I knew that was going to happen. A flush spread across my chest as more people began paying attention to us.
“Not yet,” Josh said, glancing at me again. “It’s not ready yet.”
“Whatever.” Cara rolled her eyes. “Hey, maybe you two will be famous in Nashville together one day.”
I’m jarred from my memory at the sound of Josh clearing his throat. “You okay?” He glances quickly at me before turning his attention back to the road. Outside, cars blur by at a high rate of speed, but in here, my world is paused in 1999.
Goose bumps rise on my arms, and I offer him a soft, wistful smile. “Yeah. I was just lost in a memory.” I shake my head.
“Oh yeah? About us?” Josh quirks an eyebrow at me as he looks over his shoulder to change lanes.
“Maybe,” I murmur, wiggling my own eyebrows playfully, even though deeper feelings stir beneath the surface.
Josh laughs, the sound low and familiar, like an old love song.
“We have a lot of great ones.” He lets his voice trail off, like he’s reaching for a memory he can’t say out loud.
I nod, my smile fading slightly. “We really do. I haven’t let myself think about them in so long,” I admit sadly. I look down at my hands just as Josh reaches across the center console and grips one. His palm is warm and steady.
“I was thinking…” Josh starts, squeezing my hand just like he used to. “After this meeting, maybe we can explore Philly? I haven’t been there in so long. Figured we could get a bite to eat and walk around a bit?” Josh looks so hopeful, it tugs at my heartstrings.
I picture us walking around Old City, popping in and out of stores, eating ice cream and listening to street musicians.
I don’t hesitate—I’d go anywhere with Josh.
It’s been so long for us and yet, we seem to have picked up right where we left off. Maybe it’s impulsive, but it’s also easy. We’ve slipped right back into a steady rhythm. No masks, no hesitation.
No other relationship I’ve had in the last twenty-five years has been so easy. It’s a breath of fresh air. I can be myself with him. There is no need to hide how I really feel or play it cool. There are no first impression nerves. It’s justus.
I don’t bother to bite back my grin. “Of course. That sounds great.” I squeeze his hand back, anchoring this moment. “Are you ready for this?”
“With you,” he says, his voice low, scraping, “I’m ready for anything.”
* * *
Twenty minutes later,we’re walking into the lobby of the Renaissance Hotel, cool air conditioning sweeping over us as we head toward the bar. Mark Matthews is already waiting for us, nursing a highball glass with a dark amber liquid in it. I immediately worry about Josh and the pressure of this meeting—but his expression remains calm, unreadable. As we approach, his posture straightens.
“Mark, my man,” Josh holds out his hand, and they shake firmly before Josh leans in for a quick one-armed hug and a slap on the back.
Mark pulls away, a look of surprise flashing across his features. “Josh! It’s been a while.” He gestures to me. “And who is this?”
“This is Melanie.” Josh grins, slinging an arm around my shoulder, his tone easy but possessive. “We’re old friends, used to play together all the time and recently picked it back up.”
“Great!” Mark holds his hand out to me. “Nice to meet you, Melanie. Let’s sit, shall we?”
Josh pulls out the stool next to Mark for me and takes the one on my other side. Once we’re settled, a bartender comes over, placing cocktail napkins in front of us. I wait for Josh to order.
“Hello, folks. What can I get you to drink today?” The bartender greets us, tipping her head to one side and giving Josh her full attention. She’s pretty with blonde hair piled high on her head and kind brown eyes. He doesn’t seem to notice that she’s looking only at him.
“Just a water with lemon, please,” Josh says, his voice even, his arm slipping around the back of my chair, subtle but seemingly deliberate.
“And for you?” She purses her lips expectantly.
“Oh, water is fine for me too.” I wave my hand in an effort to be casual.
“Still on the wagon, I see,” Mark says with a nod as the bartender walks away.
Josh sucks in a breath. “Yeah. It’s not easy, but it’s what’s best.”
