Sophie lets out a breath, blowing away the hair falling in her eyes. “Damn, what does he do? Just drink and keep you company?”
“Nope,” I say with a grin. “He doesn’t even drink.”
“Melanie, this guy is…into you,” Sophie says, looking at me as if I’m blind.
I shake my head. “I don’t think so. I think we’re just old friends catching up. And even if he is, he’s only passing through. If I think about it as more than that, I’ll get my hopes up, and I don’t want to do that. A lot was great between us back then, but we were just kids and so, a lot was broken between us too.”
It’s not just old friends catching up though. Josh feels like he’s a part of me that was missing or broken all this time. Like we should have never been apart and now that we’re back in each other’s lives, it makes sense why no one else ever chose me. But I don’t say that to Sophie.
“Oh, come on! I love a second chance romance,” Sophie whines, jutting out her lip and cocking her head at me like one of her little daughters might do.
I suck in a breath and wince. “I just can’t let myself go there yet… I know it was so long ago, but losing him hurt so badly. And there are things he doesn’t know that I don’t know if I can ever tell him.” I take a sip of my coffee and look away, feeling the sting of tears prick the back of my eyes.
Sophie gets it because she nods and changes the subject, for which I am grateful. “I understand. You’ve been through so much.” She hesitates then says, “Ellie is babysitting for us tonight and we’re going to the distillery. They have the fire pits open and a summer drink menu. You guys should come,” she urges, not bothering to hide the hopeful expression in her green eyes. That’s what I love about Sophie. She’s so genuine and kind—you never have to wonder where you stand with her.
I have a rare Saturday night off so it’s not out of the question. Josh and I planned to order in Thai food and work on our new song for Cara though. “I don’t know, we’re supposed to be writing music.” I scrunch my nose.
“So what? Take a night off. I need to meet this guy,” Sophie chides. “Before he’s gone already. Plus, Liam said that you guys want to plan some kind of concert? If that’s true, you need to start planning.”
Sophie isn’t going to let this go until I relent, so I sigh. “Okay, fine. I’ll text Josh.”
“Yes!” Sophie hisses. “That’s my girl.”
* * *
A few hours later,I’m dressed in a pair of wide-leg jeans, and a fitted black tank top. I let my hair fall around my shoulders in its natural waves and spritz on some perfume. Josh is waiting for me when I come out of my room. He’s wearing gray shorts, a fitted black T-shirt, and leather flip flops that look like the ones he wore back in high school. He smells like bergamot and sandalwood, and his dirty blonde hair is pushed back off his face, revealing clear blue eyes taking me in.
“Welooklike musicians.” I laugh.
“You look great,” Josh says, his voice catching. He rakes his hands through that tousled hair of his and gives me a shy smile.
“So do you.” I grin. “Shall we?”
“Sure,” Josh says. “I’ll drive.”
“Oh shit. A distillery,” I facepalm myself. “I didn’t even think of how insensitive this is with you being sober and all. We can totally bail and do something else.” I wince, guilt burning hot across my cheeks.
Josh gives me a reassuring smile. “Mel, I sit at the bar with you nearly every day,” he says cautiously. “I’m fine. Like I told you, it was never a problem. I just like myself better sober.” He turns and grabs his soft guitar case leaning in the corner. “Think anyone would mind if we played around the fire?”
I can’t hold back my smile. “No, definitely not.”
“Good,” Josh says, slinging the strap over his shoulder. “Do you want to bring yours?”
I hesitate, opening and closing my mouth. I am not sure I’m ready to play for other people yet. “Maybe I’ll just sing along with you.” I finally decide.
“Let’s hit it, then.” Josh moves for the door, gesturing for me to go first.
* * *
We arriveatthe distillery and find Sophie and Liam waiting for us around the bar. They’re both drinking cocktails. Liam is holding an Old Fashioned, and Sophie has a drink I recognize as a Krabby Patty.
“Yay! You’re here!” Sophie cheers, hopping off her barstool and leaning in to hug me, careful not to spill her drink.
I wrap my arms around her first while Liam and Josh shake hands, exchanging pleasantries, then we all switch places.
“Sophie,thisis Josh,” I say, gesturing to my partner in crime with his guitar bag slung over his broad shoulder.
“Josh! I’ve heard so much about you.” Sophie has to stand on her tiptoes to hug him, but she reaches up and gives him a squeeze like he’s a long-lost friend.
