Chapter 18
This is my first Saturday night off since I arrived in Deception Bay, and Paisley has dragged me out to McAllister’s for a double date. All week I’ve been working on my excuse to get out of it, but when I saw Brody yesterday, my newfound anger toward him had me changing my mind. I glance her way, feeling nervous all of a sudden. “I don’t think I can do this.” My stomach churns uncomfortably.
She sips on her straw, a twinkle in her eyes. I already know there is no way in hell she will let me out of this now. “You’ve got this, girl. You look seriously cute. Mason is going to lap you right up.”
“Maybe that’s what I’m worried about. I don’t think I’m ready to date.” My mind drifts back to my conversation with Brody last night. I was so furious with him for getting me all worked up last weekend then just leaving me hanging. Then the way he ghosted me, not messaging or calling. And completely avoiding me at work was just the icing on the cake. I wanted to hurt him by telling him I was going on a date, and I hope he got really jealous about it. It would serve him right for being so flirty with me since I got here then just disappearing on me. It’s probably why I let Paisley convince me to actually go through with this. Maybe I was hoping he would show up and drag me out of the place, all caveman style. Or maybe I just wanted to prove I’m not that into him. Even though I am and it actually hurt my heart a little to walk away from him last night.
“Hush now. I’m not having you moping around the house pining for the boss you can’t have a day longer. You’re putting yourself out there. You came to our little town to change your life, right?”
I fiddle with my hands. “Yes, but…”
“So far, all you have done is work. You said so yourself, nothing will ever happen between you and Brody. You’re too special to be wrapped up in a guy who can’t give you what you need. And what you need is to play a little. Have some fun like me.” She shimmies her shoulders like she’s ready to party. And I’m sure she is.
“I thought you said no guys this year, that you were off dating for good,” I throw back at her, my face a little more serious. I distinctly remember her saying it the first day I met her. I worry about her. She acts like a party girl, but there is something more going on, a look of sadness she tries to hide behind her showstopping smile.
She sucks on her straw until her glass is empty, giving me a little shrug. “Everyone knows the best way to get over a guy who broke your heart is to get under someone else.”
Knowing she’s not going to let this one slide, I take a gulp of my sweet tea vodka lemonade, tryingto ease the butterflies that feel like they’re using my insides as their own personal jumpy castle. The cocktail goes down nicely; it’s my new favorite drink since the girls introduced me to it.
Paisley grabs my wrist from across the table and pulls me toward her. “Don’t look now but he has just walked in, and he’s looking fine.” She almost purrs, and I wonder which one she’s talking about. I have no idea who the guy is she’s set me up with. And right now, I’m wishing I asked more questions, or at least to see a photo. What was it she said he did again? A builder maybe? Shit, I can’t remember.
“Are you sure you shouldn’t be going on this date with both of them?” I mutter under my breath. She’s the one who wants to be here. I could be at home relaxing in a bubble bath with a glass of something strong.
“Honestly, girl, I would consider it, but Mason’s not my type.”
“I thought your type was available?” I joke.
She fakes a laugh, leaning in a little closer. “And now that’s yours as well,” she says a little too seriously before her painted red lips turn into a flirtatious smile as she waves them over, and all I can do is hope for a slither of her charm to help me get through tonight.
“Paisley, pretty as a peach like always,” says Jake. The look on Paisley’s face tells me she still can’t believe, after years of never calling him, she finally gave in to his request for a date. He’s right, though, she looks great in a fitted white sheath dress that accentuates all her best assets—that’s what she told me when she was getting ready tonight, anyway. She insisted we get ready together in my room. I wasn’t picky, so I let her select out my dress as well. She couldn’t believe my collection of cocktail dresses, but you don’t perform on Broadway without collecting your fair share of them to wear to events. I did think sequins were a little flashy for McAllister’s, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer, and truthfully, I miss getting all dolled up, so I was happy to play along.
Spinning around I greet Mason and Jake—she wasn’t wrong; he’s easy on the eyes, with his tall stature and rugged appearance, dark hair, with a jawline covered in stubble and broad shoulders ideal for heavy lifting. The lines around his eyes reveal stories of days spent outdoors. Theres an undeniable appeal in his ruggedness. He’s a very good-looking man.
“Mason. This is my friend Gisele Kelley.” She beams, flashing her gorgeous smile. I can tell that she genuinely wants to help me and thinks this date will somehow benefit me in my journey to change my life. She gives me a little nudge, presenting me to him.
Mason takes my hand with a confident smile and presses a gentle kiss on my fingers, sparking an unexpected warmth that colors my cheeks. “Nice to meet you, Gisele,” he says, his eyes holding a twinkle of genuine interest, and I relax a little. He’s not as scary as I was making him out to be in my head. He’s just a regular guy.
We grab more drinks, and Mason gestures toward a quieter booth nestled in the back. The lively tunes of a country band reverberate through the space, and a spirited crowd sways to the rhythmic beats as we walk past. This place is so different on a Saturday night, with a younger crowd.
In the booth, Mason leans back, a casual grin on his face, as Paisley and I settle in opposite the boys. She sips her cocktail, flashing me a wink. I can’t help but get on board with her and want to have fun tonight. She’s right, life is too short, and I can’t keep pining over the boss man. I take her lead and have a sip of my drink.
As Paisley, Jake, and Mason dive into animated conversation, I continue to sip on my straw, glancing round the bar. My spidey senses tell me that he’s here, but I can’t spot him anywhere. It’s also hard to see most of the bar from this spot, so he could be, but I just can’t see him. I also could be totally paranoid, and that I decide is the most likely option. Most likely he is still at work grumbling around in his office, complaining about something or other, not even caring that I’m here with someone else. I watch the other three, feeling a little on the outside. They all went to school together and know each other well.
Mason picks up on my quiet mood and encourages me with a smile, his eyes beckoning me to talk. “Paisley says you’re from New York, a big Broadway star?” He leans in, genuine curiosity lighting up his expression.
“That’s right,” I reply, nodding, not really wanting to talk about it.
“What brings you to Deception Bay? I love this place, but it seems like an odd choice for a star like you.” He sips his beer, his eyes roaming over my sparkly dress.
“I needed a change. Something with a little slower pace.”
“You came to the right place. ‘Bout as slow as it gets out here. Nothing exciting ever happens, unless knitting circles and street fairs are your jam.”
I smile. He’s trying so hard, I need to give him something. “I haven’t been here long, but I adore it already. It’s easy to see why people never leave. Have you lived here your whole life?” I ask, starting to feel more comfortable. The low hum of conversation and laughter around us forms a comforting backdrop. Maybe I can do this.
“Sure have. My ma owns a ranch just out of town. This place is ingrained in my roots, I could never leave.” I can see how much he enjoys living here.
It must be nice to feel so connected to the place you grew up. New York never felt like that for me. I don’t miss it, not even my parents. I’m enjoying having the space to breathe without my father looking over my shoulder, and my mom, well, she and I were never really that close. She was too concerned with keeping my father happy. I was more of an afterthought. I really could see myself never going back. My straw slurps as I reach the bottom of my cocktail, and Mason, sensing the moment, raises an eyebrow with a playful grin.
“You want another?” he suggests.
I nod, surprised at how quickly I downed the first one. The boys go in search of more drinks, and Paisley turns to me. “He’s nice, right?” Her eyes dance with excitement. She’s desperate for me to like him.
“He’s lovely.”
“And so hot,” she gushes.
I offer her a half smile, trying to be as enthusiastic about him as she is. “He’s really good-looking,” I agree.
“Why aren’t you giddy then?” She looks me over, her eyes narrowing. “He’s not Brody.” She sighs, shaking her head. “What am I going to do with you, girl. I thought big burly guy, that must be her type. I really thought I had it right. And he likes you so much, can’t you tell?” She looks disappointed, and I feel bad.
I take her hand. “I didn’t say that. I just don’t know him all that well yet, but the night is young. Enough about me. What about you? Is a date with Jake worth the wait?”
She squeezes my hand back. “Too early to tell. I’m waiting for a spark, you know.” I can tell by the look of defeat in her eyes that she’s just not that into him. For some reason she wanted to be.
“I do.” I think back to the night I met Brody, and there was this instant energy swirling between us. I knew without hesitation I wanted to roll between the sheets with him. Mason’s really nice, but I’m not getting that feeling from him yet.
The guys return, Mason handing me another cocktail, and Jake has one for Paisley.
“Thank you. What is it?” I ask, looking over the pink drink in a martini glass.
“A Wet Pussy.” Jake laughs. “I know they’re Paisley’s favorite.”
She brings the drink up to her lips and takes a sip. “That they are,” she admits with a carefree shrug. I wince, seeing how much he likes her. Tonight isn’t going to end the way he wants it to. I’m not sure who I feel sorrier for, him and Mason, or us.
Four cocktails later and I’m enjoying myself more than I imagined I would. I can feel the music moving through my body as we sit and chat. I can’t help but dance to it. We have switched things up at the table, and I’m sitting on the same side as Mason now. The other two look surprisingly cozy. Jake is completely captivated by Paisley; his gaze hasnt left her all night. And she has been drinking like it’s going out of fashion. But so have I. These cocktails go down so easily, and for once I’m having fun, so who cares.
Mason leans into me. “I think it’s time I took you for a spin around the dance floor,” he whispers, his mouth just below my ear, his hand on my thigh. With every drink he gets a little closer.
I smirk at him, excited he wants to dance with me. “That’s sounds like a good idea.” I go to stand and my head spins, making me laugh. Mason grabs my hand, helping me catch my balance.
“Lightweight.” He laughs, pulling me into his strong body for support. “We’re going for a dance,” he tells the others.
Paisley waves us off, giving me a little not-so-subtle wink. She’s had just as much to drink, and if I thought Paisley was loose sober, she’s on a whole new level now. Mason supports me with his arm around my waist as we walk through the crowd to the dance floor. We find a space, and I let the beat take me away.
“This is my favorite,” I tell him. “I love dancing.” He’s got good rhythm and a charming smile that he fixes on me, and I can’t help but have fun with him. I lose sense of time as one song blends into the next. I close my eyes, letting the music take over my body. I have missed this so much. Cassie and I used to go dancing all the time back home. I open my eyes and look back at Mason.
“Man, you can dance, Gisele.” He moves closer to me, his hands coming to my waist then traveling down to my ass. “Your body looks scorching hot moving around in that little sparkly number.” He leans in. “The things I’m going to do to you when I get you home,” he whispers in my ear, and I stiffen, feeling instantly off. I’m having fun with him, but I’m not going home with him, and that comment has just made me really uncomfortable.
I laugh nervously as panic sets in. I’m not sure what else to do. I don’t want to disappoint him or have him think I’m leading him on when I’m not, but I feel like I have just been backed into a wall. I keep moving, glancing back over at the booth. Paisley and Jake are still chatting, and she laughs loudly. She’s having fun. I don’t want to ruin their night, but I have the sudden urge to get the hell out of here. “I’m feeling a little hot, might go splash my face with water. Meet you back at the table,” I say, needing space. I’m not lying, my face feels like it’s on fire, but the disappointment in his eyes makes me feel terrible.
“Yep, see you back there,” he agrees.
I navigate my way through the crowd and make it to the ladies’ room. Thankfully there isn’t a massive lineup. I head straight in and splash water on my face. My head is spinning. I’m way more drunk than I thought. I take hold of the sink, trying to catch my balance while the room around me moves. What the hell was in that cocktail?
A sudden thought crosses my mind. I have Brody’s number, I could call him, he said to use it if I was in trouble. I pull out my phone and stare at his name and number. He saved it in there as My Southern Hero. The thought makes me laugh. He was that for me that night. But tonight, I’m not technically in trouble, I’ve just had a little too much to drink, and I’m just not feeling right about what Mason said to me on the dance floor. Because of Brody, realization dawns on me. No matter how hard I try to stop thinking about him, he’s still there constantly on my mind. And as nice as Mason is, he’s not Brody. I stare at my reflection, feeling terrible.
Just as I’m about to put my phone away, a text jumps in from him.
MY SOUTHERN HERO: Where are you?
That’s all it says. What the hell does he mean? I decide to ignore it and slip it away back in my pocket and use the facilities, wash my hands. I stare at my reflection again. I look weird. I try to fix my hair, but it’s no use. I’m in no state to fix anything. Then I head out into the hall in need of water, like a truckload of it, as well as a good excuse to get me out of this date.
I jump when I see deep brown eyes and a stern expression staring back at me from the dingy hallway. “Brody, what are you doing here?” I ask, confused as hell. Where did he even come from? Did I call him? By the look of his suit pants and white button-up, he came straight from work. And he looks mighty pissed. In fact, I think I can see steam coming from his ears. The thought makes me giggle.