Chapter Five
Ren
Itrack the waitress as she brings the drinks over to Helen’s granddaughter, who I now know is Lucy, and the other girl she’s with.
Both girls are gorgeous, but I’m staring right at Lucy.
Her dark hair is half up, half down, the ends sitting right above her low-cut top.
She looks around Molly, the waitress, and sweeps her eyes between the three of us.
I can’t hear it, but I see her sharp intake of breath and her eyes widen in surprise.
She turns back to her friend, and I can see the blush sweep up her neck and hit her cheeks.
I can’t help the smile that grows knowing we caused that.
I wonder what other ways I could get her to blush.
As her friend tips the beer towards us, we raise our drinks back. Molly heads back to the bar, leaving them to what I’m sure is going to be an interesting conversation.
“Think she’ll forgive you now?” Nash chuckles, taking a sip of his whiskey.
“Who fucking cares?” Cole mutters behind his beer.
I shake my head, still grinning. “Probably not, but it could be a start. I’m going to ask her friend to dance though, so maybe that’ll get her talking to one of you.” I finish my vodka soda, put the glass down, and wink at the guys.
Heading towards the girls’ table, the friend catches sight of me first.
“Hey, I’m Ren. You are way too gorgeous to be sitting here not dancing.
” I give her my best smile, the one that makes my dimples appear.
I notice Lucy in my periphery open her mouth like she wants to say something and then close it just as quickly.
I hold out my hand for her friend so that I can lead her out to the dance floor.
“Ember.” She lifts her hand in a subtle wave. “Were you checking out my best friend's boobs this morning?”
I keep my hand out and reply, “No. I was checking out her whole body. No excuse, I couldn't help myself. She was wearing a tee from one of my favorite bands.”
I notice both girls are holding back a smile at my answer.
“Did you also say you would die for Nana's cinnamon rolls?” Her friend cocks her eyebrow at me, and I hear Lucy stifle a cough trying not to choke on her beer.
“She told you about that?” I bring my hand back and run it through my hair. Ember waits for my answer. “Yes, I did say that. I swear I didn’t mean it the way it came across. I tried to apologize and explain, but your best friend slammed the door in my face.”
“Now’s as good a time as any to try that apology again,” Ember states matter-of-factly and looks to Lucy.
“You’re right.” I turn my body so I’m facing Lucy.
Her eyes widen as she looks at me. “Lucy, I apologize for that insensitive comment. I just meant that your Nana made the best cinnamon rolls I’ve ever had, and I am extremely sorry for your loss.
She was a rad old lady and will be missed by the whole town.
” There’s sincerity dripping through my words and I can only hope she understands how terrible I feel.
Lucy looks down at her drink on the table in front of her. “It’s not okay what you said. But I understand and I forgive you.” She looks back up at me, and I can see the ghost of a smile on her lips.
“Alright, Ren. Let’s dance.” Ember stands up and grabs my hand, leading me to the dance floor. I look back at Lucy. There’s a soft smile on her face, and I can’t help but feel as though some weight has been lifted off my shoulders.