“What can I get you?” Maddy snapped back into bartender mode, and I watched. Maybe she’d be able to get me a job at the Grille too. If I was really going to be staying around I’d need one. She hadn’t said anything about me hanging out with Macon yet. I hoped that meant she didn’t care. I wasn’t dumb enough to let something actually happen between us, he had player written all over him, but hanging out could be fun. It had been awhile since I’d been out with a guy, and I’d never been out with one as gorgeous as Macon. Those blue eyes of his were hypnotizing.
“Hey, beautiful night isn’t it?”
I turned to see a guy that looked to be in his late twenties sitting next to me. “Yeah. It’s pretty.”
“It’s the kind of night where you just want to go for a walk and get lost on the beach.”
“Yeah, I guess so.” I swirled around the straw in my water.
He leaned in toward me. “So what do you say? Want to join me?”
Seriously? Like I was just going to walk off with a perfect stranger? “I’m going to pass, but thanks.” I turned away and caught Maddy’s eye.
By the time I turned back the stool was empty.
Maddy laughed. “Colin can stop worrying about you. You can handle men.”
“So can you.” I tugged down on my dress a little. I wasn’t in the mood to attract any more attention. “I lost count of how many guys hit on you tonight.”
She laughed. “What can I say? It’s an art and part of the job.”
“I need to learn from you. You have so much confidence. It’s crazy.”
“Only behind the bar. It’s like I can handle anything back here.”
“Do you think I could learn?”
“To bartend?” She wiped down the counter. “Yeah, of course.”
“Maybe I’ll take some lessons from you sometime.”
“Sure, anytime.” She turned away as another crowd walked up to bar. I definitely now understood how she could make so much in tips. The patio was packed.
I felt someone tug on my ponytail and knew exactly who it was. “Finally done with work?”
Colin took a seat in the stool vacated by creepy beach walk guy. “Yeah, I figured I’d check and see how you girls were doing.”
“Maddy’s pretty busy.” I looked over to where she was balancing some glasses.
He watched her, his eyes following her every move. “She seems to like busy.”
“Not like anyone else I know.”
He laughed. “We do have a lot in common.”
“She’s kind of perfect for you.”
“I’m glad you think so.” He smiled as Maddy waved. She was busy serving customers, but no one could have missed the expression of excitement that crossed her face when she saw him.
“Is there a particular reason why?”
“I’ll show you when I get the chance.”
“Are you trying to be mysterious?”
“Maybe.” He grinned before turning his eyes right back to Maddy.
“Hey!” Maddy practically skipped over. “Sorry it took me so long.”
“That’s okay. I’ll just complain to your boss about the service.” He grinned like a love-sick puppy. If it were over any other girl I probably would have gagged, but I could handle it with Maddy.
“Oh yeah? I wasn’t aware you needed to be served.”
Putting up with the love sick routine was one thing, but sexual innuendoes were another. “Don’t answer that with me around.”
They both laughed.
“I’m probably going to be stuck here really late tonight. I feel bad that you’ll both be sitting here the whole time.”
“Why?” Colin answered immediately. “What else would we be doing?”
“Something more fun than this.” She gestured to the tiki bar.
“We’re fine, but I wouldn’t mind a Manhattan.”
A small smile spread across her face, and I had a feeling I was missing an inside joke.
“Coming right up.” Maddy set to work making his drink, peeking back at him over her shoulder a few times. Sometimes she appeared just as love sick as him, but other times she seemed to be holding back.
Maddy set the brown colored drink down in front of Colin before rushing off to help someone else. I picked it up and took a sip before he could.
“Ugh. You actually like this?”
He sipped it and smiled. “Yes. I take it it’s not your drink?”
I laughed. “Not my drink? You sound like Maddy.”
“I do, don’t I?” He sat and sipped his drink for a while, but Maddy never even made it back over to us. “Want to run by the house with me really quick? We can drop off one of the cars and come back.”
His suggestion surprised me. I kind of got the feeling he showed up at Maddy’s work because he liked to make sure guys were keeping their distance. “Sure, I don’t think she’ll mind.”
He walked around to the other side of the bar and got her attention. I couldn’t hear the exchange, but I did notice the small kiss they shared when she leaned over the bar.
He joined me, and I rolled my eyes, pretending to find it offensive.
“Come on, I don’t want to be gone for too long.” He quickened his pace and headed for the entrance. Once outside I unlocked my car.
“See you at the house.” My car was parked in a front spot, and his was around the side.
“See ya.”
I made it back to Colin’s place first, but he pulled in seconds later. I waited for him to unlock the door, and I followed him in.
“So what’s going on? The suspense is killing me.”
“Wait here.” He took off up the stairs, and I waited impatiently. I had a feeling I knew what he wanted to show me, but I wouldn’t believe it unless I saw it with my own eyes.
He came back down with a huge grin. “How’d I do?” He held out a black jewelry box. I took it from him and opened the lid.
“Oh my God, Colin. Look at the size of that rock!” I was holding a princess cut solitaire ring that had to be two carats or more.
“Do you think she’ll like it? I went simple, because that seems like what she’d want.”
“Simple? This isn’t simple. It’s huge.”
“Yes…but a simple setting.” He shifted nervously.
I needed to put him at ease. “I’m sure she’ll love it, but you didn’t consider getting her involved in the shopping? Some girls like to pick out their own ring.”
A look of fear swept over him. “Really? I thought she’d want a surprise.”
I put a hand on his arm. “I’m sure she’ll love the surprise. I guess I’m just surprised you bought it already. Have you guys at least talked about marriage?”
“Not in those words exactly.”
“Um, what does that mean?” I was getting nervous. Colin was the cool and collected one of the family. He never did anything without planning it down to the last detail. Somehow I doubted he had in this case.
“It means I haven’t actually come out and said, ‘hey, let’s get married,’ but I did ask her to move in with me and she knows I view this as a long term relationship.”
“Colin,” I groaned. “That does not mean you’ve discussed marriage.”
“So you’re saying I have to actually tell her I want to marry her before I ask her?”
“No. I’m just saying Maddy’s like you. She thinks things out. She’s scientific. Do you really want to spring a question on her without giving her time to warm up to it?”
“Warm up to it?” He grabbed the ring back and gave it one long look before closing the box. “I’m asking my girlfriend to marry me, not wash my car. It’s a good thing.”
“Of course it’s a good thing.” I didn’t want to completely back pedal but I definitely needed to tread carefully. “How are you going to do it?”
“That’s where I need you.”
“You need me how?” I took a seat on the arm of the couch.
“To help me execute my plan, but that has
to wait. I’m going up to see her parents and ask her dad’s permission first.”
“You’re going the old fashioned route, huh?” I wasn’t remotely surprised. Colin was that way. He liked to play by the rules.
“Yes. I know she doesn’t talk to them often, but she cares about their opinion.”
I nodded. “Yeah, I think it’s a good idea.” I shuddered at the thought of a guy asking my parents for permission, but I understood why he was doing it.
“I can’t tell her I’m going though.”
“Because it would ruin the surprise.”
He started toward the stairs. “Exactly. I’m going to put this away, and then I’m going to head back to the Grille. Are you in?”
“I think I’ll stay here. I’m exhausted. Maddy won’t care, will she?”
He smiled. “Wow, you’re going to sleep before me. Never thought I’d see that day.”
I got up. “Tell Maddy good night for me.”
“I will, but Carly?”
“Yeah?” I stopped halfway down the hall.
“Despite what I might say, I’m glad you’re here. I’ve missed you.”
I walked over and hugged him. “I knew you did.”
Macon
“What the hell is that?” My roommate, Brody, made a face as he watched me cook my dinner.
“It’s food. What else could it be?”
“I’ll make us something decent if you’ll throw whatever that crap is out.”
“Hey, I’m offended. My hamburger macaroni casserole is incredible.”
“I’m sure it is.” He pulled out some pots, and I knew that arguing was pointless. Brody loved cooking, and not the fried seafood dishes he threw together at the grille. He wanted to work at a French restaurant or something. He was all about the heavy sauces and stuff. I didn’t mind. Neither Maddy nor I were good cooks. Maddy complained that Brody was going to make her gain weight, but I think she just did that to annoy him.
I put my food into a bowl and stuffed it into the fridge. Brody probably wouldn’t be around to cook the next night.
“At least cover it,” Brody complained. “The whole place is going to smell.”
“I like the smell.” I smirked and took a seat on the couch. Brody didn’t want any help, and if he wanted my food covered he’d get out the plastic wrap himself.
I turned on the TV and started flipping through the channels. There had to be something. I settled on ESPN. I didn’t care much about the baseball coverage, but at least it was something.
Before I could set down the remote, I heard a knock on the door. We weren’t the type to get too many visitors, so I rushed to answer it. Maybe we’d get lucky and it would be a hot new neighbor to pass the time.
I pulled open the door. The visitor was hot, but not a new neighbor.
“Macon, hey.” Carly looked up at me with her hazel eyes. Her hair was down, covering her shoulders that were left exposed by her red floral shirt. The shirt was kind of old fashioned looking, but it looked cute on her. She was also wearing a red skirt. She’d been in town over a week, but I’d only seen her a few times at the Grille.
“Hey. To what do we owe this honor?” I held open the door for her.
She walked in tentatively and glanced around. “Is Maddy here?”
“No. I saw her in passing this morning, but I assumed she was back over at your brother’s place.”
“Nope. I haven’t seen her all day. I guess we kept missing each other.” Carly meandered over to the kitchen. “Wow that smells amazing.”
Brody stirred something in the largest of the pots. “Thanks. Have you eaten?”
“Not yet.”
“Then stay. We have plenty.” Brody was all about sharing his culinary creations. I didn’t mind the company.
“Have you tried calling her?” Maddy never went anywhere without her cell phone.
“Yeah. It went to voicemail. I’m guessing she went somewhere and forgot it.”
“Let me try.” I pulled out my phone and found her on my favorite contacts list. Her phone rang and rang before going to voicemail.
Carly’s forehead wrinkled. “She’s still not answering?”
“I know a good trick.” I texted her. Either let us know you’re alive or I’m calling your parents.
Carly read it over my shoulder, giving me a whiff of her strawberry scent. It must have been her shampoo or something.
“Her parents? Not the cops?”
I pressed send. “This threat works better.”
My phone rang immediately. “Hey. Sorry. I went out for a walk and forgot my phone and then I took a nap. What’s going on?” Her voice sounded heavy with sleep.
“Brody’s cooking. You should come home.”
“Ok sure. I had a late lunch with Colin so I’m not really hungry, but I can always make room for Brody’s food.”
I turned to Carly. “She’s coming over, and I’m sure she’s terribly sorry for not calling you back.”
“Is Carly there?” Maddy snapped at me through the phone.
“Yes. She came searching for you when you rudely didn’t bother to pick up your phone.” I was laying it on pretty thick, but Maddy would have done the same thing to me.
“Give me the phone.”
I handed the phone over to Carly.
I’m not sure what they discussed, but Carly was smiling when she handed my phone back. “She’s on her way over.”
“Brody, plan on making enough for four.” I walked over to the half wall separating the kitchen from the living area. The condo wasn’t huge, but it was nice. My parents had bought it as an investment property, and after a few years it had definitely become home. I wasn’t sure how much longer I was going to be able stay at the beach, but I could think of worse places to spend my twenties.
Brody pulled out a large cutting board. “I heard. I’m glad Maddy’s coming.”
At first I thought Brody had a thing for Maddy, but it wasn’t like that at all. I don’t think he’d ever had too many female friends, and he liked having her around. He also mentioned once that she reminded him of his brother’s fiancé. Maybe she made him think about home or something.
“It’s going to be awhile though.” Brody cut up some chicken.
“Okay.” I sat back down on the couch. “Carly and I can wait.” I touched the cushion next to me.
She sat down and carefully smoothed out her skirt. Carly was different from most girls I was used to. She was shy, but not in the usual won’t make eye contact kind of way. It was more the way she handled herself. She was bubbly on the outside, but I got the feeling there was something altogether different underneath, like she was hiding something. It wasn’t my place to pry, and I already worried enough about one girl who wasn’t my girlfriend. I didn’t need to add a second.
Carly sighed. “I need to find something to do.”
“You’re looking for a job?” I turned off the TV. I hated trying to make conversation with it on. I was too easily distracted.
“Yeah. I can’t get an apartment or anything without one.”
“True enough.” I put a hand behind her on the couch. “Have you thought about applying at the Grille? I’m sure Maddy would put in a good word for you with Max.”
“I would too.” Brody stepped out of the kitchen. “And I know Max is always looking for extra help in the summer. Have you waitressed before?”
She sat up straighter. The result had her leaning more into my arm. “No… but I’m a fast learner.”
“Just let me know if you want me to talk to him.” Brody disappeared into the kitchen again.
“You could probably get something at the scuba shop if you want, running the register or something. It’s not going to be nearly as many hours though.” And it would also mean she’d be working with the asshole son of my boss. I regretted even suggesting it. She was exactly his type—innocent and young.
“Thanks.” She smiled. “Nice to know I have so many connections.”
I laughed, d
etermined to keep things light. “Yeah, amazing connections at jobs that pay nothing and make no use of your diploma.”
“Beggars can’t be choosers. Besides, didn’t all of you go to college?”
“Yeah, but we’ve accepted we’re wasting away our lives.” At least I was trying to accept it.
She crossed her legs. “I wouldn’t call it wasting your life, just postponing the next stage.”
“What do you mean? I can’t fry fish at the Grille forever?” Brody’s laugh carried over the sound of whatever it was he was sautéing. “By the way I’m almost done.”
Carly turned toward the kitchen. “I guess that depends on how good of a chef you are.”
Brody peeked over the half wall. “You’ll find out soon.”
“Great.” She stood up. “Can I use your restroom real quick?”
“Sure, you remember where it is, right?” She’d spent the night at our place once after a game of cards went overtime.
She gave me a look of disbelief. “It hasn’t been that long.” She walked down the hall.
Brody leaned over the wall. “Be careful, man. She’s Colin’s sister.”
“What? I was just talking to her.”
“Yeah. Right.” Brody didn’t say anything else, but he didn’t have to. I was interested in Carly, but hooking up with a girl I’d have to see all the time wasn’t a good idea. I brushed off the thought. That didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy the company.
Carly
Maddy didn’t arrive alone. Colin walked in right behind her. I checked my watch twice to make sure I wasn’t imaging things. Colin was out of work on a weeknight at seven o’clock? Wonders never cease.
“What are you doing here?” I eyed Colin skeptically. “Was there a hurricane evacuation I was unaware of?”
“I could be asking you the same question. What are you doing here, Carly?”
“I came over looking for Maddy.”
“Uh huh.” He glanced at Macon and back at me. I got the distinct impression Maddy had mentioned the phone number exchange to him.
“And now I’ve found Maddy.” I tried to ease the slight tension. Did he really care if I hung out with Maddy’s roommates? I mean Maddy lived with these guys after all.
Forever Love: A Friends to Lovers Collections Page 3