Next time we’re alone together, we’re dancing—music or no music, I need her in my arms.
Dustin closes up the set with a few requests. Most of the songs are popular ones by Nashville artists.
“I want to thank you all for coming out!” Dustin says on the last note. “We all know it’s for the steak, but I hope you enjoyed a little music with your meal tonight.”
He’s fooling himself. Fork & Fiddle is known for their great food, but Dustin’s talent could fill rooms far bigger than this small town steakhouse—stadiums, even. He chose the smaller life.
I glance around at all our friends clapping for him—at Emberleigh who has hearts in her eyes.
Maybe this life’s not so small after all.
We walk out into the parking lot as a group.
Winona’s talking Hallie’s ear off, her arm looped through Hallie’s like they grew up as best friends. I walk a few pacesbehind them, smiling to myself at the idea that Hallie’s building a life in Waterford—making friends with women who will have her back.
Winona’s voice goes quiet. When I hear my name, I tune in like I’m standing outside an enemy fortress.
“Greyson was looking at you like he was interested. Do you know he’s single?”
Hallie doesn’t answer.
“If you can get past the grumpiness, he’s actually a really good guy,” Winona says.
What an endorsement—not to say I haven’t earned it.
Hallie whispers back, “Yeah. I’ve seen that side of him.”
Winona says, “Of course you have, working so closely together. Well, I think he might be interested.”
Hallie just smiles.
A few steps later, she turns her head over her shoulder and our eyes connect. When her gaze meets mine, her eyes go momentarily wide.
I glance away, chuckling softly.
Dustin steps up alongside me. “You are a man in pain, my friend.”
“Tell me about it,” I admit.
“Well, if I know anything about love, your secret won’t keep forever.”
“I’m sure. Especially not in a town with eyes and ears like Waterford.”
Dustin’s laugh fills the parking lot. “We do love our juicy gossip.”
Eyes turn our way, but no one knows what we’re talking about except the crew. And they’re loyal—a fact I didn’t recognize until I needed them to keep a secret for me.
I drive home and settle in, brushing my teeth and changing into pajama bottoms and a threadbare undershirt.
My phone rings when I’m about to climb into bed.
“Hey.” Hallie’s voice is soft and drowsy.
“Hey.” I answer her, drinking her in like a tall glass of water on a summer day.
“Where are you?” I ask, needing to picture her—wishing she were here.
“I’m in bed,” she says with a yawn. “My mom’s dog is trying to fight me for space.”
