“Haven’t you ever done karaoke?” Caleb asked, frowning. “Back in L.A. I do it a few times a month.”
“I guess I’ve never had the opportunity,” Landon answered with a shrug.
Caleb threw his arm around him. “That’s okay,” he said with a wink. “Just follow my lead. You’ll be great.”
Landon sputtered. “Oh, no. Thank you very much, but I’ll be watching you from the cheap seats. I’m not a performer.”
“I need a wing man or two, so you’re definitely joining me,” Caleb insisted. “I’m not taking no for an answer.”
As the two went back and forth, Xavier found himself looking for a True sighting. So far he hadn’t gotten a glimpse of her. Even though she was petite, she was definitely awoman who would stand out in a crowd. Her friend Bonnie was behind the bar serving customers while a few servers were on the floor taking orders.
Just as he was beginning to wonder if True was even working tonight, she appeared. He watched as she strode out of the kitchen with a platter in her hands. She stopped at a large table of guests to deliver the food, then paused to chat with them. Her attitude was relaxed, as if she knew the patrons and was at ease with them. He liked watching her in action. She was comfortable in her own skin. So far there wasn’t anything he didn’t like about this woman.
When she was within a few feet of Xavier, True spotted him and walked over. Tonight she was dressed more casually in skinny jeans and a pink-and-gray flannel button-down. She was wearing pink Timberland boots on her feet, which, in his opinion, upped her adorable quotient into the stratosphere. There wasn’t a single flaw in this woman as far as he could see.
“Hey there, Xavier. Welcome to karaoke night.” True greeted him with a wide smile. His belly was doing wild somersaults. He was getting that feeling again, the one that transformed him into a goofy teenage boy.
Easy, hotshot. She’s just a girl.
“Thanks. The place looks great,” he said, looking around at the colorful decorations and the makeshift stage set up with microphones, speakers, and a mixer. He’d done a few karaoke nights back home, and although it had never been his thing, he was excited to spend more time in True’s orbit.
“This is the fun part of my job,” she said. “I like watching everyone cutting loose and singing their hearts out. Are you a big karaoke fan?” Her expressive face was lit up with excitement.
“Not really. I was getting a little stir-crazy at the house,”he explained. “So far we’ve really only been going from Hattie’s place and Yukon Cider. That’s getting a bit boring if I’m being honest. It’s nice to get out and check out the nightlife.”
True snorted with laughter. “Nightlife? I sure hope you’re not disappointed. Karaoke night is the ultimate night out on the town in Moose Falls. You’re not going to experience what you’re used to back in Arizona, I’m sure, but it’s a fun time.”
“Okay, well, judging by the way this place is filling up, it’s a crowd favorite.” People were entering the tavern left and right, with the tables by the stage already occupied. This event might be standing room only.
“As I said, karaoke night is sacred in Moose Falls. Folks in these parts take it very seriously.”
“Will you be taking the stage?” Xavier asked. He liked the idea of her doing her thing and letting loose onstage. If he had to guess, he’d peg her as a Beyoncé fan. Maybe Lady Gaga.
“Not a chance,” True said, making a face. She pointed toward the bar. “I’ll be too busy making sure everyone has food and drinks. I also oversee the bartenders to make sure no one is overserved.”
“Smart,” Xavier said. He had frequented a lot of bars during his time in the NFL, and he knew all too well how many people ended up leaving totally wasted with car keys in their hands.
“It’s one of the first things that I learned from Hattie,” True told him. “She’s one wise woman.”
He was getting the distinct impression that True had a little hero worship going on toward his grandmother. It made sense. Hattie was her boss and a woman who had carved out her own empire in Moose Falls. She was a town legend.
“She is indeed,” he agreed. “I’m pretty much a spongeat this point at Yukon Cider, soaking up all of Granny’s knowledge.”
True bobbed her head. “Keep soaking it up. Hattie is masterful at her job.”
“I’m beginning to discover that.”
“I better check on my patrons before the karaoke starts.”
“Well, I’ll be sitting over there with my brothers,” Xavier said, jutting his chin in the direction of Landon and Caleb. “Swing by if you have time. I’ll save you a seat.”
“Okay,” she said, smiling. “I’ll try my best.” And then she was off, heading back toward the kitchen, where he imagined True was overseeing her employees. When it came to the tavern, she seemed to be a perfectionist, much like Hattie.
He’d thrown the offer out there to join him at his table in the hope that True would get the message. He was interested in her. By the end of the night, he intended to get True’s number and make plans for them to go out. He had no idea what date nights looked like in Moose Falls other than karaoke nights at the tavern, but he sure intended to find out.
Was Xavier coming on to her or simply being friendly? Seriously? Was she this out of practice with men that she wasn’t even sure if the hottest guy in town was interested in her? Maybe a part of her couldn’t wrap her head around the possibility that a famous athlete would find her appealing. True knew that Xavier had been engaged to a glamorous semi-famous model. Clearly, that’s what he was used to. Why on earth would she appeal to him?
All the old insecurities rose inside her. Her relationship with Garrett had taught her to watch out for red flags. Xavierwas hot and famous. Those weren’t bad things on their own, but the combination could be trouble. She imagined he was used to women falling at his feet. Maybe he was the type of guy who expected it. If that was the case, she would have to set him straight. She was not one to go gaga over a man. Never again.
