“When what?”
Edging slightly into her space, he leaned against the table. “You said another time. How’s tomorrow night?”
“No, I’m busy.”
Maybe all she needed was a little time. A little space. He could give her that. There were times that’s all he needed, too. Most people didn’t realize that was just part of life.
“Forget I asked. I don’t need to get hit over the head to know you don’t want me around,” Cain said.
“It’s not you. It’s just...” Betsy stared off into space for a moment before she looked back at him with an inkling of a smile on her lips. “You’re right. You deserve a rematch.”
At this point, he figured that was as good as a yes. “How about next Friday night then?”
She nodded. “I’ll be here.”
“What say we make a little bet on that?” Cain felt the corner of his mouth quirk. “If I win, you have dinner with me next Saturday night.”
The pinch of lines across her forehead revealed just how much she was thinking about the offer. “What if I win?”
He’d lived his life based on risking everything if the result was worth a loss. Maybe that’s what he needed to do in this situation. Put the risk out there. See what happened. “If you win, I’ll never ask you out again, Betsy.”
She walked over and held out her hand. “You got a bet, Cain Connery.”
He shook, trying to figure out why a night out with Betsy seemed so important to him. He’d never lacked for female company. During the two months since he’d been back in Crayton, he’d had three women hit on him. One wanted to buy him a drink. One wanted to give him a home-cooked meal. And one was just on vacation, looking for fun. He’d turned all three down.
“Hi, Ms. Peyton. You did good.” Steven Millerton, the local high school football star, walked up, holding his girlfriend Lisa’s hand. Another couple followed them. “Too bad, Mr. Connery. Maybe next time.”
Cain couldn’t help but like the kid. He’d heard nothing but good things about him and his family. Around Crayton, Missouri, the Millertons were known to be a hardworking, do-anything-for-you kind of people. “I heard you got a full-ride scholarship to college. That’s great.”
Steven looked at the floor as if he were embarrassed. “Yeah. University of Missouri was my top pick, and I got it. I’ll be playing football with the Mizzou Tigers next fall.”
“Your dad’s mighty proud of you.” Betsy patted him on the back.
“Really?” The boy looked up. “He said that?”
“That’s all he’s talked about the last few days around the service center. He even asked if he’d be able to leave work early some days next fall.” She leaned her pool cue in the wall rack. “Wants to make sure he’ll have time to get to your games up in Columbia.”
Cain saw from the expression on Steven’s face that he hadn’t heard the words of pride from his father. Too bad. Sometimes that’s all that mattered to a kid. At least Steven had heard his dad’s words through Betsy. All Cain had heard from his own dad had been something to the effect of don’t let the chains of life hold you back from having fun.
“Alright then.” Steven grinned and nodded to himself. “Hey, if you all are finished playing, can me and my friends grab the table?”
“Sure. We’re headed for a bite to eat.” Spying an empty booth, Cain took a few steps in that direction, then turned to let Betsy walk past. Instead, she hadn’t moved. “It’s just a beer and pizza, Betsy.”
When he’d left Crayton years ago, Betsy hadn’t been skittish. Shy maybe, but never afraid of anything, in fact, just the opposite. She’d also been one fiery redheaded hellcat when anyone dared to make a joke at the expense of her sisters or Sadie, her mama. Of course, Sadie never needed anyone to stand up for her. She was also a redhead.
He eased his stance along with his expectation. “Or would you rather sit at the counter?”
She turned in that direction. “I might have time for a soda, but that’s all. I have to be up early to open the dealership.”
Maybe they could catch up on everything that had happened since high school graduation. He’d joined the Army right after. And left town on the first bus headed for Fort Leonard Wood and basic training.
From off to the side, he saw Steven’s girlfriend, Lisa, leave by the front door carrying a take-out bag of food. Then Steven glanced their way. “Hey, Ms. Peyton. Can you do us a favor?”
Betsy walked back to the pool table. “If I can.”
“Lisa had to run some sandwiches down to her dad at his office. We’ll have to give up the table if we don’t keep playing.” The young man never made eye contact with Cain, only Betsy. “Could you be my partner till she gets back?”
“Sure. Sounds like fun.” Betsy smiled as she grabbed the cue she’d used previously, then glanced at Cain. “Go ahead and eat without me. I’m not really all that hungry.”
