Now Maybe

by Sharon Coady

  Leonard nodded his head as his hands swiftly constructed the culinary perfection that he called a sandwich. “Not much, just working and people watching. You know, the usual.”

  No one could come close to Leonard’s sandwich mastery. Liam didn’t know what seasonings he used, but his mixes were the best anywhere. His stomach growled as he watched him finish up their lunch.

  “Thanks Leonard.” He slipped the bills into Leonard’s hand, took his sandwich, and made his way over to a table in the back of the room.

  As soon as Daniel unwrapped his sandwich, he took a bite and moaned. “Man, why do these taste so good?”

  “His secret spices.” After a couple of bites, Liam put the sandwich down, wiped his mouth, and cleared his throat. “I’m nervous about meeting up with Sophie today. I know everyone wants me to do this, but damn, I’m not sure I can. I’m not ready for anything other than a couple of hours in bed. She sent me a text this morning to thank me for getting her home safe last night. Now, she thinks I’m a good guy.” He shook his head. “I’m not.”

  “Don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with. No one is pushing you. We just hate to see you be so hard on yourself. Man, you don’t smile much anymore. You’ve changed since Leah.” Daniel tossed his sandwich on the wrapper. “This new one is pretty cute. You are a good guy, and she’s probably happy as hell you didn’t take advantage of her.”

  He swallowed hard before glancing at Daniel once more. “I guess it can’t hurt.”

  Daniel glanced at his shirt. “Crap. I just spilled mustard down the front of my freaking shirt. Now we’re going to be late. Didn’t Brice say two?” He dabbed at the stain only to smear it more.

  “Nope, he said three, which it almost is. Come on, we can run over to Harrison’s and grab you a shirt from there.” Shaking his head, he tossed the rest of his lunch into the trashcan and hurried after Daniel. “Are we meeting them at the usual place? I hate being late for anything, let alone being late for a first date with a woman I finally find attractive.”

  Daniel nodded once and kept on walking as they weaved in and out of the people meandering on the strip. Liam was never so happy to see Harrison’s before. His heart raced as he played one scenario after the other how this first meeting was going to go. He’d be pissed if he thought she’d stood him up. He could only imagine how she was feeling and hoped she’d forgive him, at least this time.

  Daniel grabbed a blue t-shirt almost identical to the one he was wearing, paid the cashier, and asked him to cut off the tag. He pulled his old shirt off and asked the guy to toss it in the trash as he pulled the new one over his head. “Come on. Let’s try to make up some time.” He tore out the shop, and Liam had to practically run to catch up with him.

  Catching up with Daniel as he hopped down into the sand from the boardwalk, Liam tried to think of something to say about the reason they were so late. The only thing that would work was the truth. Yeah, he wasn’t going to start telling lies now. “Daniel can you slow the hell down. We’re already late, a few more minutes won’t make any difference.”

  “It might. I don’t want to lose this chance.”

  Yeah, he was a man on a mission. The little blonde he had his sights on wouldn’t know what hit her. He guessed he was on a mission too. If she’s still there. They made it about fifteen feet before being stopped by two of the usual groupies from the club. The bleached blonde attempted to drape herself over Daniel’s arm.

  “Whoa there, Julie,” he said as he peeled her off of him. “We’ve talked about this before. No touching, remember?” He glanced at Liam and rolled his eyes.

  These two had been stalking Daniel and him for the last eight months, but Julie was starting to go overboard with the touching and showing up everywhere they went. It was almost as if she had a homing beacon attached to Daniel. It was starting to cross over to an entirely different caliber of stalking. Liam stepped in between them and Daniel.

  “I don’t know why you’re playing coy, baby. I see the way you look at me every night,” Julie whined, sticking out her bottom lip.

  Daniel sighed and backed up. “Trust me Julie, I do not look at you. I do everything I can to avoid looking in your general vicinity. Stop kidding yourself and leave me alone.” The loathing was evident in his voice and posture.

  She stepped forward, reaching toward him again as she tried to duck around Liam. Daniel put up his hand. “Okay, enough. I am going to the sheriff’s tomorrow and getting a restraining order against you. Do not step foot in the club or come anywhere near me because I will have you arrested.”

  Liam glanced over his shoulder to see if Daniel was serious. Shit, there must be more going on then what I knew. He turned back just in time to see anger flash in her eyes.

  “You’ll be sorry, Daniel. You mark my words,” she screeched.

  “No, you will be sorry if you come near me again.” Daniel tilted his head and motioned for Liam to follow him.

  “You dirty little dick. You won’t get away with this,” she screeched louder.

  Liam swallowed hard. The next time they were alone, Daniel was going to have some explaining to do. Why would he threaten her with a restraining order? He knew she was annoying, but Liam just figured they were harmless fans. After her reaction though, something more was up. He could feel it.

  “You going to tell me what just happened back there?”

  “One day but not today. It’s a long fucking story and not something I want to dwell on right now.”

  He didn’t even turn to look at Liam. Yeah, this was a doozy. “Yeah, but you are going to tell me, so don’t even act like you forgot that you were.”

  “Fine. I know what happened to you so you can know what happened with the psycho bitch back there. But not today, okay?”

  “Okay, I’ll back off for now.” He chuckled. Finally. Maybe he wasn’t the only one with a screwed up relationship in his past. He pushed it to the back of his mind to talk with Daniel later. “Do you see them yet?” he asked as he hurried to catch up with him.

  “Yeah. I just spotted them.” Daniel slowed down a little to allow Liam to come up beside him. “Let’s keep this real, okay?”

  “Only way to do it.” They fist bumped and stepped into the path of no return.

  Chapter Six

  Sophie

  The time to make their way down to the beach came much faster than Sophie wanted. She’d agreed to this so she had to make good on it. Sophie’s heart was thumping so hard in her chest, it almost drowned out the sounds of the crashing waves.

  Suddenly, Tarin stood on her tiptoes and waved her arm. “There they are.” She picked up her pace as Sophie started dragging her feet.

  She honestly wanted to turn and run. Just go you coward, she scolded herself. The next thing she knew, they were standing with Troy and Brice. She glanced around. Where are the other two?

  Troy was talking to Bailee, tucking her hair behind her ear. Brice was holding Tarin’s hand while Chelsea and Sophie were standing there looking at each other like they were the fifth and six wheels in the group.

  Chelsea cleared her throat, causing Brice to glance over his shoulder. “Where are the other two guys?”

  “I’m not sure. They were supposed to be here by now. Something may have come up.” He turned back to Tarin, pulling her to his side.

  “Well, isn’t this awkward.” Chelsea shoved some sand around with her foot. “I’m giving them fifteen minutes and I’m out of here.” She glanced over at Sophie. “Deal?”

  “Yep. I’m not hanging around to be stood up.” Maybe this was her karma. But what the hell had Chelsea done to deserve it? Not a darn thing as far as she knew. Sophie hated how upset she looked every time she glanced over at Tarin and Bailee. Okay, she’d had enough now. Standing up, Sophie glanced down at Chelsea. “I’m leaving. Let’s go do something fun with each other.” She held out her hand to help Chelsea up. As Sophie pulled her to her feet, Chelsea smiled as she glanced over Sophie’s shoulder.

&nbs
p; “What?”

  Chelsea lifted her chin.

  Sophie stole a glance over her shoulder to see Liam and Daniel walking their way. “Perfect timing,” she mumbled.

  “Yeah. I was ready to blow this Popsicle stand.” Chelsea giggled.

  His deep voice rumbled through her. “Sorry we’re late. Daniel spilled mustard on his shirt so we had to go grab him another one.” Liam stepped in front of her. “I hate being late to anything. I’m Liam Johnson.” He held out his hand as he leaned forward and whispered, “Just in case you forgot.” A smile spread over his lips.

  “I’m Sophie Winslet.” She glanced down as his hand engulfed hers.

  “Guess you were taking off, huh?” His crooked smile showed dimples on either side of his full lips.

  “Yes, we were. Thought you stood us up.” She pulled her hand out of his. “I guess since it wasn’t deliberate, we could stay and see how it goes.” She glanced up and thought her heart would stop. His eyes were darker in the daylight than they appeared to be on the stage last night. She felt like she could certainly get lost in them.

  “It honestly wasn’t deliberate. When you get to know me, you’ll understand how much of a stickler I am for being on time.”

  She watched his eyes. He never flinched or broke contact with her. She could always tell a lot from people’s eyes. He was telling her the truth. “Thank you.” She saw him relax as he exhaled loudly. “Can I ask you a question?”

  He nodded. “Anything.”

  “You took me home last night.” She felt the heat of the blush spread over her face, and she moved the sand around with her left foot.

  Again he nodded.

  “You left. Why’d you leave?”

  “Because you needed to get some sleep.”

  “Thank you for being such a gentleman. I’m so embarrassed.”

  “You’re welcome and don’t be. I think you just got a little carried away with yourself.” He shrugged. “I wanted to make sure you got home safe and sound. So where are you from?” He motioned for her to sit down on the blanket Brice already spread out in the sand. “May I join you?”

  Sophie nodded and he folded himself down beside her. “I’m from Maryland. How about you?” She dusted some sand off her thigh.

  “I’m from Louisiana but moved here when our band got a pretty sweet deal a couple years ago.”

  “So, you don’t do anything but sing?” Sophie asked and almost immediately regretted her choice of words. That sure came out sounding snotty. She glanced at him as she felt her face sting with the heat of yet another blush.

  He laughed. “No, I do other things besides sing. I actually write songs, and I also work as a Payroll Administrator for the club, which Daniel and I are silent partners in. It’s nothing exciting, but it keeps me comfortable and gives me enough money to do what I really love.” He cocked his head. “And you?”

  “I’m a nurse manager for the Veteran’s Administration. I manage a small outpatient clinic and love it. Plus, I make enough to let me live comfortably as well.”

  “How do you ladies know each other?” Liam leaned back on his hands and cocked his head. “What are their names, by the way?”

  “Chelsea and I met each other when we were six.” She pointed to the little blonde talking to Daniel. “We met Tarin and Bailee in middle school.” Sophie pointed to each one as she told him their names. “We’ve been friends since.” She laughed as he raised one of his brows. “I know, I know. We are a rather cliché bunch.”

  “No, I think it’s nice to have known someone for that long. I’ve known Daniel since middle school. Met the other two while we were in high school. You need someone to know your secrets, right?”

  She felt the blood drain from her face but determined not to let it get to her, she nodded her head. “Sure,” she managed to get out. Jesus Sophie, get hold of yourself. The only other person who knows the truth is missing and probably dead.

  “You okay?” Liam sat up, eyeing her with a look of concern. “Do you need some water? You look rather pale.”

  “No. I’m fine.” Think quick. “You just sounded like my grandpa when you said that.”

  “Your grandfather? Ouch.” Liam clutched his chest playfully. “That sounds like the kiss of death right there.” He rolled his eyes.

  She burst out laughing. She couldn’t help herself. “No it’s not. I was just pointing out that I’d heard that saying before.”

  “If you say so.” He stuck his bottom lip out and batted his eyes.

  “Stop it!” She giggled. This man was not only hot but a little silly as well. “Stop making that face at me.” She shook her head in feigned disapproval.

  Liam leaned over and looked down at her, catching her eyes with his as a smile turned up the corners of his mouth. “Okay, I’ll stop if you promise to have dinner with me tonight.”

  Sophie sobered up quickly as fear speared her heart. “I’m not sure if we have any plans or not. I’ll have to check with Chelsea,” she stuttered.

  “If you’re not interested, I understand.” The smile slid off his face.

  “No, I didn’t say I wasn’t interested.” Her heart raced. What the hell am I doing? I’m not even sure if I’m ready for this. She caught his eyes and saw relief and hope flash through them. “Look, I haven’t gone out with a guy in a while. It’s a long story. I’m a little nervous.”

  He chuckled. “I’m glad I’m not the only one.”

  She raised a brow. “What? You haven’t gone out with a guy in a while either?” She knew she’d made a feeble attempt at some humor and felt like she had failed miserably.

  He stood and grabbed her hand to pull her up. “I haven’t been out in over two years. Not much of a story though.” He cleared his throat. “Come on, let’s go in the water. You’ll love it. The temperature is perfect this time of the year.”

  Sophie pulled her sundress off, folded it, and placed it on top of the blanket. “Okay, let’s do this.” She took his hand, feeling her heart beat a little faster from his touch.

  As they got to the water’s edge, she followed him into the ocean and felt some of the wall she’d built around her heart being washed away. She’d be lying if she said it didn’t scare her, but she took a deep breath and dove under the crashing wave with him, feeling like she was under water in more than one way.

  Chapter Seven

  Liam

  “I really enjoyed today. I’m glad Brice invited us to spend the day with you ladies.” Liam glanced down at Sophie. “We’re playing at the club later. I’d like it if you came by.”

  “I’ll have to see. I didn’t sleep very well last night,” she said just as a yawn nearly split her head in two and her eyes drooped.

  Liam leaned down and lifted her chin to look right into her eyes. “Are you seriously tired or are you politely turning me down?”

  “I’m seriously tired.”

  “Well then, how about dinner tomorrow?”

  “I’d like that very much.”

  “Good. May I pick you up or do you want to meet me?” He knew he was spitting out questions too quickly, but he wasn’t ready to be apart from her yet.

  “I can meet you. I don’t mind walking.”

  “No problem. How about we meet at the hat store where I saw you earlier?”

  Her face turned the cutest shade of pink as she nodded her head just once. He loved how sweet and innocent this woman appeared.

  “Wonderful. Can I meet you at six-thirty?” He smiled and locked eyes with her again.

  She nodded once, cleared her throat, and glanced at Chelsea. “You ready?”

  He saw Chelsea nod before glancing back and speaking to Daniel. She walked up beside Sophie. “I’m really tired.”

  “I’m tired too.” Sophie tucked her arm in Chelsea’s, and a smile crossed her lips as she glanced back at Liam. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

  “Yes, you will. Do you want us to walk you back?” God, he sounded like a pathetic jerk. He stepped back whe
n she shook her head. “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow at six-thirty.”

  “Thanks again for today. I enjoyed it more than you can imagine. Bye, Daniel.” She waved before turning to head back to the main street.

  Liam watched them walk away and felt Daniel’s presence by his side. “I’m taking her to dinner tomorrow,” Liam announced.

  “I heard.”

  “It felt right.”

  “I noticed.”

  “She’s pretty damn perfect.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “I think my slump might be over.”

  “Maybe.”

  He turned his head to look at Daniel. “What?”

  “Just be careful, Liam. It’s supposed to be a summer romance. Just a simple fling, remember?”

  “I remember. Just a fling so I can get my shit together. I didn’t forget.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “How about you with Chelsea?” He put his hardass, cocky façade back in place.

  “She’s beautiful. I’m taking her to dinner tomorrow night since we’re off. I’m going to take her home and cook for her.” He fist bumped Liam. “I’m pretty damn sure I’m going to get lucky.”

  He raised his brows. “You’re going to cook for her and you think that will get you into bed with her on the second date?”

  “Yeah. I’ll boil some pasta, open up a jar of sauce, add some stuff to it, and heat up a loaf of Italian bread.” He laughed. “You add some fresh cut vegetables, and they think you made it from scratch. Girls love that shit.”

  “I’ll have to keep that in mind.” Liam shook his head. Daniel was always trying to figure out a way to impress someone with his cooking skills. Liam learned how to cook a long time ago, but pasta sauce wasn’t something he had managed to perfect yet.

  “So what do you want to do before the show?” Daniel asked as he hopped up on the boardwalk.

  “Go shower and get some dinner. It’s going to be a long night.” He cringed when Daniel threw his head back and laughed.