Come to Me Free

by Leah Atwood

  “No need to be rude.” She lowered her eyelashes, giving him a coy look.

  “Rude begets rude.” He couldn’t stop the attitude.

  “Is this how you treat all your visitors?” Someone couldn’t take a hint if it were spelled out in front of her.

  “I don’t accept visitors,” he told her in a monotonous voice.

  “That’s not what I’ve heard. I thought since the tour was ending, we could give things another try, make up for the first date.”

  “No.” Pushing past her, he opened the door, entered the bus, and then shut the door in her face. One day he’d have to apologize for taking his wrath out on her, but not today. Besides, it was brash of her to even show up like she had.

  He slunk down on the couch before the temptation to punch a hole in the wall overcame reason. How’d the night get so out of control? One minute, he was enjoying the most delicious meal he’d had in months. The next, Bryce and he were at each other’s throats. This day had turned into a miserable waste, from the close call that brought on the episode, to the fight.

  Sometime later— could have been a minute, could have been an hour— someone knocked at the door.

  “Who is it?” With any luck, his snarliness would get rid of the person. He wasn’t fit for company tonight.

  “Bryce.” From his tone, it was hard to tell what Bryce wanted. Would he continue flinging insults or attempt amends?

  “Go away.” Regardless of motives, he didn’t want to speak with him.

  “Come on, Rob. We need to talk.”

  He went to the door and opened it. “Don’t you think you’ve said enough?”

  “We both said things that were out of line. I’m sorry, okay?” Bryce’s shoulder sagged, losing the air of confidence he usually carried.

  “No, it’s not okay.” He began to close the door.

  Bryce shoved a hand in the way to keep it open. “Is it true, you and Dani?”

  “What does it matter?”

  Keeping a hand on the door, Bryce shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess I never thought about the possibility.”

  “Yeah, well, there’s nothing to worry about.” Acerbic mockery seeped from each word he spoke. “Dani and I are only friends if you could even call it that.”

  “Did you want it to be more?” Some of the angst left Bryce’s tone.

  “Again, it doesn’t matter. I don’t believe in relationships.” Unfazed, Rob never blinked.

  “See, that right there is why I wouldn’t want you involved with Dani.” He glanced around, then pushed his way into the bus. “She’s not a love ’em and leave ’em type of girl, but you’re that man.”

  Rob laughed, but it was a sad, humorless sound. “Funny, how we’re supposed to be such good friends, but when it comes down to it, you don’t know me at all.”

  “Are you really going to deny that you have had your fun, your share of women?” Bryce crossed his arms, his posture rigid.

  “You want the truth? Here it is.” He matched his stance to Bryce’s, looking him straight in the eye. “All those girls you think I’ve been with—none progressed to anything past the date. No one has ever been to my place. I’ve never been to theirs. Tell me, friend, can you say the same?”

  Bryce coughed, gave a skeptical laugh. “You really expect me to believe that? This ain’t our first tour, or are you forgetting all those times along the way?”

  “Think hard, and you’ll never remember a night I wasn’t back on the tour bus, alone.” He watched Bryce and saw his expression change as he realized there was truth to his words. “Not everything is what it seems.”

  Acceptance of his statement as truth filled Bryce’s widened eyes. “If that’s true, then why? Why the act?”

  “Because…” The fight left him. He sat down on one of the two leather dining chairs. “Because it’s easier than explaining why I don’t do relationships.”

  “And why don’t you?” Bryce took a seat in the other chair.

  He sighed and shoved a hand through his hair, debating on how open to be. “I was engaged once before I came to Nashville.”

  Resting an arm on the table, Bryce looked shocked. “What happened?”

  “Two weeks before our wedding, she was killed in a car accident.”

  Bryce gulped. “Oh, man.”

  “She was the love of my life, the only woman I’ll ever love. Involving myself with anyone else wouldn’t be fair to that person. I’d feel like I was cheating Carrie’s memory. That was something she and I were to share, know what I mean?” There was more, but he wouldn’t say it. The guilt still ate at him every day of his life, and he wasn’t ready to share it.

  “I had no idea.” Bryce shook his head. “I’m really sorry.”

  “Me too.” He leaned forward. “Maybe now, you’ll realize you have nothing to worry about with Dani and me. Despite what either of us felt, it doesn’t matter.”

  “I might have overreacted. She’s like a sister to me, and I feel honor-bound to protect her, but I was wrong to say what I did. I’m sorry.”

  “And I’m sorry for what I said about Gracie. I know you would’ve been there had you known about her.” Apologies were such a bitter sacrament to the tongue.

  “I’d like to think I would have, but honestly I don’t know. Before I became a Christian, I didn’t make the best decisions. Still don’t at times as I proved tonight.”

  “There was a time, I believed in God.” Rob didn’t know why he admitted that, but he didn’t stop talking. “I walked down the aisle when I was eight and said the prayer.”

  Mouth gaping open, Bryce couldn’t have looked more surprised. “You did?”

  “Yes. After the accident, I lost my faith. There were too many questions I couldn’t have answers to, so I stopped believing.”

  “There are always going to be unanswered questions.” Bryce bit down on his lip before answering. “Don’t you think I want to know why God took Gracie’s mother away? Or why I was cheated out of those first years of Gracie’s life?”

  “But you still ‘found God’, even with all those questions.” He wasn’t asking, was simply making an observation.

  “Thanks to Gramps, and lots of prayers from others, I’m sure.”

  “How?” The whispered word spoke volumes, more than he was aware.

  There were people who believed that everything happened for a reason, that every event in life was predetermined to create a path leading to specific moments. He wasn’t so sure he believed that, but if there were any truth to it, maybe all the events of today worked together to bring him to this point. To that mental, emotional, and spiritual state of exhaustion in which his heart wanted to believe again, wanted to find a way back.

  Chapter 10

  Bayou Bits’ back door opened, and Angela walked through, holding a white paper bag. “I brought presents.”

  Dani sniffed and smiled. She took the bag and peeked inside, her suspicions confirmed. “You are officially the best employee ever. Where’d you find beignets in town?”

  “The new donut shop by the hardware store.” Angela reached over and grabbed a pastry from the bag. Powdered sugar sprinkled everywhere when she took a bite.

  “When did they open?” She grabbed a beignet for herself.

  “Last Friday, I believe.” After grabbing a napkin off the counter, Angela wiped her face.

  Once Dani finished eating hers, she closed the bag that still had two more inside. “I’m tempted to eat another, but then I won’t be hungry for lunch with Jeff.”

  “Where are you going? Anywhere good?”

  “A diner over in Opelousas. He has some forms to deliver to his branch there.” Dani picked up a stack of invoices from the counter and carried them to her office.

  Angela followed. “I see.”

  Dani tightened her shoulders. “He’s a nice man, Ang, but he’s very busy, as am I. Last week, we combined my trip to the supply store with a date. It’s how our relationship works. Is that so wrong?”

 
“As long as you’re happy, then no. Are you admitting it’s a relationship?”

  Angela’s smug look irritated her. “Not in definite terms. For now, we’re content spending time together and don’t feel a need to label it.”

  “Have you kissed?”

  Coughing and sputtering, Dani looked away, not used to such personal questions. If Angela hadn’t become such a good friend, she’d remind her of employer/employee boundaries. “No.”

  “Hmm.” The crooked smile on Angela’s face said a lot about what she thought.

  “We’re not rushing into anything.” That she’d avoided his advance the first two times he’d tried to kiss her was beside the point. She enjoyed spending time with him, but she couldn’t summon any romantic feelings for him, and she’d certainly tried.

  “Whatever justification you need. Remember though, you’re not doing anyone any favors by staying with him when you know there’s no spark.”

  “Is it that obvious?” She scrunched her nose.

  “Yes.”

  “I keep hoping that if I continue spending time with him, then I’ll begin to feel something. Is there something wrong with me? I mean, any other girl would love to be with him.”

  Angela patted her arm. “There’s not a single thing wrong with you, Dani. Our hearts love who they love, or don’t love who they don’t love. No one can force it.”

  “Maybe, but I’m not giving up just yet.”

  Opening her mouth, Angela began to say something, but closed her mouth just as quickly. She gave a small disapproving headshake. “That’s a dangerous road to take.”

  “Enough of that.” She waved the stack of papers in her hands. “I’ve already put away everything that came on the truck this morning and will be leaving after I enter these into the computer.”

  “Did you print out the specials for the week?”

  Dani set down the papers and picked up a manila folder. “It’s all in here,” she said, handing it to Angela. “I’ll be back around two to help you with the evening prep work.”

  “Why don’t you take the evening off since it’s been slow?” Angela glanced through the folder’s contents.

  “I wouldn’t know what to do with myself. I always work Monday nights.”

  “And my role is to give you a break. The back-to-school lull won’t last long. You know once routines are established again, business will boom again and we’ll both be needed. Take the time off while you can.”

  “Do you really think it’s slow because of school starting back?” The numbers had been dismal for three weeks since the school year began. There’d been downturns before at this time of year, but nothing so drastic.

  “Positive. This year’s going to be worse because the regional economy took such a hit this summer with the oil industry, but Bayou Bits is going to be fine.” Angela pointed to a certificate of appreciation from Oden Bridge High School. “You’re well established in the community. As long as there are hungry people, you will have customers.”

  “Thanks for the pep talk.” Dani smiled. “Need me to bring anything when I come back?”

  “I take it you’re not going to follow my advice, but no, I’m good.” Angela left the office.

  Dani spent the next thirty minutes entering the invoices into her accounting program and wrote out checks for payments. When she finished, she grabbed her belongings and went outside. She glanced at her watch, 10:45.

  Right on time, Jeff pulled in, parking in front of her. He slid out of his Camaro. “Good morning, beautiful.” He went to the passenger door and held it open for her.

  “Good morning,” she answered, trying not to grimace at his greeting. Maybe she just wasn’t the lovey-dovey type who thought couples had to greet each other like that, or maybe she was overreacting, looking for any excuse not to like him. It wasn’t even that she didn’t care for him because she did, but only as a friend. She bent down, sitting in the pliant leather seat.

  Jeff closed the door, then circled the front of his car and got back in the driver’s seat. “I know it’s early, but do you mind eating first? The branch manager is at a meeting and won’t be done until noon.”

  “A light lunch will be fine.” Meanwhile, the heaviness of the beignet lingered in her stomach.

  He looked at her before taking off. “It’s not, is it?”

  “I’m sorry.” She frowned.

  “No, I’m sorry. It’s my fault for not making sure of Mrs. Moreaux’s schedule. How about a cup of coffee, and we’ll do lunch another day?”

  “That sounds better.”

  “There’s a nice little coffee shop in the historic district. Have you been to it?” His legs shifted as he put the car in gear.

  “No, but I don’t get that way too often.” Did she tell Angela she’d changed the special for the night? She replayed their conversations. No, but then she remembered writing it in the notes for the day.

  “Everything okay? You looked lost in thought.”

  “Thinking about work and if I relayed something to Angela.” She took out her phone and sent her a text, just in case.

  Jeff laughed. “We’re a pair, aren’t we?”

  “Of workaholics? So I’ve been told.” She nodded, also chuckling. “Angela told me I shouldn’t come back today.”

  “Are you?”

  “What do you think?” She gave him a smile, but it didn’t reflect her mood.

  “Of course. One day we’ll relax, but we know we have to give it our all now.”

  “Exactly,” she mumbled without conviction.

  “Guess what.” Jeff glanced over, his eyes bright with excitement. “Dad gave the approval for the ATM updates. I’ve been after him for two years, and he finally agreed.”

  “That’s great. I know you’ve been pushing for them.” Goodness, she knew. After all, he brought them up almost every time they were together, lamenting that even though he was in charge, his father still had veto power over major changes and expenditures.

  “Dad has a great business sense, but he doesn’t understand how quickly the world of technology changes.” He turned the left blinker on. “There’s a dire need to keep up in order to maintain competitiveness, especially with rumors of Acadiana Regional Bank scouting locations for a branch in Oden Bridge.”

  “Do you think the town council will allow such a large chain to come in? Last year, they passed the economic development plan declaring that permits for new businesses would be issued only to those applications deemed appropriate to maintain the small town atmosphere.” She’d attended a few of the meetings voicing her support of the plan.

  Jeff maneuvered the car from the turn lane onto another road. “Hard to say. Any company is allowed to plead a case. ARB has their roots in small town lending, so they could easily play that up, even though they’re statewide now and even have some branches in Texas and Arkansas.”

  “How will that affect you?” She put her phone away, focusing on the conversation, now that it involved the community.

  “If they come, it’s inevitable that we’ll lose some customers to them. They’re much larger and able to offer some services we’re not able to at this time.” His phone rang, and he reached for it, but then decided not to answer. “ARB has solid leadership, and even though they’re the competition, I know many of their execs and they are good, honest people. Obviously, I want my customers to stay with us and will do what I can to keep their loyalty, but I know they’ll be in good hands regardless.”

  Dani sighed. He’d just proven again what a good man he was, truly caring about his clients. Why couldn’t she feel more for him? The conversation continued with ease until they came into Opelousas. Jeff parallel parked on a busy street, expertly maneuvering his car into a tight spot.

  “We’re here. Hang tight and I’ll come around. The spots are narrow and cars on the road come real close.” He came around and opened the door for her once the road was clear of moving vehicles. Placing his hand on her back, he led her into the coffee shop.


  She walked to the counter, waiting her turn in line. Three people in front of them gave their orders before the barista took theirs—a café au lait for her and straight coffee for Jeff. After their drinks were made, they took them and sat at a table by the window.

  “How’s Erik?” Jeff took a sip. “Did Gina end up taking him to urgent care last night?”

  She was touched that he’d asked about Gina’s infant son. She mentioned he’d been extra fussy yesterday. “No. It seems like her mom and Gram were right when they said it was probably natural tummy problems. She gave him some gas drops and by nightfall he was a happy baby again.”

  “That’s good.” He reached for the sugar dispenser and poured a small stream into his drink. “My sister’s baby was very colicky. I remember the first few months being very rough for her.”

  “So far, Erik’s been a good baby. I try to go see him every few days, and give Gina a little break since her mom went home.” Blowing on her own drink, she brought the cup to her lips.

  “Are you planning on helping at the church’s field day next Saturday?”

  “What field day?” Her knee bumped the table by accident, and Jeff steadied his cup when some of his coffee sloshed out.

  “I think Brother John will announce it this Sunday, but the building and grounds committee is asking for everyone to come together for a day and spruce up the property.”

  “I thought they usually plan that for the spring, but I can put in a few hours in the morning.”

  “Great. And they decided to add one for fall this year because the one in May was cancelled because of the bad storm that came through.” A silence fell between them.

  “We can ride together,” she offered, when the quiet felt abnormal.

  “I’m not sure that will work. There was a staff meeting scheduled for that morning before I knew of the work day.” Jeff paused, looking up as though solving a math sentence written on the air, then frowned. “By the time I finish with that and get to your house, you’ll probably be on your way to the restaurant.”

  “Not a big deal.” It probably hadn’t been the best idea anyway, seeing as how they lived on opposite ends of town and she’d be leaving for work early in the day.