I let out a long breath, feeling his words land. Red’s not the type to let me wallow in silence, and honestly, I’m not sure I want him to.
It’s been long enough since I’ve really talked about it, and I’m not going to sugarcoat it now.
“I can’t stop thinking abouther,” I admit, the words slipping out before I even realize it. Maybe I’ve had one too many to drink. “Dakota Fletcher. Someone I had a bit of a fling with forever ago, who now I can’t get off my mind.”
Red doesn’t speak right away, but his expression softens. He’s quiet for a beat too long, and when he does speak, it’s with that knowing, straightforward tone that always catches me off guard.
“You’ve always been a man of action, Clint. So stop overthinking it and go see her.”
I blink, trying to process what he’s saying. “What do you mean, ‘go see her’?”
“Go talk to her,” Red presses, leaning in slightly. “You’ve been brooding over the same damn thing for weeks now. You don’t even know if she feels the same way anymore, and you’re not gonna find out sitting here drowning in beers. Either you go to her and find out, or you keep wondering ‘what if’ the rest of your damn life. You know I’ve never seen you like this about anyone. So stop pretending it’s not there. I’m your best friend, and you know I give the best advice. So my advice is to go for it.”
I stare at him for a long moment, and something in me stirs, just the slightest bit of hope.
“Red, I don’t even know where to start.”
“Well,” he says with a smirk, “start with ‘hi’ and see where it goes. You’ve spoken to a woman before, haven’t you?”
“Don’t be an idiot.”
Red grins, leaning back in his chair with that lazy confidence that comes from knowing he’s right. He tips his hat back just enough for the light to catch the silver strands in his hair, eyes glinting with mischief.
“You’re overcomplicating it, Parrish. Just go see her.”
I let out a low chuckle, shaking my head. “You make it sound so damn simple.”
“Itissimple,” Red says, raising his glass and taking a long sip before setting it down with a quiet thunk. “You like her. She’s here. You’re here. And if you keep sittin’ on your hands much longer, someone else is gonna come along who isn’t afraid to knock on her door.”
That thought hits like a kick to the gut, sharp and unwanted. The image of Dakota smiling at someone else flashes in my head, and I swear I feel my jaw tighten.
Red notices. Of course he does.
“Ahh, so that’s what this is about,” he says, dragging the words out slow, savoring the realization. “You think you’ve got competition.”
“I didn’t say that,” I mutter, though it’s useless denying it.
He laughs again, low and teasing. “Didn’t have to. You wear it on your face, Clint. Hell, half the bar could read it. You’ve been staring into that beer like it’s got the answers. Trust me, it doesn’t.”
I exhale, rubbing a hand over my jaw. “She’s been through a lot, Red. I don’t want to make things harder for her.”
Red nods, his teasing easing up just a notch. “That’s fair. But I’ll tell you what’s harder… regrettin’ the things you didn’t do. Life doesn’t give you many chances to get it right. And if you are feelin’ something for this Dakota? That’s something worth fightin’ for.”
His words hang between us for a long beat. The jukebox shifts songs, some slow, easy tune about home and second chances, and it seems the whole place is leaning in, waiting to see what I’ll do.
Red finally stands, tossing a few bills on the bar. “Come on, cowboy.”
I frown. “Where the hell are we going?”
He grins, that familiar spark back in his eyes. “To get your stubborn ass out of here before you talk yourself out of it. I’ll drive. You can figure out what you’re gonna say on the way.”
“Red, it’s late,” I protest weakly, though even I can hear how half-hearted it sounds.
He claps a hand on my shoulder. “So what? You think love waits for daylight?”
I groan, but there’s no stopping him once he’s decided something. “You’re out of your damn mind.”
“Maybe,” Red says, already heading for the door. “But if I were you, I’d rather be crazy than cowardly. Now, get your hat. We’ve got a girl to go see.”
