I turned back to the door, unlocking it and pushing it open. “Well, let me know if you need anything. You can text or just ask. I’ll keep an eye on my phone.”
“When do you want us in there?”
“Let’s give them a half hour to warm up.”
“You got it, boss.”
I left the strippers there and headed back to the diner. By the time I stepped through the front door again, nearly everyone had arrived. I saw Logan, Eli, and Dustin chatting at the bar. Lucas, Rowan, and Hayden were already at the punch bowl pouring themselves drinks. Meanwhile, Mabel and Dolly were behind the bar getting the food set up for the boys. Everything was under way. And the only person missing now was Marcus.
I glanced at my phone again, checking the time. Marcus had confirmed he was coming, but knowing him, he was probably sitting in his truck outside, working up the courage to actually walk through the door. The man could face down criminals without blinking, but a room full of gay men and male strippers? That was apparently where Sheriff Marcus Webb drew the line.
I poured myself a drink from the punch bowl. It was fruity and strong. I tried not to look too obviously like I was waiting for someone. The last thing I needed was for everyone here to pick up on whatever was happening between Marcus and me. We’d been careful, keeping things strictly behind locked doorsand drawn blinds. But I was starting to realize that people in Sagebrush were far more observant than I expected.
“Xavier!” Mabel called from behind the bar, waving me over with a wooden spoon. “Come taste this dip and tell me if it needs more salt.”
I made my way through the small crowd, grateful for the distraction. Mabel held out the spoon, and I took a tentative taste of what looked like some kind of cheesy mixture.
“It’s perfect,” I said honestly, savoring the flavor. “You don’t need to change a thing.”
She beamed at me, her weathered face crinkling with pleasure. “Well aren’t you sweet? Dolly, did you hear that? Xavier said my dip is perfect.”
Dolly looked up from where she was arranging chicken wings on a platter, her expression softening slightly. “Of course it is. You make the best spinach dip in three counties, Mabel.”
I seized the opportunity. “Everything looks amazing, Dolly. Really. You’ve outdone yourself.”
She paused, studying me with those sharp eyes of hers. For a moment I thought she was going to say something cutting, but instead she just gave me a small nod. “Well, it’s a special occasion. Lucas deserves a good party before he ties the knot. But it’s kind of you to notice.”
It wasn’t exactly a declaration of friendship, but it was progress. I’d take it.
The door chimed, and my heart did that annoying flutter thing as I turned, expecting to see Marcus. Instead, it was just some delivery guy dropping off more ice. I tried to hide my disappointment as I turned back to my drink.
“Looking for someone?” Lucas asked, appearing at my elbow with a knowing smirk. My best friend was too observant for his own good.
“Just making sure everyone showed up,” I said smoothly. “Professional planner and all that.”
“Mm-hmm.” He didn’t sound convinced, but mercifully he didn’t push it. “So, when do the strippers arrive?”
I checked my phone. “They’re getting set up. Thought we’d let everyone get a little buzzed first before we bring them in.”
“Good idea.” He took a sip of his own drink, surveying the room. “Thanks for doing all this again, Xavier. You’re the best.”
“I know.” I reached out, wrapping an arm around Lucas and pulling him in for a tight hug. “You deserve it. Now go have fun and let me supervise. Get some music started or something.”
Lucas grinned and headed toward the jukebox in the corner, leaving me alone with my thoughts and my increasingly warm drink. I watched him go, then turned my attention back to scanning the room, trying not to make it obvious that I was still waiting for a certain sheriff to make his appearance.
The minutes ticked by. The music started—some upbeat country-pop that had Logan and Eli laughing and attempting what I could only assume was supposed to be dancing. Dustin was chatting animatedly with Rowan about something, gesturing wildly with his hands. Even Hayden, usually the one to keep to himself, seemed relaxed and was nursing a beer at the bar with a smile on his face.
I checked my phone again. Still nothing from Marcus.
Maybe he’d changed his mind. Maybe the reality of showing up to a bachelor party with male strippers was too big a step for him. Maybe he was sitting in his truck right now, hands gripping the steering wheel, having a full-blown panic attack about what it would mean if someone saw him here.
I tried to tell myself it didn’t matter. This was just a casual thing between us. No strings, no expectations. If he didn’t show, it didn’t mean anything beyond him being cautious about his reputation. Which was smart, really. Sensible.
So why did I feelsodisappointed?
“Alright everyone!” I called out, forcing myself into professional mode. I wasn’t going to let Marcus Webb ruin my best friend’s bachelor party. “The entertainment will be starting in about ten minutes, so make sure you’ve got your drinks topped off and find a good seat!”
A cheer went up from the group, and I saw Mabel actually clap her hands together in excitement. Dolly rolled her eyes, but I caught the hint of a smile on her lips.
