by Leah Atwood
“You weren’t quite monster level. Maybe troll.” A wide grin appeared, and he laughed.
She pretended to growl at him and elbowed his ribs. “Gee, thanks.”
Jeff took her retaliation in stride, never losing his smile. “Is your family still here?”
“Uncle Trent and his wife left Sunday evening, and Gramps’ family from the north part of the state did as well.” She moved the bag to the other hand. It had to be the weight of the water bottles digging into her. “Bryce is staying another few days.”
“Is his wife still here? Maybe we could work in a double date before they leave.” Jeff’s suggestion was casual, but it threw her off balance.
Literally.
She stumbled over a twig in her path. Jeff caught her arm and kept her from falling.
“Thank you.”
“What do you think?” he asked.
“About what?” Her brain was still catching up from her near fall and she couldn’t remember what they’d been discussing.
“A double date.”
“Oh.” That was right—he’d initiated a perfect opportunity to tell him. “Sophie left yesterday. She and Gracie had to get back to school.”
“Too bad. Maybe next time.” He shrugged, unperturbed.
Evasion of the truth didn’t sit well with her and the nerves twisting in her stomach multiplied. They hadn’t reached the park, but she didn’t want to prolong the inevitable. She stopped in her tracks. “We need to talk.”
Jeff also stopped and faced her. “What about?”
“I can’t date you anymore,” she said. It came out as one long, run-together word.
He blinked once and frowned. “Can I ask why?”
“You’re a really great guy, Jeff, but I don’t feel anything more than friendship for you. I tried. Trust me I did.”
“There goes a man’s ego,” he spoke in a low tone.
“I’m sorry.”
A small smile reappeared. “Don’t be. You can’t force what’s not there, and I appreciate you telling me now instead of waiting it out.”
Guilt pricked her. If only he knew she’d felt like this from the beginning, knowing she couldn’t care for him in any other way. She didn’t see what good it would do to tell him that part. “I don’t want to lose your friendship.”
“Ah, the old, can-we-still-be-friends card.” He looked up to the sky before answering. Finally, he looked back at her. “Of course we’ll still be friends. I’m not going to let a few months of failed dating ruin a friendship that goes back two decades.”
“Good,” was all she could say, and she took a deep breath now that the burden was lifted.
He gestured toward the park, a few hundred feet ahead. “Did you still want to eat? I’ll understand if you don’t.”
“Friends can have lunch together, right? Let’s go.”
Chapter 15
Bryce entered Caroline’s office, grinning like the Cheshire Cat. “Good morning.”
“Same to you.” Rob stared at him, his brows creased. “What’s gotten into you?”
“Nothing.” Arms crossed behind his head, Bryce stretched to the right. “Can’t I be happy to get back to work?”
“Maybe if I didn’t know you so well.”
After stretching to his left, Bryce dropped his arms to his sides. “I’m definitely glad to be done driving.”
“What time did you finally get in?” Last night, Bryce had called him, bored and stuck in a standstill traffic jam on his way home from Louisiana.
“A little after midnight.” Bryce plopped into a chair. “Man, I felt so bad. Sophie had a romantic dinner planned for us, but she had fallen asleep by the time I got in.”
“That stinks.”
“Tell me about it. Roadwork, can you believe it? I’m glad it wasn’t an accident after all, but that was ridiculous.” He jumped right back out of the chair.
Amused by Bryce, who reminded him of a kid who’d consumed too much sugar, Rob laughed. “What gives? You’re way too keyed up for this early in the morning.”
“Oh, I don’t know.” He grinned and looked at his watch. “When are the others coming?”
“Adam should be here any minute. Jay’s with Caroline.”
“And where are they?” Bryce looked around.
“They went across the street for breakfast. I’m surprised you didn’t pass them on your way up.”
“Good. That gives us a few seconds.” Standing in front of him, Bryce leaned against Caroline’s desk.
“Whatever it is, spit it out or I’m going to knock that grin from your face myself.” He hadn’t seen Bryce this energetic in weeks.
“Here goes... rumor has it, Dani broke up with Jeff.”
A quick smiled formed—another hurdle done—but then Rob threw his hands up, palms forward. “Hold on, why are you telling me this?”
With a hint of mischief, Bryce smirked. “I thought you’d want to know.”
Mouth gaping, he ran his tongue along the edges of his teeth. “Forgive me if I’m a little confused, but are you forgetting the fight we had about Dani?”
The grin on Bryce vanished, replaced by a frown. “Can we please forget about that? We both agreed we said things we regret.”
He raised a shoulder. “It is done, but I’m still trying to figure out how we went from that, to you preening like a peacock to tell me Dani broke up with her boyfriend.”
“Hey, even I am completely wrong sometimes.” The joke broke some of the tension.
Rob rolled his eyes. “Sometimes?”
“Not too often.” Bryce snickered. “But in this case I was. Anyone within a foot of you and Dani could see there was a chemistry between you.”
“It takes more than chemistry to make a relationship.”
“I’m pretty sure I know that.” Sarcasm laced Bryce’s reply, then he softened his tone. “But you also care for her and look out for her. I know what you did for her at the viewing. When I hadn’t seen her for a while, I went looking for her, and Uncle Gil told me you took her away to clear her head.”
“I knew what she needed and did it, no big deal.” Which was a lie because it had been a huge deal to him. His heart beat harder just thinking about that day. That time together had drawn them closer and bridged the gap created when she’d started dating Jeff.
“Are you really that dumb to deny what’s between the two of you?” Bryce sat back down and Rob sat on the chair beside his.
“I’m not denying anything, but I’m also not going to discuss this with you.” He rolled his neck. “Whatever evolves between Dani and me will be between us. And yes, I want to see where a relationship with her could lead, but it’s not that simple. When she’s ready to tell me about Jeff, she will.” Bryce had no way of knowing Rob had left the ball in Dani’s court.
“Fair enough.” The frown on Bryce’s face disappeared, but the smile didn’t return.
Feeling bad for quelling his excitement when Bryce was only being a friend, Rob attempted amends and smiled. “Thanks for the info though. It’s good to know.”
It worked. Bryce grinned again. “At least promise me you won’t hide it from me if something does come of you and her.”
“If Dani agrees, you’ll be the first to know. How’s that.”
Bryce plastered on a straight face. “Not good enough. I want a guarantee to be in the wedding and your firstborn named after me,” he deadpanned.
Taking a sticky note off the pad on the desk, Rob crumbled the paper and threw it at Bryce. “Get over yourself.”
“Boys, boys, boys.” Caroline clucked her tongue from behind them. “Do I have to put you in separate corners?”
“No ma’am,” they answered in unison, each trying not to laugh. It was a unique friendship they all shared. Rob hoped it wouldn’t change after he made his announcement.
“Breakfast is here.” Jay set a drink carrier down on the desk, along with a pink box with white lettering. He opened the box offering turnovers to everyone.
> “No, thanks,” Rob passed. “But I’ll take one of the coffees.” He took the cup Jay handed him and bent back the tab.
Adam walked in, a cup of coffee already in hand. Dark circles under his eyes and a yawn spoke to exhaustion.
“Rough night?” Caroline asked.
“The baby’s been up since two, crying. Elle thinks it’s an ear infection and is at the doctor’s office with her now.” Adam rubbed an eye with his free hand. “I would have been here sooner, but I dropped off Shannon at her pre-school, so Lilah could see the doctor earlier.”
Standing up, Rob gestured to the chair. “Take my seat. You look like you can barely stand.”
“Thanks,” Adam muttered and sank down, draping one arm over the chair. “What’s this impromptu meeting about?”
Everyone but Rob looked to Caroline.
“Rob asked me to call it.” She angled her head his way.
They all turned to stare at him, waiting for an answer.
He moved to the front of the office and cleared his throat. “I have an announcement.”
One at a time, he looked at his friends. Adam, the first of them to settle down, had always been the calmest. Jay, the comic relief man, the one who understood that laughter was a necessity in their crazy world. Caroline, the glue that kept them all together and in line. Then Bryce, the one he clashed with most often because they were so much alike. They’d been a team for a long time and had an unshakeable bond. He prayed that remained true.
Arms crossed, Bryce’s gaze was guarded, almost concerned. “What is it?”
Rob’s fists clenched at his sides. This was one of the hardest things he’d ever had to say. “I’m leaving the band.”
The room went deadly silent. From outside the office, a phone rang. Seconds later, Madison poked her head through the doorway. “Caroline, you have—”
Caroline put a hand up, not looking away from Rob. “Hold all my calls. Close the door behind you, please.”
An echo reverberated through the room, its waves filling the air with tension.
“Why?” Adam appeared the least surprised.
“My life is changing, and it’s time to take care of some things.” He shifted on his feet.
“So take time off, get it done, and come back.” Bryce squared his shoulders and looked to Caroline. “You can work your magic on clearing his schedule, can’t you?”
She nodded.
Rob shook his head in slow motion. “It’s not that simple. I’ll finish recording this album, and next summer’s tour, along with any other contractual obligations, but then I’m done.”
“I don’t get it. Where did this come from?” Jay looked lost, wholly upset, and unlike himself. He turned to his wife. “Did you know about this?”
Lips clamped, Caroline shook her head.
“I didn’t tell anyone until now.” Rob closed his eyes and breathed deeply to still his nerves. “This is a decision I’ve been praying about for a few weeks and it’s what I need to do.”
“I don’t accept it.” Bryce’s bold declaration brought gasps from around the room.
“You don’t have a choice, Bryce. Rob made a decision and we should support it.” Adam approached Bryce, putting a calming hand on his shoulder before words got out of control.
Rob shot him a look of appreciation.
“Even if we don’t like it,” Adam added.
Defeated, Bryce’s shoulders sagged. “There’s no chance of talking you out of this?”
“No.” His conviction remained, but part of him would always belong to the band, even after he left.
Jay massaged his temples. “What next?”
Staring down at his old T-shirt, Rob picked off a piece of the faded, cracking decal, only then noticing he’d thrown on one of the shirts that had been made for their first concert. “I’m going to focus on songwriting.”
“Will you remain in Nashville?” Caroline asked.
“For the time being.” He turned to Bryce and winked. “The future could change that.”
A slow smile spread across Bryce’s face as understanding hit him. “In that case, let’s make the most of your final album and tour. Agreed?”
“Agreed.” Rob, Caroline, Jay and Adam all took turns giving their accordance.
An hour later, Rob and Bryce stood outside in the parking garage, their vehicles occupying neighboring spots.
“You realize it won’t be the same without you?” Bryce leaned against his truck, a peppermint in his mouth.
“It wasn’t an easy decision.” He answered the question indirectly.
“I can’t imagine it was.” The rumble of a car overhead made hearing each other difficult and Bryce waited until it was gone to continue. “Can I ask a question?”
“Go ahead since you will anyway.” One corner of his mouth twisted up.
“Was Dani a factor in your decision?” Music rang from Bryce’s phone, but he ignored it.
“You’re either all out, or all in, aren’t you?”
“It’s not that… exactly. Our group has been changing for the last few years, but we were still together. With you leaving, it feels like the family is breaking up.” A shadow cast over his eyes. “If you end up marrying Dani, then I know you’re only moving, per se, not leaving.” Bryce tucked his hands into his pockets, shifting his eyes before casting them downward.
Rob’s departure from the band would change their lives in a big way, but it wasn’t as though he was walking away from their friendships. Then he thought about Gramps and figured this sentimental side to Bryce was a result of that grieving process.
“You’re not getting rid of me that easy.” He leaned against his Jeep, opposite Bryce. “Songwriting is my calling, and I want to follow that.”
“Understandable.”
Taking a measured breath, he composed his next words with care. “And the truth is, when I marry, I want to be home with my wife, whether it’s Dani or someone else. Sophie and you, Jay and Caroline, Adam and Elle—each of you’ve worked out a system and that’s great. I’m happy for you all. Me, though, I want something different.”
“You’ve really thought this through.” Hunching his shoulders, Bryce rubbed his neck.
“I have, even down to the fact that if Dani and I end up a couple, then it would be easier for me to move there and come to Nashville as needed then have her move and start a new restaurant.” It was sad, really, how much he thought of a relationship that didn’t exist—yet.
“I knew it.” Bryce snapped his fingers then pointed at him. “I give it a month before you’re dating and six until you’re engaged.”
“Sure.” Smirking, Rob pushed the button on his key chain and unlocked his doors. “Are we done with the inquisition?”
A loud chuckle came from Bryce. “Fair enough. No more questions for now.”
“Good.” He took one step toward the rear of the Jeep. “What are your plans today?”
“Lunch at the Children’s Hospital. Want to join me?” The entire band, but especially Bryce, supported the local children’s hospital through donations, morale visits and benefits.
Rob’s eyebrows arched. “Business or social?”
“Social. Caroline had me scheduled for a visit last week, but it was cancelled when I had to go to Oden Bridge. I called this morning to clear a makeup for today.”
“I’m in. Beats going home to an empty house, and I told Rhett Tompkins I’d teach him some chords.” Rhett was an eleven-year-old boy, hospitalized with a rare bone cancer. With a high aptitude for music, he’d become an instant hit with the guys when they visited.
“He’ll like that. Want to drive together?” Keys jingled in Bryce’s hand.
“Let’s drop the Jeep off at my place since it’s on the way. I’ll run in and grab one of the acoustics.”
“See you in a few minutes.” Hand on the door, Bryce suddenly turned. “Grab an extra Redemption T-shirt also if you have any. He’ll like that.”
“Will do.” He walked around t
he back of the Jeep and then to the passenger door. Before he took off, he checked his phone, hoping Dani had called or texted. She hadn’t, but he wasn’t fazed. It wasn’t a matter of would she, but rather, when?
Chapter 16
A warm October breeze blew across Gina’s backyard, where Dani sat on a blanket playing with baby Erik. She had the entire day off, spending it at Gina’s while Greg was out of town on a construction job.
“Is he really going to be three months old already?” Erik’s toothless mouth smiled at Dani when she held him in the air.
“Next week.” Gina sighed, content and happy. Motherhood agreed with her.
“It seems like yesterday that your mom called Gram on the way home from your party.” Drool dribbled from the baby’s mouth and landed on Dani’s sleeve. She laid Erik on the blanket and cleaned her arm.
“A lot has happened in that time though.”
They fell silent for a second, remembering Gramps’ death, almost a month ago.
“I still think about him every day.” Dani leaned back, spreading her arms behind her for support.
“Me too. I’m sad Erik won’t get to know him.” Her son started to fuss, and Gina picked him up, cradling him in her arms.
The day was too beautiful to bring down with sullen thoughts, so she changed the subject. “How’s Greg’s job going?”
Gina perked. “Better than we ever expected. Greg loves it and by next spring, he should be put as a site supervisor.”
“Wow, that’s great.”
“When I look back, I can see God’s hand in our lives. I was so upset about leaving Monroe, that I never anticipated the blessings we’d have by moving here.” She reached over and grabbed Erik’s bottle. “Our marriage has strengthened, plus I got to spend time with family I wouldn’t have otherwise. Plus you and I have gotten to be good friends.”
“Cousins do make the best friends.” Dani blinked a single eye.
“Like you and Bryce.” Gina laughed as she fed Erik. “There are times I’m convinced the two of you are actually brother and sister.”
“Just wait until you get to know him better, which I’m sure you will, living here, and he goes all big brother on you.” An ant crawled on the blanket and she flicked it off. “But I wouldn’t trade him for anything. I always wanted a brother or sister, and God gave me him instead.”