She didn’t have a chance to think about it more, however, because just then a loud voice proclaimed, “Logan Trahan, I am here to be impressed. But I’m not holdin’ my breath.”
Tori looked toward the voice, her mouth stretching into a huge grin. “Oh my gosh.”
“You know her?” Andrew asked, also watching Logan meet the much smaller, much older woman in the middle of his restaurant and lift her up into his arms for a hug.
“That’s Ellie,” Tori said, feeling what she could only term as fondness as she watched Ellie. She’d just met the woman the other day but, yes, she was very fond of her. “She’s Josh’s grandma.”
“That’s Josh’s grandma?” Andrew asked, as Ellie said, “Holy shit, boy,” to Logan and asked him, “Does that pretty wife of yours know that you’re still out here letting all of that charm ooze out all over the place?”
“It is,” Tori said with a nod, still watching the scene. “She’s hilarious.”
“What’s she doing here?”
“I think Ellie kind of has a radar for fun,” Tori said.
Ellie looked over and gave Tori a little wink and blew her a kiss. That warmed Tori to her toes. In a different way than Josh did, of course, but dang there was something about these Landrys that made her just…happy. She’d been a little stunned by how Josh’s family had embraced her and pulled her into their fold, but she was already eager to experience it again. But she couldn’t leave Andrew, and she didn’t think her friend would want to join the Landry clan.
Josh looked over and their eyes met, and when she grinned at him, something in his expression became instantly hot and possessive. And yeah, that definitely warmed her. For just a second she thought he was going to get up and come over. But then someone else walked in.
Tori’s smile got even bigger. This was highly entertaining. Right up there with the cemetery. “And that’s Josh’s sister,” she said to Andrew.
Andrew looked over and took a moment to study Kennedy. Which is what any straight guy with a pulse would do. She was not only gorgeous, but she carried herself with a way that said, “You can look, but you can’t handle this.” Her hair, her piercings, her tattoos, her clothes, her…everything…was as opposite from Paisley Darbonne as someone could get.
“Um, wow,” was all Andrew came up with as he turned back to Tori.
Tori gave a soft chuckle. That pretty much summed it up. “Josh’s family is very…involved in each other’s lives. And…”
“Loud and obnoxious?” Andrew asked.
Tori gave him a frown. She didn’t know them well, but she felt defensive of his insult of them. “Boisterous, but fun. And loving.”
“You’re definitely getting in deep here, Tori,” Andrew said. “Just slow down a little. Be careful.”
“I don’t need to be careful, Andrew. They’re wonderful. And I’m not stupid.”
“Of course you’re not. But they’re…new. And, sure, fun. I get the appeal. Like Cajun food. It’s great. In small amounts. But it’s spicy and different. Do you really want that all the time, every day?”
Tori shook her head. “Don’t you like Cajun food?” She knew they weren’t talking about the unique blend of unusual meats and spices that were an integral part of Louisiana cuisine.
“Sure. Sometimes.”
“Well, I have Josh taking care of me now,” she said with a smile. “He finds me adorable. His word. And I know that he’d have my back if I did something that other people thought was weird or something.”
“Seems like he’s the one doing weird things,” Andrew said, almost in a mutter.
She laughed. Andrew had not enjoyed the museums or cemetery today. “He’s different. And I love that. He makes me feel comfortable and accepted and…special.”
Andrew’s scowl deepened and Tori frowned in response. Shouldn’t Andrew be glad about all of that?
“You’re in love with him?” Andrew asked flatly.
The question hit her directly in the chest and she took a quick little breath. “Um…well…” The answer was clear though. And this was Andrew. He was hurt that she hadn’t told him about Josh before. So now was a good time to confide in him. “I think I’m falling in love with him,” she said honestly.
Andrew blew out a breath.
“What?” She leaned in. “You’re not happy for me?”
Andrew looked at her, affection clear in his eyes. “I’m worried.”
“You really don’t like Josh?”
“It’s not Josh I’m worried about, exactly.” Andrew shifted on the barstool, also leaning in. “I just think you’re…doing your thing.”
“My thing?” But she knew what he meant and her stomach dropped. Hell, she’d just told Josh all about “her thing.” She sighed. “Okay, you’re worried this is Valentine’s Day 2006 again.” He’d even mentioned it last night.
Andrew gave her an indulgent smile. “You could have just passed him a note or said, ‘Hey, Marcus, want to go out sometime?’”
“Yeah.” Of course he had a point there. It was the same point he’d made back then too. “But Josh is different.”
“When the guys with the kittens were going to dump them, you could have just asked for the kittens. Or offered them ten bucks. I’m sure they would have taken it.”
She sighed. “Fine. Okay.”
“And instead of filling Carter Langley’s car with mud and dog shit and grass, you could have just approached him or even gone to the cops and had them talk to him about taking care of his dogs.”
“He wasn’t cleaning their pen at all. I was showing him how unpleasant that is,” Tori said hotly. And she’d do all of that again, dammit.
“You went over-the-top.”
“I was trying to make a point.”
“Well, my point is that this might be another time when you’re overdoing it.”
Tori felt her heart plummet toward her toes. Was falling for Josh an overreaction to everything? It had only been a day with Josh. Okay, kind of two. And two nights a year ago. But these days had been eventful. Fun. Different. Very different.
Yeah, okay, maybe she was overreacting a little.
Andrew reached out and took her hand. “You know I just want you to be happy, right?”
“I am.”
“And safe. I need you to be safe. Physically. Emotionally.” He squeezed her hand. “I know you’ve known him for a year, but you haven’t been here with him. He hasn’t come to Iowa. Maybe you’ve talked a lot but—”
“How do you know he hasn’t been to Iowa?” He would know if Tori had been in Louisiana. She would have called him and hoped to see him.
He hesitated. “Uh—”
“You asked my dad.”
He nodded. “Yes.”
She wasn’t surprised. She was a bit annoyed however. “Why?”
“Because I’m concerned. And curious.”
“Great. And now my dad is concerned and curious.”
“Of course he is.”
“And he asked you to talk to me about all of this.”
Tori had always known her dad didn’t really understand her. He was a private person, who didn’t make a big deal out of, well, anything really, and when she got worked up about things, he couldn’t relate. Worse, when she made a big deal for him, he got terribly embarrassed. Like the time when she was in kindergarten and he’d come to school to have lunch with her. She’d nearly swooned. She’d sat him in the middle of her group of friends and they’d all given him their cookies and pudding cups, and Tori had told every single kid, person, and janitor her dad’s name, his favorite baseball team, that he hid watermelon candies in the door of his truck, and that he and her mom went to bed early on Thursdays and moved the furniture around. That had been their explanation to her about the noises and bed squeaking she heard through the wall anyway. He’d never come to another school lunch with her. Or like the time when she was ten and made him his favorite brownies and took them into the diner where she knew he was having coffee with h
is friends and had all of the guys sing “Happy Birthday” to him and made him blow out the candles. Or the time she’d written a poem for the school talent night when she was a sixth grader and it had been all about him. He’d gotten up and left before she was done. It hadn’t been because he’d been upset or didn’t like it. She knew that. He was just painfully uncomfortable being the center of attention.
Over the years, she’d learned to pull back on all of that. Really being emotional toward any humans. She’d channeled it all into the animals she loved.
And that he did understand. They shared a love for animals and he’d been incredibly proud of her going to veterinarian school. So she’d been content with sharing that with him.
But her displays of passion, and love for the animals that involved punching people and cow poop, concerned him. Those he didn’t understand.
And yes, hearing that she was considering moving to Louisiana for a guy she barely knew and that he’d never met, would definitely concern him. He wouldn’t understand that for sure. He’d met her mom at the county fair when she was only twelve and he was fifteen, and he’d never dated anyone else since.
“He actually didn’t ask me to talk to you,” Andrew said. “He knew I’d take care of you.”
That should have made her feel good. And for most of her life, it had. Having her dad and Andrew looking out for her had always given her a sense of comfort and security.
But right now, it was making her stomach knot up and her temper spike.
“You’ve met Josh,” she said calmly. “He’s great. And he really likes me.”
Andrew blew out a breath. “Of course he does, Tori. You’re awesome.”
That took her by surprise. Of course she knew Andrew liked her and thought she was great. If weird. But he didn’t say that often. “Well…thanks.”
“You’re surprised by that?” he asked.
Clearly it had showed in her face.
“Really? I’ve been your friend practically all our lives.” He seemed almost hurt.
“Yes. Of course. You were protective. But maybe…” She frowned, thinking about it all. “I guess maybe I thought you just always felt a little sorry for me.”
There it was. She and Andrew had always gotten along. She’d always appreciated having him on her side. She’d always enjoyed their time together. But she wasn’t sure she’d ever felt that it was a soul-deep connection. Their friendship wasn’t based on shared interests or passions. It was a way for her do “her thing” without horrible ridicule and his way of taking care of someone. It worked for them, for sure. Andrew accepted her and her craziness more easily than her dad did. But he didn’t really get her either.
“Hell, Tori,” Andrew said, pulling her attention back to his face and the conversation. “That’s what you really thought? That I just felt sorry for you?”
“Hey,” she said, squeezing his hand and giving him a little smile. “More than most, I can understand how you can love things that need you.”
Andrew frowned and his grip on her hand tightened. “I don’t love you because you need me, Tori. I love you because—”
“Andrew! I’m so happy to meet you!” Suddenly Ellie was at Andrew’s side, beaming up at him.
Andrew was clearly startled as he turned on his stool. “Um, hello.”
“I’m Ellie. One of Tori’s biggest fans.” Ellie gave Tori a bright smile.
That was such a nice thing to say and a surprising way for her to introduce herself that Tori was tongue-tied for a moment.
“Well, it’s nice to meet another of Tori’s fans,” Andrew said, recovering and giving the older woman a smooth smile. “I’m the President of her fan club. Have been for years.”
Tori looked at him with wide eyes.
“Lovely.” Ellie patted him on the arm. “Though I don’t know if you’re going to have that position for much longer.”
“I can’t imagine what would change it,” Andrew said, still smiling but with a coolness sneaking into his tone.
“Well, sounds to me like you will soon have your hands full leading a new fan club,” Ellie said. “Gosh, tomorrow, right?”
Andrew looked puzzled. “I’m sorry?”
“Your wedding is tomorrow isn’t it?” Ellie asked.
“Oh, well, yes.”
“And you’ll need to be the biggest fan of your lovely new wife,” Ellie said.
Andrew cleared his throat. “Yes, well, of course.”
Ellie nodded as if she’d expected that answer. “But no worries.” She smiled up at Tori. “I think there’s someone new to take over with Tori.”
This was all so strange. But Tori couldn’t help her smile. “You’re all so sweet.”
Andrew didn’t say anything. But he was back to scowling.
“And speaking of your lovely bride,” Ellie went on. “I know you need to get back to her. But,” she said, turning to Tori. “I want you and Josh to go out with us.”
“Go where?” Tori asked, intrigued for sure. Ellie Landry was something even in tiny Autre. In the city of New Orleans? This could only be trouble. In the best possible way.
“The Crimson Stiletto,” Ellie said, her eyes twinkling.
“What’s that?” Tori asked, already smiling.
“Burlesque club.”
Tori laughed. “Oh, wow. I’ve never been to one.”
“It is the best time.”
“Hey, weren’t you banned from the Crimson Stiletto?” Josh asked as he joined them.
Finally.
Tori felt her heart give a little extra hi Josh beat. He gave her a grin as if maybe he felt it too.
“Oh, we hashed all of that out,” Ellie said, waving his question away.
“You sure? I don’t really want to haul you out of there cussing and swinging. Again,” Josh said.
Ellie didn’t deny that had happened. She laughed. “Nope, not this time.” She looked at Tori and Andrew. “My boyfriend’s ex works there and we got into it last time I was in there. But once I got him to pay her the five hundred dollars she thought he owed her—which he didn’t, but he’s a big fancy lawyer so he can spare it—she decided I was a good egg and we get along fine now.”
Andrew’s mouth opened as if to reply, but then he shook his head and shut it. Tori hid her grin. She thought that maybe a lot of people had that reaction to Ellie a lot of the time. He did look at Josh, though. “You had to carry her out of there?” he seemingly couldn’t help but ask.
“Yep, she was halfway across the table with her claws out when I grabbed her.” He put his arm around Ellie. “Good thing she’s little.”
His grandma elbowed him in his side but grinned up at him. “Hey, a girl doesn’t get by with calling Trevor an asshole douchebag with me.”
“I’ve heard you call him worse. To his face,” Josh teased.
“Yeah, but he’s mine. I can do that.”
And, though it was stupid, because they were just goofing around, Tori realized she wanted to say “he’s mine” about someone.
No, not just someone.
Josh.
She wanted Josh to be hers.
She looked at Andrew, who was watching the Landrys with a bit of disbelief mixed with amusement. Andrew thought she was being crazy and overreacting. Andrew, who had known her most of her life and had seen her overreact. He was kind of a specialist in this area.
Dammit.
“Okay, okay,” Josh said to Ellie. Then he looked up at Tori. “So what do you say? Crimson Stiletto?”
She started to reply but Andrew broke in. “We need to get back to the plantation. But if you want to go with your family, that’s no problem. Tori is fine with us.”
Josh let go of Ellie and moved in closer to Tori’s stool. “Oh, I’m not going anywhere without Tori. And yeah, you do probably need to get back. But she can come out with us.”
Andrew took the last swallow of his drink and set his glass down. “Tori is a part of the wedding party. She needs to come back to Buckworth.”<
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“Why?” Josh challenged.
“Paisley wants everyone there tonight,” Andrew said with a lift of his shoulder.
“I will have Tori back in time for the wedding,” Josh said.
“Not good enough,” Andrew returned.
“How about we let Tori decide?”
Josh turned to her as her stomach dropped. Crap. She didn’t want to have to choose between them.
“What do you say? We’ll have fun and I promise I’ll get you back and in bed with plenty of time to spare.” He said it with a look in his eyes that told her clearly where he was spending tonight and that she wouldn’t be going to sleep early. “Owen can take everyone back to Buckworth and Kennedy will drop us off later.”
It sounded like fun, no doubt about it. Something she’d never done before. Something she couldn’t do in Elton, Iowa. Or maybe anywhere in Iowa to be honest. And she certainly couldn’t do it with Josh in Iowa. Or Ellie. Or Kennedy. People she was starting to care for, no matter how reckless or overreactive that might be.
But this was Andrew. Andrew’s wedding. And Paisley was already put out by them being gone in New Orleans all day. It was kind of Tori’s fault too. If Josh hadn’t been her plus one, there wouldn’t have been an alternative to the tour that got cancelled and everyone would have stuck close to Buckworth today.
“You’re here for me,” Andrew said, before Tori could reply. “I…appreciate that Josh is here as your date and I don’t want to be a jerk, but you’re really down here because of me, right?”
“Well, because of your wedding,” Josh replied pointedly.
Andrew didn’t respond to that. “I’d really like for you to come back to Buckworth with me.”
Tori frowned. She wouldn’t be going back just with him. It would be with the whole group from Iowa. And if she did go back to the plantation, it would because of the wedding activities, not to be with Andrew.
She knew that Josh was rubbing Andrew the wrong way. He was concerned she didn’t know Josh well and that she was either taking this too seriously and was going to get hurt or make a fool of herself. But she wasn’t choosing between these two men. She should be able to have her best friend and a romantic interest.
She frowned at Andrew. “Once you’re back at Buckworth, you’ll be with Paisley. Why do you care if I’m there?”
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