by S. J. McCoy
Holly frowned. “You mean Nate?”
Lily nodded and waggled her eyebrows. “I do! He’s gorgeous! Don’t you think?”
“He is a good-looking guy, but I wouldn’t recommend going there.”
“Oh, why not? I just want to play.”
“Then play! Go find some random guy who you’ll never see again. Nate just moved to Summer Lake. You don’t want to have a one-night stand with someone you’re likely to bump into at the grocery store, or at the Boathouse.”
“Maybe I do. We might start something beautiful and go on to live happily ever after like the rest of you are!”
Holly shook her head. “If you’re looking for the fairy tale, look elsewhere. Nate’s no Prince Charming. He’s a great guy, but he just wants to have fun.”
Lily nodded. “Good to know. Maybe we can team up and go on the prowl together.”
Holly laughed. “Just forget it. You’ll be having far too much fun with the ladies to think about Nate, or any other guy.”
Lily shrugged. “Are you just saying that because that’s your own plan? To have so much fun with the girls it’ll take your mind off your own guy for a while?”
Holly sighed. “Yeah, maybe. He seemed a bit better when we went up to the room. I thought he was actually going to talk to me…” she shrugged. “But then his mom came and threw him out.” She laughed. “That’s fine though, I have more fun with her than him anyway.”
Lily shook her head. “I think you’re supposed to marry the guy because you love him, not his mom.”
“That’s what I thought, too. I’ve been wondering whether marrying him is such a great idea after all.”
Lily looked shocked. “I knew you two were having a rough patch, but…”
“Hey, ladies!” Missy was clapping her hands together to get everyone’s attention. “We’re all here now, so let’s make our way up to the club.”
Holly fell in step with Kenzie as they headed back to the elevators.
“It’s good to see you smiling,” said Kenzie. “I thought you must have forgotten how.”
“It’s hard to smile too much when your fiancé is taking over all your wedding planning and ignoring you and what you want.”
Kenzie stopped walking and gave her an incredulous look. “And you’re letting him get away with that shit?”
“You wouldn’t get it; you don’t know Pete.”
Kenzie laughed and started walking again. “I don’t, but I do know how men and women work. The woman tells her guy what she likes, what she wants, and the guy makes it happen for her.”
Holly gave a bitter little laugh. “Not Pete.”
“I bet he would if you gave him chance.”
“I’ve tried and tried asking him to listen to me. Asking for what I want, he doesn’t listen. He thinks he can do it so much better.”
“Sugar, you’re missing the point. I didn’t say a woman asks for what she wants. She tells him what she wants. Men are simple creatures. They’re like dogs. If you give them a clear command, tell them what you want, they go off and do it and they’re all proud of themselves for pleasing you. If you don’t spell it out in no uncertain terms, they go off and do things by themselves, and it’s usually something you don’t like. Then you’re pissed at them, they’re pissed at themselves, because they hate to screw up, and they’re also pissed at you because they were trying to please you and you’re still not happy.”
Holly thought about that.
Kenzie laughed. “You’re going to say something about Pete being smart or being used to running the show or whatever. Don’t kid yourself. He’s just like any other guy. He wants to please you. The best way for you to help him do that is to tell him exactly what you want—and what you don’t.”
She nodded. “Thanks, Kenzie. I think you might be right.”
“I know I am. You should try it.”
“I might just do that.”
They’d arrived at the entrance to the club now. Missy talked to a hostess, and she led them through to the large private table they’d booked for the night. As they took their seats, Holly looked at Kenzie. “I can tell from the way Chase is with you that what you’re saying works.”
Kenzie looked even more beautiful as she smiled. “It does. It’s not just a one-way street though. I do my best to make him happy as well.”
“And he obviously is. Do the two of you have any plans to get married?”
Kenzie gave her a puzzled look. “Of course we do. We’re engaged.”
Holly nodded. “I know; I just wasn’t sure what that means to you. You’ve never mentioned a date or any plans.”
Kenzie laughed. “That’s because we’re not like that. We’ll just wake up one day and know that’s what we want to do, so we’ll go off and do it.”
Holly wished she and Pete could have done that.
~ ~ ~
Kenzie knocked back her drink. Her conversation with Holly earlier had set her thinking. Chase had mentioned getting married a couple of times over the last few months. She hadn’t really given it much thought. She knew they’d get around to it one day. She wanted to marry him. That made her smile. Her! Wanting to get married! She’d come a long way since she met Chase. So had he. They’d changed each other for the better. She knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. She should bring it up to him, maybe it was time.
She looked around the table, most of the women were laughing and talking. Laura and her friend, Leanne were out on the dance floor, fending off a couple of guys. The two of them were a hot ticket. Laura tall and slender with her long, dark hair. Leanne shorter and curvier with her blonde locks—she reminded Kenzie of Marilyn Monroe.
Lizzie was chatting with Megan and even had her smiling. Kenzie was glad to see that. Megan’s soon-to-be mother-in-law was awesome. Kenzie just hoped she’d be able to help Megan past her hang-ups. God knew she herself couldn’t. She loved Megan with all her heart, she’d do anything to help her, but she’d be the first to admit that she rarely knew what would help her.
Emma and Missy were laughing with Pete and Dan’s moms. Kenzie hoped that one day she’d feel as comfortable with oldies as Emma and Missy did. It was different for them. They’d grown up at the lake where all the generations came together. They partied together, they worked together, they lived and laughed together. She envied them. In her mind she’d dubbed them the Summer Lake originals—the ones who’d grown up at the lake and whose families had been friends for years. They were almost like royalty in Kenzie’s mind. She hoped that someday she and Chase would become a part of the place as much as the others were. For now, she still considered themselves to be newcomers.
She noticed that April was sitting by herself and checking her watch. She’d better not be thinking about calling it a night! Kenzie went over to her.
“Are you having a good time?”
April nodded. “Yes, thanks. I’m thinking I might turn in soon though.”
“Well, you can think again.” Kenzie beckoned to the waiter who was walking by.
April smiled. “I’m fine, thanks. I really should get going. I don’t like to leave Marcus this long.”
Kenzie rolled her eyes. “The kid will be having a great time with Ethan. Doc Morgan won’t thank you if you show up and ask for Marcus back.” She spoke to the waiter then turned back to April with a smile. “And besides, we’re just getting started here. I’ve never had the chance to get to know you properly. If you duck out on me now, I might end up thinking you don’t like me.”
“Oh, no! It’s not that. Not that at all. It’s just that I…”
The waiter returned and placed two shot glasses in front of each of them.
Kenzie grinned, picking one up and handing April another. “Here’s to making a new friend,” she said, and then downed hers.
April watched her. “I’m not really…”
“You’re not really used to having fun, are you? That’s the trouble. Well, Auntie Kenzie’s here to fix that. So down the hatch
. There’s a good girl.”
April looked at the shot glass then back at Kenzie. “What is it anyway?”
Kenzie laughed. “You’ll have to drink it to find out.”
She was pleased when April smiled then shrugged. “What the heck. You only live once, right?” She knocked it back and immediately started spluttering.
Kenzie couldn’t help laughing.
“What the hell is that?” asked April when she could speak again.
Kenzie smiled and downed her second. “That, my friend, is the taste of a good time. She handed April the last one. Bottoms up and we’re going to dance.”
April shook her head. “I couldn’t. I don’t dance.”
“I figured as much. That’s why you need to down that. It has the miraculous effect of making anyone able to dance.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of!”
Kenzie stood up. “Come on. Live a little. When was the last time you had any fun?”
As April thought about that. Kenzie thought she might have lost her. She was thrilled when April downed it.
“I haven’t had any fun at all in at least ten years!” she declared.
“Well, damn, girl!” Kenzie took her hand and led her out onto the dance floor. “You’ve got a lot of making up to do.”
April giggled. “I guess I do, don’t I?”
Chapter Fourteen
Chase grinned at Eddie. “This is more fun than I thought it would be.”
Eddie nodded. “Me, too! I wasn’t looking forward to tonight one bit. I’m glad we came now.”
“I know. I was thinking we might have to duck out, but I don’t want to.”
Dan came over to join them. “Are you having fun guys?”
Chase nodded. “This is great. Thanks for inviting us.”
Dan smiled. “Michael and I both wanted you here. Have you seen him around? We’re both supposed to celebrating, but I haven’t seen him in a while.”
Chase shook his head. “Me neither.” He was worried about Michael. He hoped that he’d been able to calm Megan down.
Eddie pointed out to the balcony. “I’ve been keeping an eye on him. He keeps going out there. He doesn’t seem to be getting into the spirit of things at all.”
Dan looked as worried as Chase felt. “Thanks Eddie. I’m going to go talk to him.”
“Good luck,” said Chase.
Eddie shook his head. “Do you know what’s up with Michael? He hasn’t seemed right for a while.”
Chase blew out a sigh. “He’s got a lot on his plate.”
Eddie laughed. “Sorry, I forgot, he’s almost family now, isn’t he? Don’t worry. I wasn’t prying. Just hoping the guy’s okay; that’s all.”
Chase slapped his shoulder. “You already are family to me. It’s not that I think you’re prying, just that I hate getting involved in other people’s business. Period. And besides, this is supposed to be a bachelor party! We should be having fun, not standing around gossiping like a pair of old women. We should see if we can find you a piece of ass.”
Eddie laughed. “I don’t want to. I just want to hang with the guys.”
“What’s up? It isn’t like you not to want to chase tail. Hell, we’re in Vegas!”
“So, maybe I’m growing up a little. I just want to chill.”
Chase gave him a puzzled look. “Okay, so we chill.”
They stood in silence for a few minutes until Eddie turned to him. “What’s April’s story?”
Chase chuckled. “So that’s it! You’ve already got your eye on a girl, huh?”
Eddie shrugged. “I’m just curious. She’s new. She doesn’t really seem to know anyone yet. She seems nice.”
Chase narrowed his eyes at him. “And since when have you been interested in nice girls?”
Eddie shrugged again. “I’m not. Like I said, I was just curious. Never mind.”
“Okay, sorry.” He didn’t want Eddie to clam up on him. “You know she came to the lake from Montana, right?”
“Yeah, there’s some connection with Missy’s brother?”
“He was the one who brought her. Sounds as though she was in a really bad marriage. Chance brought her to California for a new start.”
Eddie nodded, but said nothing.
“You know she’s a got kid, right? He’s Ethan’s new best buddy.”
“Course I do, we met them at the airport this morning.”
“Oh, yeah. We did. I just didn’t want you going and getting interested in a chick who wouldn’t work out for you.”
“Who said I’m interested?”
Chase had to laugh. “You do! It’s written all over your face.”
Eddie gave him a sheepish grin. “She just seems nice.”
“Yeah, right, nice!” Chase shook his head. “I don’t see you settling down with anyone for a long time yet, let alone a battered wife with a kid!”
“Jesus, Chase. I’m not talking about settling down, but if I did it’d be less surprising than you and Kenzie. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but life in Summer Lake is kind of hard when you’re single. I was thinking it might be the same for her, and maybe even harder with a kid to take care of, too. Unlike you, I know a middle ground with women. You only know how to fuck ’em or ask ’em to marry you. I know how to be a friend!”
Chase held up a hand. “Whoa! Sorry!”
Eddie rolled his eyes. “No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have gone off on you. But all you couples are so caught up in each other; you have no idea how hard it can be to be single in a small town. You know what I’m like. I pay attention to people, imagine how life must be for them. I’m thinking it must be pretty difficult for April right now. She might need a friend; that’s all.”
“Yeah, sorry. I should have remembered it’s you I’m talking to, not Robin.” He raised an eyebrow. “So you’re telling me you just want to make friends with her? Out of the goodness of your heart? No ulterior motives whatsoever?”
Eddie laughed. “I do have an ulterior motive, yeah. It’d be nice for me to have a friend, too!”
Chase felt bad. Eddie’s life had changed a lot since the other band members had left the lake to go work a season on the cruise ships and Chase himself had moved in with Kenzie.
“Sorry. I didn’t think.”
Eddie punched his shoulder. “It’s okay. She is pretty damned hot; I’m not denying that! Anyway, I’d just as soon change the subject. Who’s that guy talking to Ben and Smoke. I keep thinking he’s one of the bouncers by the looks of him, but I know he’s with the wedding party.”
Chase looked over. “He’s a big buddy of Dan’s, believe it or not!”
“Really?”
Chase nodded. “Apparently they go back a long way. His name’s Ryan. He works some kind of top secret stuff. He could tell you but then he’d have to shoot you, kind of thing.”
“And he and Dan know each other how?”
Chase shrugged. “I dunno. It wouldn’t surprise me if Dan was his boss or something. He’s all mild mannered geek on the surface, but he’s an international man of mystery, secret agent really.”
Eddie laughed. “Yeah, I can see that!”
“Let’s go say hi. See what the deal is really.”
~ ~ ~
Smoke smiled as the two band guys came to join them. He liked Chase, and Eddie seemed like a good guy.
“Have you guys met Ryan yet?” he asked.
Ryan nodded and extended a hand. “You’re the band, right?”
Chase nodded. “That’d be us.”
“Awesome. Would you mind if I stop by to see your setup before the fun starts tomorrow? I used to play a little myself. I love checking out other guys’ gear.”
Smoke chuckled. “Sorry, but that sounds so, so wrong.”
Ryan laughed with him. “Yeah. I should probably put that another way, huh?”
“I would if I were you,” said Ben. He jerked his head toward a leggy blonde and her friend who were hovering nearby. “Your admirers might get the wro
ng idea.”
Ryan laughed. “I wouldn’t mind if they did.”
“So you’re not going to be joining Ben and Nate later when they go off to see what pleasures Vegas holds?” asked Smoke.
Ryan shook his head. “I need a break. Women are too much like hard work these days.”
Smoke cocked his head to one side. “You surprise me. I thought you’d be up for anything and everything.”
“I used to be.”
“Can I guess that coming face-to-face with your ex has messed with your head?” asked Ben.
Ryan met his gaze. Smoke could tell he was searching for a witty comeback. He was a tough looking guy—built like a brick shithouse was the term that kept coming to Smoke’s mind. He wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of him. It seemed he decided to drop the pretense and just be straight up honest. His face softened, he looked tired and older all of a sudden. He nodded. “You can and you’d be right. I don’t think I knew it myself, until you pointed it out. Thanks.”
Ben shrugged. “You’re welcome, and I’m sorry.”
“How did you know?” asked Ryan.
“Because that’s exactly what’s going on with me, too.”
Smoke had to wonder how the hell a woman like Leanne could have gotten to a guy like Ryan. He liked Ryan. He was a straight shooter, obviously intelligent, funny, a real guy’s guy. Leanne was…. well, she was just a piece of work as far as Smoke was concerned. “This is Vegas though, guys,” he said. “The place where you come to escape. Where you can escape the past, escape the future, escape real life in general.”
Ben rubbed his hand over his face. “Yeah. Not so easy to do when your past comes here to join you.”
Ryan nodded. “I’d have to agree with that.”
Smoke shook his head. He didn’t know how to relate. The only woman in his past was one he’d been glad to escape! Not one whose presence would taunt him if he ever had to see her again. He was eager to change the subject. He pointed his drink to where the old guys were sitting watching one of the dancers shake her stuff. “Your granddad, sure knows how to enjoy Vegas, Ben, even if you don’t.”