“I’m just saying you shouldn’t be getting butterflies in your stomach at every parent-teacher meeting and pick-up or drop-off. I see my ex and feel blank, nothing.”
I nudge her shoulder with my own. “That’s because you now have a hot professor to occupy your life.” Her ex-college sweetheart is now her fiancé after reconnecting after her divorce.
She clinks my glass with hers. “That I do. Which also proves the point that second chances are not a fairytale.”
I play with the stem of my wine glass, trying to shake Ford out of my head. It’s a hard task since summer Ford is an extra dose of handsome. Even all these years later, his skin warms well with the summer light, and he keeps his tall, slim figure in shape, even if he isn’t training, and God, his brown eyes complement his matching hair that I know he’ll start to grow since it’s the summer months.
It's the shape of his shoulders that I like to look at the most. They’re broad, but the curves remind me of the way he used to hold me, the nights I would lie in his arms, and the time I leaned against him as I cried for hours.
Lena snaps her fingers in front of me. “Holy cow, you’re lost in Ford thoughts again. I can tell by your face; you are dreaming away.”
“Ahh, okay, you’re right. I guess the meeting today is still fresh in my head. I will be back to normal by the main course, I promise.”
She hops off the stool. “I’ll hold you to that. Be right back, need a ladies’ room stop before dinner.”
“Sure. I’ll order those mozzarella sticks you promised me.” My favorite by far. She offers me a warm smile.
Sighing, I look into my wine glass before taking a drink, thankful that Lena is the designated driver tonight.
“You’re too pretty to have a frown on your face.” A deep man’s voice grabs my attention, and I look up to see a man in a suit at the bar. I didn’t notice him before. He looks a few years older than me, and admittedly, he isn’t bad on the eyes. I can tell the gel in his hair makes his hair seem darker than it is.
“Oh, just a weekday reflection. Nothing a deep breath and a glass of wine can’t fix.”
He indicates with his fingers in the air for the barman to come to him. “I know how it goes. Luckily, I use the train rides back from the city to clear my head, but I need a drink before I work on a deposition until the early hours.”
“You’re a lawyer?”
“I am.” He nods to the barman. “A whiskey neat, and the lady will have…”
I shake my head. “Oh, nothing. Thank you. I’m here with a friend.”
“Let me know if you change your mind.” The corner of his mouth hitches up.
I smile politely. “What kind of law do you practice?”
“Corporate. Does that interest you?” He has a suave grin.
“Actually, I’m sitting the Bar this summer. I finished law school at the university here in Hollows.”
“No way.” He slides to the free stool next to me. “That’s my alma mater. What kind of law do you want to practice?”
“Family law or property, I think.”
He thanks the barman for his whiskey. “That area would suit you.”
I have a conspicuous grin. “What makes you say that?”
“You have a soft face.” He seems proud of his comment. “I’m Brody, by the way.”
“Brielle.”
“That’s a beautiful name.” I swear he is investigating my lack of rings on my fingers.
“I hate it sometimes. Nobody knows how to shorten it, Bri or Elle or even Rie.”
“All still nice names.”
I feel Lena return as she touches my back. “Our table still isn’t ready?” She notices that I seem to be in conversation. “Ooh, he’s a looker and hopefully single for you.A distraction,” she mutters under her breath.
