t see that changing any time soon, if at all. My role in her life is not to dismiss your friend. I respect her feelings for him. I respect how he loved and cared for her. I met him once, and I liked Garrick. You don’t know me, so I get why you have to say this, but I’m not the bad guy in this scenario. I am here for Stevie because I care deeply about her.” I knock back my scotch in one go, seriously pissed now. I don’t like his insinuation one little bit.
“I’m sorry. I have offended you, and that wasn’t my intention.” He seems earnest, but I’m all wound up now. “I had to ask. Hadley said you were a good guy, but I needed to verify it for myself. You don’t have to say anything, but I saw the way you were looking at one another at the table. It wasn’t the way friends look at one another. If something happens with Stevie down the line, I won’t stand in your way. I want her to be happy because that’s what my buddy would want. If you are her choice, I would support that decision.”
“Then what is the point of this conversation?”
“She’s not ready.”
