by Leah Atwood
“Your mom is right, dear.” Gram wiped her forehead with her palm. “The baby probably won’t show up until the wee hours of the night, and I’m sure Gina will want some rest before accepting visitors. Goodness knows you need a night out with folks your own age.”
Dani didn’t miss the tired look in Gram’s eyes. “Go lie down for a spell, Gram. I don’t have to leave quite yet—Mom and I will take care of this.”
Gram’s chest rose and fell with heavy breaths, and the defeat in her expression made Dani want to cry. “I think I will go sit in front of the air conditioner for a few minutes. This old body doesn’t tolerate the heat like it used to.”
After she left the room, Dani turned to her mom. “What do you know about Gram?”
“Nothing that you don’t. I’d like to think if it were something serious, she’d tell us, but I don’t know.” Her mom bit her lower lip, worry lines creasing her forehead. “I pray she’s only tired and needs some rest.”
“I hope so.”
A companionable silence filled the air as they finished cleaning up from the party. When they finished, Dani picked up her keys and purse, ready to leave.
Her mom put an arm out to stop her. “I’m really proud of you. I know why you organized this party, and it warms a mother’s heart to see your compassion.”
Uncomfortable with the praise, Dani shrugged. “She’s family. We look out for each other.”
“You’ve turned into a fine young woman, Danica.”
Emotions lodged in her throat. “I’ve had good examples to follow.”
“Have fun tonight. If I hear anything about Gina, I’ll give you a call.”
“Please do.” She gave her mom a hug, went to tell Gram bye, and then left for her house to get ready for the night.
At home, Dani changed out of the tangerine-colored sundress she’d worn for Gina’s party and put on a pair of denim shorts and a pullover lime-colored shirt with sheer, flowing sleeves. She decided not to wear any jewelry—it was too hot outside for any added accessories. The white sandals she wore with her dress earlier would suffice for tonight as well. Looking in the mirror, she was happy with her appearance, but added a layer of dark plum lipstick. She liked the way the vivid color brought out the deep brown in her eyes.
She dug her phone from her purse. No more messages from Rob, but she might catch him before he went onstage.
The party was a success. Best part is that Gina went into labor on the way home.
A reply came within seconds. That’s great. Hope all goes well.
Is Bryce nearby? Could you let him know?
He is, but I don’t think that’s a good idea.
Dani stared at the phone, confused. —Why not?
He doesn’t know we’re friends and might get the wrong idea about us. Bryce doesn’t think I’m capable of just being friends with a female.
Blood froze in her veins. The subtext was clear—friendship was all they shared, but the truth knocked the breath out of her, because she realized she did want more than friendship. Every conversation they had, everything she learned about him, made her fall for him. Little by little, he was opening up to her, and subconsciously, she’d allowed herself to believe in a possibility of a relationship that extended beyond friendship.
So be it. The truth stung, but the needle in her heart was her own doing. He’d never implied anything more than what it was between them. She never should have let her guard down, but it wasn’t too late to rebuild the walls.
Good idea. He tends to overreact. I’ll call him tomorrow once I know more info. :) The smiley face served more as her reminder to smile than anything else.
She didn’t hear anything more from Rob, and she decided that was for the best. This was the first Saturday she’d had off to go out, save for the wedding, in over a year. The look on Mel’s face when she told her she’d be at the barbecue was priceless.
“You know it’s on a Saturday, right? In the evening?” Mel, the event’s organizer, had teased with a good-natured smile.
“Yes, I know. I’ve already cleared it with my assistant to cover for the whole day,” she’d said.
Picking up the round brush from her dresser, she looked in the mirror again. Initially, she’d thought to leave her hair down, but second-guessed that decision, as the humidity increased with every passing hour. She brushed her hair until it had a glossy shine, then, using nimble fingers, coerced the strands into a french braid, leaving the plaits loosely woven to preserve a casual air.
It was almost time to leave. She went to the refrigerator, a state of the art, french door model with a hot water dispenser that she used often when she opted for a cup of hot tea. Its sleek, stainless steel front looked out of place in her otherwise outdated kitchen, but it was her splurge last spring. As she had the money, she would update the cabinetry and other appliances. Most of her cooking was done at the restaurant, and she rarely used her own dishwasher, making the fridge a priority. Especially after she’d opened the freezer of her old one and found the food thawed.
Last night, she’d made a double batch of her herbed potato salad, one for Gina’s party and one for the barbeque. She grabbed the peach-hued Tupperware bowl from a refrigerator shelf and closed the door. Was there anything else she was supposed to bring? Not that she could remember. Balancing the bowl in one hand, she slipped her other arm through the strap of her purse and grabbed her keys.
Mel’s house was twenty minutes away. Dani hadn’t been there before, but was familiar with the road, because she’d had a friend in high school that had lived on the same street. After she pulled onto Cypress Lane, she slowed down, watching for the correct house number. She needn’t have paid attention to them. A house came into view with a driveway full of cars she recognized from church. Several other cars and trucks lined the street in front of the home.
She parked her Explorer, grabbed the potato salad, and got out of her vehicle. The smell of grilled meat filled the air, and her mouth watered. A flashy black sports car parked behind her SUV. Jeff Comeau stepped out from the driver’s side, all pearly white teeth and beefy muscle that belied him sitting behind a desk all day. At six feet four inches tall, he stood above most people, and had thick, chocolate brown hair that all fell naturally into place, no styling products needed. Many a woman had hoped to attract his attention over the years, but none had succeeded.
Dani wasn’t intimidated by his good looks, and didn’t deny he’d been blessed by the gene pool, nor was she impressed by his family’s wealth—his daddy owned the local bank and had recently put Jeff in charge. To her, Jeff was an old friend, someone she’d known since they’d gone to pre-school together, much like Webster Malone.
“Let me take that for you,” Jeff said, snatching the bowl of salad from her hand.
“Thanks. I wasn’t expecting to see you here.” Everyone knew Jeff worked more than even she did. The term “banker’s hours” meant nothing to him.
“And miss out on a meal that’s not microwaved? I don’t think so.” An easy smile spread across his face. “What about you? I haven’t seen you around lately outside church.”
“It’s hard to get away from Bayou Bits on the weekends.” She began walking toward the house.
Jeff followed, matching her steps. “You would think weekends should be clear for me, with the bank and all, but I can’t remember the last entire weekend I had off. I logged in a full day this morning and afternoon preparing for an upcoming audit.”
They reached the door and Jeff knocked. Mel answered, switching a curious look from Dani to Jeff. Two people who rarely attended events, arriving together. Jeff carrying her bowl. Dani had no doubt of the thoughts running through Mel’s overactive imagination.
“Glad you guys could make it.” Mel peered behind them, and Dani had a sneaking suspicion she was searching to see if they came in the same car.
She reclaimed the bowl from Jeff. “Where do you want this?”
“Follow me out back, and I’ll show you.”
>
Mel turned and started to walk.
Jeff winked. He clearly hadn’t missed Mel’s probing gaze either. “After you.”
Amused, Dani went through the house, exiting the rear door leading to a patio. On top of a round table was a small, inflatable kiddie pool filled with ice. Various containers were nestled inside.
“Go ahead and find a spot on the ice.” Mel chuckled. “It might look strange, but it works great to keep the food chilled.”
“Very innovative.” She carried the bowl, set it on the ice, and moved some cubes around its sides.
At the far end of the patio, several men from the singles class were hovering around the grill. To the side was a smaller table that held platters of hamburgers, hot dogs and smoked sausage. In the yard, Brad Jones and Eli Alexander were playing a round of horseshoes. A volleyball net was set up, but no one yet had initiated a game.
Dani moved from the patio, taking a seat on a lawn chair that was set up as part of a circle where several other women sat.
“Hi Dani, glad to see you,” Rachel Seabreeze said, and several similar sentiments echoed through the group.
Dani spent the next half hour socializing with them, catching up on the latest in their lives. No one brought up the woes of being unattached. It was a subject of which she grew weary during some previous events she’d attended though she delighted with those who were dating and forming relationships.
Ted Delafonte, the unofficial leader of the singles class, cleared his throat from the edge of the patio. “The food’s all ready, so what say you we pray then eat?”
The group quieted down, and Ted recited a prayer, blessing the food and their time together. Dani stayed back, choosing to let the line die down before going to make a plate. After ten minutes, she left her seat and went to the table with the meat. The bag of hamburger buns was empty, so she reached for the next one and untwisted the red tie. She grabbed a bun and used a pair of tongs to pick up a patty with cheese melted over it. From the kiddie pool buffet, she dropped a spoonful of bean salad, potato salad, and pasta salad onto her plate. She added a deviled egg, telling herself she’d run an extra mile tomorrow.
Returning to her chair, she saw it claimed by someone else, so she found a spot next to Alice, an old friend.
“How’d your cousin’s party go this morning?” Alice asked.
“Very nicely.” She situated the plate on her lap. “She went into labor on the way home.”
“Oh, wow. Any baby yet?”
“Not that I know of. Gram and Mom both said they’d call when they heard something.”
“Gina’s a sweet girl. I’ve spoken with her a few times at church.” Alice lifted her hotdog and took a bit.
“She is. We’ve never gotten to spend much time together since she lived so far away, but we’ve gotten together numerous times since she’s moved here.” The napkin on her lap blew away. She moved her plate to bend and retrieve it, but Jeff got it first.
“Here you go.” He handed her the napkin, and she crumpled it into her pocket. “Is this seat taken?” he asked, motioning to the chair on the opposite side of her.
“No, it’s free.”
“Hi, Alice.” Jeff’s long legs stretched out in front of him. He leaned back in the chair, completely at ease. “How’s your aunt recovering?”
Alice smoothed her hair, blushing. “It’s been a long road, but she’s doing much better. She’s able to walk for short distances now as long as she uses the walker.”
Yeah, she’s one of the women not immune to Jeff. Dani tried not to find it entertaining, but she couldn’t help it. “Does she need any more meals sent to her yet?” The church had been sending them over regularly until the elderly woman’s freezer was full.
“When I was there last week, she still had plenty, but I know she has a weakness for your seafood gumbo.”
“Say no more. Monday afternoon, I’ll drop some off to her.” Reaching for a drink, she realized she never got one. “Do you know where the drinks are?”
Alice finished chewing and swallowed. “They’re in coolers along the back side of the house.”
“I’ll be right back.” Standing, she set her plate on the chair.
Jeff also stood. “I’ll go with you.”
Once by the coolers, she crouched down and lifted the lid to the first one. All bottled water. Moving on, she checked the second one, where she found canned sodas. She went back to the first one and took a bottle of water. When she stood, she saw Jeff leaning against the wall, staring at her.
Something in his gaze made her self-conscience. She looked down at her shirt for any sign of food spillage. All was clear. “Why are you looking at me like that?” A nervous laugh bubbled up from her chest.
“I have a confession.”
“Okay?” She was confused.
“I still have work at the office to do.”
The breath she’d been holding left her and her chest relaxed. He’d only been goofing around. “I’m sure it can wait until Monday.”
“I only took off early because I knew you’d be here.”
“Oh.” She drew the word out, long and quiet. Darting a glance around, she looked to see if anyone was observing them—they were in relative obscurity. She took a sip of her water, prolonging a response, since she didn’t know what else to say.
“I like you, Dani. We’ve been friends for a long time, but lately I wonder if we could have more.”
A coughing fit took over, such was her shock. “This is out of the blue.”
Jeff chuckled. “Not the response I was looking for, but I get it.”
“Neither of us have time for more.”
“Which is why we’d be ideal. We understand the constraints of time.” Unfazed, Jeff touched her shoulder. “Just one date, that’s all I’m asking for.”
Images of Rob materialized in her memory. What she wanted, she couldn’t have. If she was going to break her no-dating fast, what better man than Jeff? He was everything a woman could want in a man. Solid, hard-working, a dedicated Christian, and stable. She’d never thought of him in that way, but what could one date hurt? If anything, he could be a distraction to help her get over her inane attraction to Rob.
“Okay. One date.” The answer almost surprised her, and she sucked in another deep breath.
“Do you still have the same number?”
“Yes.” Her hands felt awkward, and she busied them taking the cap back off her drink.
“How about I call you in the early part of the week and we’ll find a time that works for both of us.”
As her mind tried to process the unexpected events, she struggled to form a full sentence. “Okay.”
Removing his hand from her shoulder, Jeff stepped back, his smile never faltering. “It’s all right to smile. I didn’t ask you to a death sentence.”
His easy charm helped put her at ease, and she smiled. The rest of the night flew by, and she noticed Jeff kept a casual distance. At first, she’d thought it peculiar, then she remembered Mel’s curious looks earlier. It dawned on her that Jeff was preventing any gossip from forming, and for that she was thankful. Only partially convinced that going on a date was the right choice, she didn’t need or want any imposing questions.
She went home that night, confused, but a little excited. If nothing else, she’d at least have fun with Jeff, since they had a longtime friendship behind them. They hadn’t spent much time together individually, but always got along and were companionable. There was a level of comfort in hanging out with someone she’d always known that took off much of the pressure.
Pip greeted her at the back door. She set down the empty Tupperware bowl and her purse then picked up the cat, nuzzling his soft fur.
Her phone vibrated and she reached over, Pip still in hand, hurriedly digging it out from her purse. She’d been awaiting news of Gina and had kept her phone close by all evening. Looking down at the screen, it wasn’t news of her cousin after all. It was a message from Rob.
M
aybe Bryce is right.
What in the world was that supposed to mean? It could be taken multiple ways, but she couldn’t handle thinking about the possibilities tonight.
She hugged Pip closer. “Life is so confusing.”
Chapter 9
Las Vegas’ famed lights sparkled and flashed in all their garish glory, brightened against the obsidian drop cloth of night. They represented vacations of elaborate shows, endless buffets and never-ending entertainment. To some, it was a den of iniquity, and to others, a fun getaway to escape life’s burdens.
For Rob, they signified the final stop of the tour and the relief that always accompanied the end. Sure, the tours were fun, and he was doing something he loved, but they were equally exhausting. By their end, everyone was worn out, tempers had a tendency to rise, and the cohesive unit they worked hard to maintain hung by a fraying thread. The Redemption tour was no different, though— to everyone’s relief— not to the extremes of previous trips.
Rob and Jay were in the bus that brought up the rear of their caravan. With Jay behind the wheel, Rob sat in the passenger seat, glad he didn’t have to deal with the traffic. The last time they’d passed through Vegas, just over two years ago, he’d pulled the short straw and been given the headache-causing task of maneuvering what amounted to a small home on wheels through crowded streets. He didn’t envy Jay, although he’d driven through his fair share of cities during the last few weeks.
“Can you put the address in the GPS?” Jay asked.
“Why not follow the others?”
“We got separated from them a few lights back.”
Glancing up, Rob saw for the first time the rest of their caravan had moved out of sight. “Sure. What’s the address?”
Jay gave him a number and street name. “I want to say it’s a street over from where we were last time, but I’m not sure.”
“I think you’re right.” He entered the information into the in-dash device.