Chapter 2 #2
“Thanks, King.” She pulled back and smiled up at me. The deepest blue eyes that resembled my favorite place on the lake where the water was this bright turquoise blue when the sun shined down on it. Those eyes always took me to a peaceful place. “I’m so glad you’re helping me with this.”
“Yeah, me, too. Now let’s get this beast of a counter finished.”
“Okay. I need to go put these flowers in some water, and I’ll be right back to help.” She grabbed her bouquet off the table, along with her single dandelion, and made her way next door to Magnolia Beans.
I got back to work, because making her dreams come true was just as good as making my own dreams come true.
Maybe even better.
The rest of the day went by in a blur. I jumped into my truck to head home for a quick shower before I met the guys for a bite at Whiskey Falls.
Once I pulled up in my driveway, I made my way to the front door.
Spring was in full bloom, and I welcomed the warm weather.
When I walked toward the front door, I chuckled when I saw something taped there.
It was a dandelion at the end stages of its life, and what Saylor called a fluffball because the golden petals were gone, and it was all white.
I peeled it off the door along with the little note that read: Thanks for helping to make my dreams come true.
Now it’s your turn to make a wish. Xo S.
I stared down at it for a moment, but I didn’t have a wish, per se.
Life was good. I was happy.
Happy enough, at least.
I’d use my wishes for the people that I loved. I’d always wished for River to be happy, and for the first time in our lives, I felt like my brother was genuinely happy.
That made me happy.
And seeing Saylor get what she always wanted.
That made me happy.
Romeo winning his fight and his girl.
That made me happy.
Beefcake was giving baseball a shot, and our little man was the happiest kid I’d ever met.
That made me fucking happy.
Nash and Hayes were happy enough, so my crew was good, and that was enough for me. My grandmother was in a nice place over at Magnolia Haven, and I couldn’t ask for more.
But I squeezed my eyes closed and made a wish, just like I always did.
Let the people I love the most have everything their hearts desire.
It’s what I always wished for.
I blew hard and watched as the white fluffballs moved around me. I sent Saylor a quick text and a screenshot of the petal-less stem.
Done.
Dandelion
You better not be doing that same ole wish. Wish for something for YOU.
You getting your bookstore is as good a wish as any. Happy for you, Dandelion.
It’s what I’d always called her in private, when no one was around. In the dark, when I held her in my arms, when we were just teenagers. None of the guys knew about it, or they would have given me shit. They would have thought something was going on between us, but it wasn’t like that.
Dandelion
I want you to find a wish of your own.
I have everything I want already. So, you get today’s wish.
Dandelion
What am I going to do with you?
Have fun tonight. I’m heading to meet the guys for dinner. Be safe. Text me when you get home.
Dandelion
You do know I can take care of myself. But I’ll text you later to make sure YOU ARE SAFE.
I showered quickly and made my way to Whiskey Falls to meet the guys.
We ordered food, and Lionel, Ruby’s father and the owner of this fine establishment, came over and chatted with us for a bit before he got called away by someone in the kitchen.
“I stopped by the bookstore on my way here and peeked in the windows. It looks like you got a lot done for the first day,” Hayes said.
“Yeah, we want to get her up and going as quickly as we can so she can start making money.” Nash popped a tater tot into his mouth before flicking his thumb in my direction. “And this guy likes to build, so he put in a long day.”
“It’s going to look good. We’ll get it done as quickly as possible. Couple of weeks should be plenty of time.” I took a long pull from my beer. “Did you know Saylor was going out with that coach dude, Jeremy?”
“Jalen? The guy who’s working at Romeo’s gym?” Hayes asked.
“Jalen’s a good guy. You don’t have anything to worry about.
” Romeo shot me a confused look, probably wondering why I was bringing it up in front of Hayes.
Saylor was a grown woman, and she didn’t like her brother being in her business.
We all knew that. They’d had many arguments in front of us about it.
“I don’t like him.” I shrugged, and River raised a brow, most likely also wondering why I was doing this. But we were straight shooters, and I wouldn’t hold back. These were my brothers.
Nash smirked because he enjoyed it when I did this kind of shit.
“You don’t even know him. He had great references, and he’s a good guy. What is your issue with him?” Romeo crossed his arms over his chest and stared at me.
“First off, his shorts are too fucking short. He calls me mate. His hair is too shiny. Shall I go on?”
River barked out a laugh. “He called me mate, too. Is he Australian?”
“No. He’s from Jersey,” I hissed.
“Who gives a shit? Mate is a universal term. And his shorts are fine. That’s what dudes are wearing these days in the gym. As for his hair, I think your hair is just as shiny,” Romeo said over his laughter.
“I get it. He’s new in town, and you’re looking out for Saylor. It’s what we do. But if Romeo thinks he’s a good dude, I think we can trust that,” Nash said, reaching for his steak sandwich. “It’s a date. She’s not marrying the dude.”
Is everyone losing their fucking minds?
We knew nothing about this guy.
“I appreciate you looking out for her. She didn’t mention anything to me about going out with him, but I know she doesn’t want me getting involved in her business. I’m trying to back off.” Hayes took a long pull from his beer and then turned his attention to Romeo. “You think he’s fine?”
“Yes. And they went to dinner one time. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about.” Romeo shrugged like it was no big deal.
“Actually, they are on date number two tonight. Movie night. So I’ll be watching that dude like a fucking hawk,” I said, not hiding my irritation.
River’s gaze met mine, and it spoke volumes without saying a word.
What the fuck is going on with you?
Ride or die, brother.
This is what we do.