Chapter 6
six
. . .
Lila
“Lila James, I heard you were back in town,” Mrs. Runither said when Del and I checked in at the hostess stand.
I cringed because I knew it was coming. Her face was completely frozen, and her lips mimicked those of a puffer fish.
I wanted to reach out and poke them, just to see if they were firm or filled with air.
“I bet you two have so much to talk about with this one going through men faster than a rooster can count to ten.”
Since when did roosters start counting? The woman made no sense, but she was always so confident that most people just went along with it.
The place was fairly quiet, but it was a Monday night.
Cottonwood Cove would start getting busy with tourists here in the next week or two.
The town surrounded a gorgeous cove on the coast, and we were only a two-hour drive from San Francisco, but we lived in this quiet, peaceful pocket that I’d always loved.
We had water sports in the summer and skiing in the winter.
“Thank you for that, Mrs. Runither. I’ve had three boyfriends in the last six years, so I’m guessing that means roosters count fairly slow,” Delilah said, with a little bite to her tone.
This woman had pretty much slut-shamed everyone in town over the years, which was saying a lot, considering she’d been rumored to be cheating on poor Mr. Runither many times with tourists who’d come through town.
“Well, of course, dear. You’ve got to test the waters,” she purred, as she led us to the back of the restaurant to my favorite booth. It’s where Dad and I always sat when we’d come here.
We both slid into opposite sides of the booth. “And you’re looking quite lovely, Lila.”
Here it comes.
Wait for it.
“Thank you.” I turned my attention to my menu, hoping that would be her cue to walk away.
“I see your breasts have filled out. I mean they’re still barely a handful, but they look a bit fuller.
I bet the fellas don’t mind that one bit.
Mr. Runither loves my ladies.” She glanced down at her ample cleavage that was always on display.
It looked more like someone’s ass than someone’s boobs, with the way they were shoved together with what looked like a butt crack between them.
“I’m sure he does,” Delilah said over her laughter as she glanced over at me with a wicked smile on her face.
“Yes.” Mrs. Runither leaned over the table, and her big girls nearly spilled right into the dish holding the sweetener.
And, oh my, is that her nipple?
Yep, right out in the open.
At a place that serves food.
She glanced down and tucked herself back in. “Anyway. Have you dipped into the erection pond? That’s code for have you taken the pussy cat out for a ride and popped that cherry. You know what I mean, Lila James?”
Well, no matter how much you prepared for it, you were just never quite ready when it happened. And the fact that she had several different ways of asking was even more alarming.
“I do just fine, Mrs. Runither. Don’t you worry about me.”
“Oh, I don’t worry about you. I wish I could be a virgin again.
” She leaned forward and held her hand up to cover one side of her mouth as she whisper-shouted.
“Have you heard that they can do a surgery that makes you a virgin all over again? It’s just a couple stitches.
A few nips and tucks down south, I think.
I don’t know why, but my doctor doesn’t believe I’m an ideal candidate.
Not with my pushing sixty and how active I am…
in the bedroom. If you ever need any tips on how to close the deal, you just let me know, Lila. ”
My mouth gaped open. “Um. Thank you.”
Delilah raised an eyebrow as if she were done with the conversation, and Mrs. Runither waved at us before hurrying away to greet some customers who’d just walked in.
“Remind me again why we come here?” my best friend asked, and she didn’t hide her irritation.
“Because it’s not crowded, and we can talk,” I said with a chuckle. “Plus, it’s almost like a Cottonwood Cove rite of passage to be grilled by the old sexpot.”
“Perhaps it’s not crowded because the owner has a crazy-ass obsession with the customers’ sex lives.
I mean, she just used popped that cherry, erection pond, and take the pussy cat out for a ride all in one sentence.
This is not normal. You know that, right?
” She shook her head, just as our server, Jenna, approached and took our orders after we made a little small talk.
“Well, at least it’s interesting. I swear, my virginity is really a topic of conversation back here in Cottonwood Cove. No one seemed to care about it in Chicago.” I paused when Jenna set our drinks down before hurrying off.
“I still can’t believe you told Hugh you were going to put it on your bucket list,” she said, as her head tipped back in laughter. “So, who are you considering for the deflowering?” She smirked.
“Well, there’s Kline, and that would be easy because he seems more than willing. But then I’d have to work with him, and if I didn’t like it, that could be super awkward.”
“True. But he is hot, and he’s funny. He’s got those tats that give him a little edge.” She smiled.
“Good point. I’m supposed to have a drink with him tonight, so I can feel things out. See if there’s an attraction. Maybe we can all go out next weekend, and I can check out my options.”
“Yes. I’m going out with Quincy again Friday night, so let’s get the girls together for Saturday night.”
“Deal.” I shot a quick text to Sloane and Rina in our group chat, and they immediately sent back thumbs-up emojis and a few eggplant emojis, as well, because those were Sloane’s favorite.
“So, how is it living with Hugh? Oh my gosh, I can’t even imagine seeing him in the morning. What was he wearing this morning when you had breakfast with him?”
I was laughing so hard I barely pulled myself together when Jenna set down our grilled cheese sandwiches and french fries. Once she walked away and was out of earshot, I bit off the tip of a fry and turned to Delilah. “I’ve lived there all of one day. And yes, he wore joggers this morning.”
She fanned her face. “No shirt?”
“Nope.”
“Baseball cap?”
“Yep. Turned backward.”
“My God. I’ve seen him at the beach, and that man is chiseled perfection. Why not add him to the list?” she asked.
“I kind of joked about it, but he was definitely not interested. I’m clearly not his type, and Travis would lose his shit. So that’s out.”
“Travis is such a cockblocking bastard sometimes.” She shook her head and reached for her sandwich. “You are definitely Hugh’s type.”
“How do you know?”
“I just do. I think you’re kind of everyone’s type. You’re gorgeous and smart and funny.” She shrugged.
“Says my bestie.”
“Trust me, Lila. He’d go for it if it wasn’t for Travis. Just feel things out. Maybe you could have a fling and keep it between the two of you. And me, of course. You’ve got to let me know how good it is. Although, your first time is never all that fabulous, but I’m sure he’d make it amazing.”
I reached for my drink. Was it hot in here?
“Okay, that’s enough sex talk for one night. What else can we put on the list?”
“Hmmm… you could tell off Drew Compton. Remember how she made out with Dougy during senior prom? That girl was a bitch back then, and nothing has changed.”
Dougy and I had only dated for three months when we went to prom, and I’d found him in the bathroom making out with Drew, which had been completely mortifying at the time.
“Well, that was on Dougy. He was my date, not Drew.”
“Yes. And Drew was with Robert. They’d dated for three years, and she made out with his best friend at a party. Shady lady, that’s all I have to say.”
I laughed again. “Damn, I’ve missed you, Del.”
“Me, too. Can we just have you tell her off for me? I can’t stand the girl.”
“Fine. I’ll add it to the list.”
“Let’s go to that biker bar while you’re home. Flirt with some of those hairy, handsome beasts.”
“Ahhh… Sloane will be so happy. Remember how many times she tried to get us to go there?”
“That’ll be a good one to check off. What else?”
“The top of the list is helping my dad. I found a place that has inpatient care, and I’m going to go check it out next weekend.”
“Aren’t those programs expensive?” she asked.
“Yep. But I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. I’ve got a plan, and I’ve been messaging with the woman over there.”
“You’re a good human, Lila James. The best I know,” she said, biting off the corner of her grilled cheese.
“Takes one to know one.”
We finished up our dinner and walked over to Reynolds’, where Quincy was picking up Del, and I’d agreed to have one drink with Kline.
My phone vibrated after I hugged her goodbye, and I looked down to see a text from Hugh.
Bear
What time will you be home? I shouldn’t be too long, so let me know if you need a ride.
I chewed on my thumbnail.
Just got to Reynolds’ to meet Kline for a quick drink, and then I’ll be home. Are you here?
I knew that he wasn’t, but curiosity was getting the best of me.
Bear
Brax talked me into a double date, but I’m tired and not feeling it, and this dinner is moving fucking slow.
Why did that make me smile?
Are you always the heartbreaker, Bear?
Bear
Not trying to break any hearts. Just not feeling it.
You’re preaching to the choir. Story of my life. I’ll see you in a bit. xx
Bear
Call me if you need a ride, and be careful with Kline, all right?
I dropped my phone into my purse and pulled open the door. Brandy was smiling, but when her gaze locked with mine, she frowned.
“Hey,” I said as I stepped closer. “Can I talk to you?”
She squared her shoulders. “Sure.”
“Do we have a problem?”
Her jaw dropped as if she were shocked that I’d noticed. “I, um. No. I. I’m sorry. I guess I felt a little threatened by you, that’s all.”
“That’s silly. I’m not here to do anything to hurt you. I’m just here to help out for the summer.”
“I guess I have this little crush on the boss, and he seems to be giving all his attention to you, not that he ever gave me any.” She frowned dramatically, which made me laugh, and it also showed her age.
I chuckled. “How old are you?”
“I just turned seventeen.”
“Well, he certainly can’t be giving you any attention because that would get him into trouble, seeing as he’s a grown man. Hugh and I grew up together, so we’re just good friends. But even if I weren’t here, he wouldn’t be any different to you, Brandy. He’s not that guy.”
She let out this long, dramatic whine, stomped her foot, and then shrugged. “I guess you’re right. What do you think of Lionel, the new busboy? We go to school together, but he’s always been so shy.”
I fought back my urge to laugh at how quickly she rebounded from being upset.
Lionel had just started working here at the same time I did, and he seemed like a really nice kid.
“I think he’s good-looking and very nice.
Maybe you should try to talk to him since he’s pretty shy.
I was always a little shy myself, and I wasn’t very confident with boys, so if someone made the first move, it was easier for me. ”
She tapped her fingers along the wood of the hostess stand and tipped her head to the side. “Really? I can’t imagine you ever feeling insecure because you’re so pretty. Seems like every guy in the room is always staring at you.”
That made me laugh. “I don’t think we’ve been in many rooms together, then, and don’t look now, but Lionel keeps glancing over here. I think you should go talk to him. I’ll cover things here until you get back.”
She beamed up at me and extended her hand. “Thanks, Lila. Can we start over?”
“Absolutely. Now, go get your flirt game on and talk to that cute boy.”
“You don’t have to stay up here. I’m already off the clock. Danielle is finishing up the last table of the night. I was just hanging around to try to talk to Lionel.”
She hurried off, and I smiled as I made my way to the bar. Kline was wiping down the bar top, and he looked up and raised a brow.
“I thought you were blowing me off,” he said, his voice all tease.
“No. I was having dinner with Del, and I told you I’d stop by on my way home.” I pulled out a bar stool and sat down.
“What are you drinking? It’s on me.”
“Thank you. A glass of chardonnay would be great.”
“You got it.” He moved to grab a glass, and I chewed on the back of my thumbnail as I pulled my phone out of my purse and glanced down to see if I had any new texts.
I didn’t.
Why did that disappoint me?
He pushed the glass in front of me and raised his glass, which looked to be some sort of hard liquor straight up. “Cheers to you being back in town, Lila James.”
“I will drink to that,” I said, tapping my glass to his.
He studied me as he took a long pull and emptied the dark liquid in one gulp before setting the glass down on the bar and rubbing his hands together. “Damn. I’m happy you’re here. But I’ve got to ask, what’s the deal with Hugh?”
“The deal? I don’t think there is one.” I took a sip and set my glass down. I wasn’t in the mood for a drink, and I was ready to head home, but I didn’t want to flake on him.
“The dude nearly took my head off when I spoke to you. Is he just being a protective friend, or is there something there?” he asked.
I chuckled. “He’s always been protective. That’s all it is.”
“All right. You want me to give you a ride home? Are you staying with your dad?”
“No. I’m staying in Hugh’s guest casita for now. And you know he lives really close, so I’ll be fine walking. But thanks for the offer.”
“I see.” His tongue swiped out to wet his bottom lip, and it seemed very deliberate.
I waited to swoon. Wanted there to be butterflies. But there was nothing.
He was good-looking and appeared to have a good personality.
So, once again, I was the problem.
I chuckled. “What do you see?”
“Probably the prettiest fucking girl I’ve ever laid eyes on.”
“Very smooth,” I said, raising a brow as I took another sip.
“How about I take you to dinner this week? Just you and me. And not here. We can go somewhere else. I think we’re both off on Tuesday.”
“Sure. That sounds fun.”
“Damn, you’re cute even when you’re not even trying,” he purred before running a hand through his blond, wavy hair. This man had swagger, and I’m sure plenty of women swooned over him, so maybe it would just take me some time.
“Thank you.” I shrugged as he turned back and started wiping everything down. We made some more small talk, and I actually laughed a few times, so maybe I was being too quick to put him in the friend zone.
He surprised me by offering to walk me home as Hugh’s house was on the way to his place. He said he would leave his car at Reynolds’ since he’d had a couple of drinks.
And he didn’t go for the kiss when we got to the door. He hugged me and walked backward as he waited for me to get inside.
Maybe he did have potential.