Page 38 of Love, Lies, and Whiskey

“Thank you.”

She ended the call, reveling in his support, and a kernel of longing bloomed inside her. She climbed the porch steps, trying to ignore the wave of guilt washing over her, because while their worlds had been turned upside down, she was so frigging glad Seeley was back in their lives, and she ached to be in his arms again.

Chapter Thirteen

LATE THURSDAY NIGHT Doc sat on Dare and Billie’s patio shooting the shit with his brothers, Sasha, and their significant others, wishing Juliette were there. Sully was snuggled against Cowboy’s side on a lounge chair, absently running her fingers over his stomach, Billie and Dare were eyeing each other like they couldn’t wait to tear each other’s clothes off, and Ezra and Sasha were holding hands, while Gus slept on Sasha’s lap. They’d made s’mores, and little Gus had chatted up a storm before conking out with marshmallow on his adorable face.

It was on nights like these that Doc used to torture himself with what-ifs. What if things had gone differently that fateful summer? What if they’d been allowed to follow through with their plans? When he’d thought about those what-ifs over the years, what hurt the most was knowing without a shred of a doubt that they would still be together, happy, and in love—and conversely, thinking Juliette had betrayed him. Now that they had a second chance, he wanted to barge into every aspect of her and Lucas’s life and stake claim. But he was giving her space to see how things panned out with Lucas, and it was killing him.

He finished his beer and set the empty bottle by his chair, crossing his arms.

“Remember that time Dare wanted to start a band with Doc and Cowboy?” Billie asked, eyeing Dare, who was smirking arrogantly.

“You mean the band that Birdie and I weren’t allowed to join because we’re girls, despite the fact that I’m the only one who plays an instrument?” Sasha asked.

“That’s the one,” Billie chimed in.

“I didn’t need an instrument,” Dare said. “I had great moves, and we had an excellent drummer.” He motioned to Doc, drumming his fingers on his arm, and everyone laughed.

“Shut the hell up.” Doc uncrossed his arms.

“Poor Birdie’s hopes were shot down that day,” Sasha said. “She was excited to make band outfits.”

“We dodged a bullet with that one,” Cowboy said.

“Where is Birdie tonight?” Sully asked.

“She wrangled Rebel into being her wingman, and they went to the Roadhouse,” Sasha said.

“Sounds like we might need to take a ride over there,” Cowboy said.

“No need,” Doc said. “I got wind of her plan and had a talk with Rebel.” Rebel was several years younger than Doc, and Birdie was always trying to drag him into one of her plans.

“I love how you guys watch out for Birdie,” Sully said. “But, Doc, are you okay?”

“Fine. Why?”

“It’s just that everyone asked about how Juliette and Lucas were doing earlier, and I realized that nobody asked how you were doing,” Sully said. “When I first reunited with my older sister, Jordan, I felt so many different emotions, and I had spent the first few years of my life with her. But you didn’t even know you had a child, and now suddenly you do, and he’s fifteen, and Callahan said Juliette was your first love, and now she’s back. I can’t imagine what all of that feels like.”

Sully was sweet for asking, but there was a reason nobody had asked. They knew he kept his emotions close to his chest. “It’s a lot, but I’m okay. Thanks for asking.”

They were all looking at him expectantly, as if waiting for him to say more. What the hell?

“Okay, I’m sorry, Doc,” Billie said. “I get that you don’t like to talk about your feelings, but I’m dying to know if you and Juliette are going to try again.”

Doc gritted his teeth, not because he didn’t want them to know how he felt, but because talking about it would only make him want it more.

“Inquiring minds want to know,” Sasha urged. “Is the extended-stay motel closed for good?”

“Jesus, Sash.” Doc shook his head.

“What? I know things are complicated right now, but do you and Juliette still love each other?” she asked.

“Of course they do,” Dare said. “When a Whiskey falls, that love is forever. Look at me and Billie and you and Ez.”

“Gus and I are thankful for that,” Ezra said, leaning in to kiss Sasha, who smiled like he and Gus were her world.

“Look, Doc,” Cowboy said. “I admit I’m curious, too, but don’t feel the need to show your hand because we’re nosy.”