Chapter 17
“I’m driving you there and I’ll pick you up when you’re ready to head back.” Garrett stood in her bedroom doorway, and without even looking his way, she could feel his eyes dancing with appreciation at the little black dress Reese borrowed from Hallie to wear tonight for their girls’ night out at Madigan’s.
“You really don’t have to. I told the women I’d get an Uber there, and Orly offered to drive me back.”
“Fine, but I’m still driving you there, and if Orly changes her mind for whatever reason, which I’m sure she won’t, but just in case anything happens, call me and I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
“Thanks.” Reese couldn’t remember ever being this happy. For days now, she’d been floating on cloud nine. Her job was going well. Garrett was incredible. And she actually had girl friends to talk to and hang out with. It was like the universe had heard all her prayers and wishes, and decided to grant them all at the same time. It was wonderful.
Reese grabbed her phone and small clutch, and let Garrett led her to his truck.
“You look incredible,” he said as he opened the passenger door for her. “Just please be careful tonight.”
She smiled. “Skyla said Blake was going to be there and the new full-time manager she hired is also going to be there.”
Garrett nodded. “Glad to hear it, because I was seriously considering parking myself at the bar and watching you like a hawk.” He waited for her to get comfortable and buckled, before closing her door and going around the hood and getting behind the wheel.
“You wouldn’t really,” she said with a grin.
He looked over at her so fast, she barely had time to ensure their eyes didn’t meet. “I’m still considering it. Hanging out with Blake doesn’t sound half bad, and knowing you’re safe, sounds even better. I’ll always look out for you.”
Reese swallowed, hard. This guy was something else. The drive to Madigan’s was uneventful, but as soon as they parked, Orly and Hallie were running up to the truck. “Hey,” Orly said, pulling Reese into a hug as soon as her feet were firmly planted on the ground. “We wanted to meet you out here so you didn’t have to worry about getting past the door. It’s pretty busy in there tonight.”
“Thanks,” Reese said. “I always feel so awkward around people, and I’m sure not making eye contact only makes me look suspicious and weird.”
“You have nothing to worry about, and who cares what other people think,” Hallie said. “Caden and Blake are inside at the bar, and Skyla is getting our table ready.”
“Come on,” Orly said.
Reese turned to look at Garrett, but he just stood a few feet away, smiling at her and the other women. “You good?” She asked, not wanting to just leave him behind.
He nodded. “Looks like you’re in good hands. I’ll follow you ladies in and find my way to the guys. Have fun and let me know when you’re ready to call it a night.”
Not needing any more encouragement, Reese followed the women inside past a really tall, bulky guy that she assumed wasthe bouncer. He merely gave Orly and Hallie a quick nod, and waved them by.
Madigan’s was huge, and when Orly said it was busy tonight, she hadn’t been kidding. There were a lot of people here, and everyone seemed to be drinking, eating, and having a great time. “There’s Skyla,” Orly said, pointing to a booth in the far corner.
Orly and Hallie sat on one side of the booth, and Skyla sat across from them, scooting in to make room for Reese. “I made two pitchers for us tonight,” Skyla said. “The pink one is a fizzy mocktail, and the creamy yellow is a margarita with plenty of alcohol. Help yourself to whatever you’d like. There’s plenty more where that came from.”
Orly and Hallie poured themselves margaritas. Reese was tempted to drink, too, but she decided against it and helped herself to the mocktail instead in solidarity with Skyla.
“So, how are you? How’s the little peanut?” Hallie asked with a huge smile.
“Yes, tell us everything,” Orly added.
Skyla laughed. “There’s not that much to tell. I’m finally not as nauseous anymore, at least not later in the day. Mornings and afternoons are still kind of rough. But it’s way too soon to feel anything.”
“I can’t wait until we have a sweet little baby to love on and spoil,” Orly squealed.
“What about you and Luke? This little peanut could use a best friend,” Skyla said, gently touching her still non-existent bump.
Orly’s demeanor seemed to change almost instantly, from the happy, easy-going woman who’d met Reese at Garrett’s truck a few minutes ago, to someone who was sullen and withdrawn. “We’re not ready yet.”
Hallie took Orly’s hand and pulled her closer, offering her a side hug. “I’m sure you two will make great parents when the time is right. Maybe once Luke’s schedule is a little better or….”
Orly shook her head. “It’s not that. Luke is ready to be a dad right now. It’s me. I’m not ready. Or rather, I’d love to have a baby with Luke. I want nothing more. But with Russell still out there -” Orly stopped abruptly and put a hand to her mouth, her eyes suddenly going to Reese like she’d forgotten Reese was there. “I’m so sorry. I know he’s your brother, I just -”
“Stepbrother,” Reese corrected. “And you have nothing to be sorry for. After everything he put you through, I don’t think anyone can blame you for not feeling safe with him still on the streets.”
