by Leah Atwood
Let her stay mad—he was okay with that. Or so he’d thought, until he realized he’d hurt her, which had never been his intention. The thing was, he didn’t know how to make it right. He figured they’d just go their separate ways, and in time the past week would be forgotten. A few months or a year from now, whenever they saw each other again, they’d act as if nothing had ever happened.
Obviously, Gram had other ideas. Did she really expect him to just show up at Dani’s house? He was liable to get hit over the head with a frying pan. If he did go, what was he supposed to say? “I was a jerk, forgive me?” How about, “I’m crazy about you, but I know it will never lead to anything.”
“Yeah, that’s a good one.” Full of sarcasm, he laughed at himself.
A horn beeped behind him. Turning his head, he saw a man in an older model Toyota gesturing toward the pump.
“Sorry,” Rob mouthed. He hopped into his vehicle and pulled into a side spot, allowing the man access to the pump.
He held the paper against the steering wheel, staring at it until he’d memorized the address.
“It couldn’t hurt to apologize. I’m going to do it.” Grabbing his phone, he swiped at the screen and opened a GPS app. He typed in the address and adjusted the phone’s volume to hear the directions.
“Your estimated time of arrival is four sixteen” the computerized feminine voice from his phone said.
He looked at the time— 4:02. Could he come up with something to say in fourteen minutes? Probably not, but he’d wing it. He’d be hard pressed to leave her with a worse impression of him than he’d already made.
Remaining in the parking lot wasn’t getting him anywhere. The GPS directed him to make a left onto the road. He put the Jeep in gear and drove off. Down Main Street he went until he was on the opposite side of town. Then a right, followed by a sharp left. The road hosted an occasional house along its sides, but was predominately surrounded by fields and a few wooded areas with overgrowth reaching out to the edges of the paved way.
“You have reached your destination.” The voice seemed to taunt him.
His chest tightened when he pulled into Dani’s driveway. The entire drive there, he hadn’t actually thought about what he’d say, only of what Dani’s reaction would be. He sat in the driveway for a few seconds, procrastinating by observing her house. A porch, several feet deep, had two large burgundy ceramic planters with green, fern-like plants spilling over the tops. The tan, vinyl-sided home had a black-shuttered window on each side and a door in the center. A metal star hung on each side of the door.
The paper with her address sat on the passenger seat. Unsure why, he fingered it, then picked it up and tucked it into his pocket. Reassurance maybe that Gram had sent him here, and he wasn’t crazy? He rolled his neck and shook his arms. It wasn’t that big of a deal, he could do this. As he walked to the door he couldn’t even conjure up his trademark smile.
There was nothing that looked like a doorbell, so he knocked on the door that was painted black to match the shutters. He waited. And waited. No one answered, and he turned to walk away. A quiet voice in his thoughts told him to knock again. He rapped on the door a second time.
“Be right there,” Dani called, too chipper to know it was him on the other side.
A few seconds passed. His fists clenched, then unclenched, repeating the process until the door opened, the moment at which he froze. She stood in the doorway, wearing a pair of jeans and a red, Ragin’ Cajuns T-shirt.
Her mouth dropped open when she saw him, her eyes widened. “Rob? What are you doing here?”
“I have no idea.” The right words wouldn’t form, not yet.
“Umm…okay.” She arched her eyebrows and looked past him, toward the Jeep. “Are the others stopping by as well?”
“No, just me.” He shoved his hands into his pocket, all too aware of them.
A wary expression shone in her eyes, and she seemed to falter on what to say next.
“Gram gave me your address.” The admission slipped out.
He thought she’d be angry, but was surprised when she gave him a hesitant smile. “Gram doesn’t believe in leaving unfinished business.”
“She doesn’t miss anything, does she?”
“No, she doesn’t.” She shifted on her feet. “Do you want to come in?”
It was an uncomfortable invitation, one granted with hesitation, but he couldn’t say no. “I guess, for a few minutes.”
She led him through the house, to the eat-in kitchen in the rear. “Sorry for the mess. I wasn’t expecting company.”
Translation—she wasn’t expecting him.
“It looks fine to me.” It was then that he took the time to look around. Her house wasn’t messy as she claimed, nor was it in perfect order as he would have imagined. The discovery of a flaw, no matter how minor, only made him like her more.
Perfection was unattainable. Imperfection gave him hope. Not for now, but maybe one day…
“You can have a seat here.” She directed him to a round table that was covered in papers. “Can I get you a drink or anything?”
“Water’s fine. New menus?” he asked, seeing the varying styles spread out.
“Yes, I have a meeting with the graphic designer tomorrow to finalize the design.” Bending over, she gathered all the papers into a pile and set them on a counter.
A tabby cat came up to him and rubbed against his leg. Leaning over, he gave the cat a pet and was rewarded with a purr.
“Traitor,” Dani mumbled, pulling a bottle of water out of the fridge.
“What was that?”
“Nothing.” She set the water in front of him and returned to the counter. “Pip doesn’t usually take to strangers.”
Maybe a compliment would break the ice of awkwardness. “I’ve heard great things about Bayou Bits. Owning a restaurant must be a lot of work.”
“I couldn’t have done it without Bryce’s help. He lent me the money to get it started.” Hints of a smile appeared, but her stance remained rigid, her hands gripped the counter’s edge behind her.
“Bryce is a good guy.”
“Yeah, he is.” Her gaze traveled around the room before landing askance on him. “Why are you here, Rob? I’m trying to figure out what game you’re playing now, but I don’t get it.”
“No games, Dani.”
“Then what is it?” The hurt in her eyes was clear, but she didn’t blink, nor did she back down.
He drummed his fingers against the wooden plain of the table. “I owe you an apology.” Pushing his chair back, he stood. “I was a jerk the last few days and pushed the limit. I’m sorry.”
“No big deal.” She shrugged and grabbed a tumbler, taking a sip from it.
“Maybe not.” He’d play along with her lie. “Regardless, I kept pushing when I knew you wanted to be left alone.”
“Apology accepted,” she said, an undertone of sadness in her voice. “No hard feelings. I’m sure we’ll see each other again because of Bryce, and this will all be behind us.”
But I don’t want to put it behind us. “For what it’s worth—last night, the dance—my leaving had nothing to do with you.”
“You don’t owe me any explanations.” Her bottom lip trembled even as she spoke. She felt something for him, he knew it.
Reaching out, he wanted to place a comforting hand on her, but withdrew. “In another time, another place…” He trailed off. What good would it do?
“It’s okay. I get it.” She crossed her arms over chest.
“Not everything is what it seems, Dani.” For the first time in a decade, he wanted to tell someone, break free from the memories that had held him prisoner for so long. He wouldn’t, but it didn’t stop the longing.
Slowly, she shook her head, as though she was absorbing what he’d said and trying to make sense of it. “No, it isn’t.” A few seconds passed. Her body relaxed, and she stuck out her hand, offering an olive branch. “Friends?”
He accepted. “Friend
s.”
***
A jolt struck her, but she made no effort to extricate her hand from Rob’s as they shook on their truce. In his own way, he’d given her the answers she needed, and she believed him. It should have made her happy, but it was a bittersweet victory.
Because now that she knew she’d pegged Rob wrong—hiding under his secrets was a good and decent man—she wanted to know him better, but a future relationship wasn’t possible. No matter whether there was a mutual attraction, some things just weren’t meant to be.
Best to lay it all on the table now as he had. In another time, another place. She was in reluctant agreement. Even setting aside his personal reasons, which she wouldn’t pry into, there were the matters of career, distance, faith.
In the end, it was Rob that pulled free. He looked toward the door, a sign he should go, but he hesitated, putting the decision on her. She didn’t miss the quirk of fate in the situation. Since he’d arrived in Oden Bridge, he’d been a thorn in her side, and she’d wanted him to leave. Now that the time had come, she wished to prolong it.
“Where are the others? I thought you guys were leaving together.” It was the first thing she thought of to say to get them back on neutral territory.
“They decided to take an impromptu vacation to New Orleans before the Redemption tour starts in a few weeks.”
“You didn’t want to go with them?”
“Nah.” He shrugged. “Didn’t want to feel like a fifth wheel.”
She nodded, understanding all too well. “I’d go in the fall anyway when it’s not as hot and crowded.”
“Is that an invitation?” He winked, and she rolled her eyes. “Sorry, old habits die hard.”
“I’m sure.” This time she could laugh. All pretense and tension set aside, she was free to enjoy the banter.
Her phone buzzed against the laminate countertop. She picked it up and read the incoming text from her graphic designer, who was also a friend. He wanted to move the meeting up to nine in the morning. She sent back a quick reply that nine was fine.
“Sorry, that was my friend, Drew, who’s helping me redesign the menus. He wants to meet earlier tomorrow, and I still haven’t decided which ones I like best.”
“Want me to take a look? Sometimes fresh eyes help.”
“Sure.” Taking the stack off the counter, she spread them back over the table and pointed to the one in front of her. “This one was initially my favorite, but I think it’s too formal.”
“What are you trying to convey, casualness then?” He picked up the one she liked and studied it.
“Not exactly. More like fine dining without the stuffy atmosphere. Bayou Bits is a place where families can come and enjoy a relaxing dinner together, from the youngest of kids to the elderly.”
“In that case, you’re right. This one looks nice, but if I saw it, I would think upscale and not kid friendly.”
Surprised by what seemed like genuine interest from Rob, she showed him what she liked and didn’t care for about the other choices. “What do you think of these?”
He sat down in a chair and held two of the mock-ups. “Does it have to be one of these or can you still make changes?”
“I’m sure I can make changes. Why?”
“The layout of this one has a nice, smooth look. It’s classic in its font and arrangement, which will give you the formal look that you want. But, if you switch out these headers, and add the graphics from this one,” he said, lifting up the one in his left hand, “it will add some fun to it, while keeping it cohesive.”
Still standing, she took the menus from him and considered his suggestion. It was a possibility she hadn’t considered before, but he was onto something. “That might work. I’ll see what Drew can do about combining the styles. You have a good eye for this.”
“Not really, I just eat at restaurants too often so know my stuff.”
“Either way, thanks for the suggestion. I’ve spent more time that I should stressing over which design to use.”
“You’re very focused on the restaurant, aren’t you?” Unlike others who’d asked the same question, his tone held no judgment for her dedication.
“It’s a dream come true for me. Granted, some of the administrative tasks I could do without,” she nodded toward the menus, “but I love the cooking and seeing patrons enjoying their meals.”
“Not everyone gets the chance to live their dream. You’re lucky.” The statement was simple, yet held an edge of wistfulness.
Wasn’t he living his? He led a life a lot of people would envy, or did he want more?
“Do you ever feel like you’re living in Bryce’s shadow?” She immediately bit the inside of her cheek, wishing she hadn’t asked the first possibility that came to mind. Their new friendship was tentative, not receptive to probing questions of that nature.
A dash of surprise flickered across his face. “Not really. Sure, there are times when there’s been tension, especially when the label decided to drop our band name and just put Bryce’s out there, but we’re a team. When it’s just us, we’re all on equal footing.” He glanced toward the clock on her stove. “I should get going.”
She shoved her hands into her rear pockets and rocked on her feet. “Need a drink or anything to take with you?”
“I’m good, but thanks. Gram sent me home with a tin of cookies, and I got a drink before I stopped. Farther down the road I’ll grab some coffee.” He stood from the table.
“Drive safe.” She almost said Let me know when you get in.
“I will.” His hand clasped her arm in a light touch. “Take care, Dani.”
“You, too,” she whispered.
Their eyes held for a moment before he let go and walked away. When the door closed behind him, she didn’t know if she wanted to laugh or cry.
Chapter 5
“Any plans tonight?” Jay opened the door to the tour bus and walked inside.
Rob followed. “Going out.” He squirmed, even as he said it.
“With…?”
“Some chick from promotions.” Plopping down on the couch, he grabbed the remote and turned on the television.
“Not wasting any time, are you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“We’ve only been on the road a week.” Jay took a seat on the opposite end of the couch.
Irritation grated against his nerves. “I seem to remember multiple times that you picked up a girl the first night of a tour.”
“I grew up. One day you’ll have to as well.”
“Stop the do-gooder act, Jay. I’m not in the mood.” What was left of his adrenaline buzz from the concert wore off.
“Chill out.” Jay held his hands up. “I’m only giving you a hard time. What’s your problem tonight?”
“Nothing. I just want to get out for a bit.”
“Caroline and I thought you were falling for Dani.”
Rob had started to stand, but sank back down. Did Adam say something to everyone or was it that obvious? “Nah, she was a distraction during the wedding stuff, that’s all.” The bitter lie burned on his lips.
“Whatever.” Jay shrugged. “Don’t be out too late. We leave at sunlight.”
“Okay, Dad.”
“Don’t even joke like that. I’m still getting used to the idea of being engaged, let alone having future kids.”
“It’s called growing up.” Rob smirked, throwing Jay’s words back at him.
“Don’t you have some place to be?”
He stood. “You can take the bedroom tonight. I’ll sleep in a bunk.” They’d been alternating nights, but it made more sense to pass off his night so he wouldn’t wake Jay when he came back.
Jay nodded his acknowledgement before grabbing the remote and scrolling through the channels. The sound of an old-school cartoon followed Rob down the narrow hallway of the bus. He sniffed—a shower was in order. During any given concert, the stage was hot, but tonight was particularly bad since it was outdoors, somew
here in Arizona. Phoenix, or was it Tucson? Man, it was too early in the tour to forget already what town they were in.
By the time he finished cleaning up, the clock had already struck one. Jay wasn’t on the couch anymore, and Rob assumed he’d gone to bed. It was strange, how much things had changed over time. A few years back they would have all been out partying. Chances were, they would have been drunk and at least one of them would have found an eager female friend to spend the night with.
That was all in the past. None of them drank anymore after watching Bryce almost throw his life away, and the other three guys were all faithfully married or engaged now. Rob was the last man standing, and he wasn’t looking for a chair. Or hadn’t been. He was confused, had been since the wedding.
But tonight’s date had nothing to do with that. After a week straight of spending time with couples, he was sick of being the odd man out. He just wanted to hang out with someone and talk—not about kids, or families, or weddings.
His phone vibrated. He looked down to see a message from Aubrey, his date for the night.
Waiting outside the diner.
He grimaced. Hadn’t they agreed to one thirty? That was still twenty minutes away.
Be there in ten.
They were meeting at the diner a block from the venue. Its neon purple lights were impossible to miss, but the food was rumored to be decent. Probably not as good as Dani’s. He wished he’d had a chance to eat at Bayou Bits while he’d been in Oden Bridge. Next time, for sure.
After loosely buckling the belt holding up his khaki cargo shorts, he buttoned up his white shirt and slid a hand through his hair, opting for the messy look. Or lazy. It’s not like he was trying to impress Aubrey. They’d met a few days ago and had fallen into easy conversation. Two friends hanging out, that’s what they were doing.
He left the bus, locking up behind him. The parking lot was dark and void of anyone, save security. Heading to the right, he passed the bus Adam and his family were in, and then Bryce’s. Gone were the days when they all traveled in the same vehicle. The only noise he heard was the rumbling of car engines passing on the nearby roads, a stark contrast to the noise and excitement from earlier.