23. Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Three
Betty
H e’s done it again. He’s come to town and has rocked my world.
After the concert, Margo insisted on returning with me to the bookstore to thank Laredo. While I caught up on restocking the shelves, she entertained him by replaying the entire concert song by song.
Laredo is proving to be a sweetheart. He appeared enthralled with the conversation, even though Margo’s version lasted longer than the forty-minute mini-concert. His interest appears genuine, asking again about her school, plans after college, where she’s traveled. It’s strange watching her bond with a guy I’m interested in. With our age difference, this is a new experience for us both.
The two of them escaped a little while ago to the outdoor bench on the boardwalk while I finished my shift. I steal a glance through the window at them. Margo, twisted on the bench, soles of her feet pressed to the seat of the bench, a black and white twist ice cream cone in her hand. Laredo standing, a rainbow ice held high above his head, challenging seagulls to take a lick. I poke my head out the door to the sound of Margo’s laughter. A carefree, I like this guy for you, big sis laugh that warms my heart. “Five more minutes and I’ll take my annoying sister off your hands.”
Margo sticks her tongue at me like she did when she was six.
“Take your time. She was just about to show me photos of you from middle school,” Laredo teases.
“You wouldn’t dare.” I point to Margo’s phone sitting beside her on the bench. “Remember, I have that video montage of your baby photos set to Celine Dion.”
“You’ve been threatening to release that video since I turned sixteen,” Margo challenges me with a smile. I’ve missed days like this. She is only a freshman and will be away at college for three more years. I make a promise to soak up as much of her as she will allow this summer.
I catch Laredo’s wistful look, and I wonder what he’s thinking. I release my hold on the frame of the door and step outside. After being in the bookstore air-conditioning, I soak in a bit of the rays of the sun on my face. I step next to Laredo and give him a playful shoulder bump. “You good?”
His tender smile puts me on alert. “Yeah. You two sound so much like me, Adam, and Hailey growing up. It’s nice to see, that’s all.”
I know that’s not all.
I lower my head to rest on his shoulder, something I’ve done dozens of times but never in front of my sister. It feels so natural, so right, so perfect.
Laredo lost his parents in a horrific car accident when he and Adam were sixteen. Hailey had to leave college to become their legal guardian to keep the boys together in their childhood home. Times were tough, and the strain of being adults before their time changed the family dynamics. Something they are still trying to figure out.
We share a knowing glance, and I half expect him to place another kiss on my lips. And I would be okay with that.
“I best get going. I have to get back to the studio. My…” He pauses, fully aware that Margo is listening. “… artist is probably going to want to jam all night. I’ll keep you posted.” Laredo stands and gives Margo a quick hug. He’s not shared with Margo that he’s secretly working with Ariel from Devil May Care. Margo would lose her ever-loving mind if she found out. But Laredo is trying to respect Ariel’s request to keep the sessions secret. He shared it with me like it wasn’t a big deal. It was. He trusts me even after I gave him the cold-shoulder reception.
I stand and wait my turn. My hug is different from the one he gives my sister. It’s fingers underneath the back of my T-shirt, stroking my warm skin. It’s a my body knows your body , perfect-fit hug that hints at a reunion in the near future. It’s a I want to feel every inch of you hug. “Thanks again for getting us in to see Sano.”
“There’s not a thing in this world I wouldn’t do to make you happy.” His intense words match his gaze, and I feel the burn. He’s been consistent since we’ve met. He wants me. He wants me happy. He’s here. I should stop fighting it.
“You keep saying that and I might just put you to the test.”
He extends his arms to his side like a bird in the sky. “Test away, Betty Belle.”
I laugh at his confidence while drinking in his swagger. It hasn’t changed one iota. It’s still attractive as hell.
“I’ll text you later.” I offer him the challenge he seeks. I force myself to pursue what feels right.
I’m mindful that Margo is watching my every move. I won’t make the mistakes I did last summer. It’s my duty to show her the right way. This time, I’ll make different choices. This time, it’ll be a different outcome.
If I’m going to pursue him, this time, I have to get him to stay.