“Harry, out of the four of us, you’re the least complicated and therefore most likely to get their happy ending. What matters is you’re happy and Warren makes you happy. Screw what we think.” Parker leans closer and squeezes my hand. “If someone were to look at me like I’d hung their entire universe, I sure as heck wouldn’t remain friends with them.”
My shoulders slump in relief. “I really like him.”
She smirks knowingly. “I can tell. You’re all doe-eyed and rosy-cheeked. Butagain, what does this have to do with divorce and dating?”
I blow out a breath. “This is his first relationship since his wife left him.”
“She left him? That’s news. Anything weird?”
“No. I mean, I didn’t ask. I doubt I’ll ever meet her, not unless we run into each other like we keep doing with Peter.”
Parker snarls.
“I guess I’m searching for advice.”
Parker exhales, blowing a few lavender strands off her brow. “This is a big step for him. I wonder why he’s put it off.”
I shrug. “I’m not eager to question the why. All that matters is that he’s open to it now. He’s asked for things to go slow, and I’m finding it difficult to see, considering we’ve slept with each other and are expecting a baby.”
“There’s no blueprint to your situation. You have to do what works best for the two of you. If you asked Margot, she’d whip out her cards and tell you ‘great change is on the horizon.’” We both laugh at the sweet voice she uses to imitate our friend. “For once, I agree with her clairvoyant-ness. Warren is saying and doing all the right things. Keep the communication open and honest, but don’t compromise your own needs. This is a delicate time for you, and if you need to pump the brakes at any point, do so.”
It’s solid advice. Warren is constantly reminding me we’re a team, and I need to make sure it sticks as we enter this new phase.
The bell for last orders rings through the room, and customers gradually flow toward the exit.
“Whew. Listen to me being all wise and shit.” Parker straightens, tucking her clipboard under her arm. “Let me finish here, and I’ll meet you out front in fifteen.”
“You gotcha. And thanks.”
We share a smile as she wanders toward the offices.
Jimmy told everyone I was under no obligation to lift anything bigger than a thimble, so one of the bartenders is packing my equipment away for me. I spin on the stool, smiling at the last few customers, when a group of young women skips over.
“Hi, ladies,” I greet. “Having a good night?”
“Yes!” the one wearing aBride To Besash squeals. “This place is the cutest, and you were amazing up there.”
“Thanks. You’ll have to visit us after your wedding.”
Her friends shift excitedly behind her, and her friends nudges her in the arm, whispering, “Ask her.”
“Um, so, we were wondering if Tate Brooks still performs here?”
Oh, jeez. I’m quick to school my features. Tate Brooks is well-known in Iris Meadows and beyond. Like way beyond. He’s one of Nashville’s biggest rising stars, and it’s common knowledge this is where it all began. Don’t get me wrong, Tate worked his ass off to get where he is, but it came at a cost.
“Sadly, no. We’re small fry compared to the venues he performs at now.” They all slump in disappointment. One girl looks close to crying. “We have a few of his signed records hanging in the foyer, if you want to?—”
They all scamper away before I finish.
It’s a good thing Parker isn’t here. Or Talia.
Waving goodbye to Jimmy, who chats to a couple across the room, I collect my purse and go to find my chauffeur. She’s already parked outside the main entrance, and to my embarrassment, she’s blasting one of my songs through her speakers. I knew I’d regret sending her those recordings, because now, I’m forced to listen to myself duet with my best friend.
She’s gorgeous, confident, but good god, she cannot hold a tune to save her life.
According to my baby app, they can hear noises outside of the womb now, so I cover my bump with my hands.
I will not survive the short ride back to town if this carries on. After the third ear-drum-damaging chorus, I slap the volume button and tune into a local radio station.
