Her Best Men

Julie’s computer was sitting on the table between us. It was open to yet another online journal. It seemed she, like me, had devoted the early morning to work.

“I have a Skype interview on Monday,” she said. “It’s with this online journal that specializes in small-town news. I figured it would be perfect. I can keep up with my writing and get to know this town better in the process. That is, if they hire me.”

“Why wouldn’t they?” I asked.

She shrugged. “Shit happens.”

“You’ll get it,” I said confidently. “I’m sure.”

“It all depends on whether they like my stuff,” she said. “If my writing isn’t what they’re looking for, they’ll pass. And I’ll be back to square one.”

“Didn’t you work as a journalist up in Dallas?” I asked.

She nodded. “For three years,” she said. “But still, you never really know.”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” I said. “So, when do I get to read your stuff?”

She froze. I thought the question was innocent enough. I smiled playfully and poked her foot with mine beneath the table. And yet, her entire body tensed when the words left my lips. I frowned and sat back.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “I didn’t mean to pry.”

“No,” she said quickly. “You didn’t. Not at all.”

“Are you sure?” I asked. “Because—”

“A lot of my old stuff is online,” she said, talking over me. “You can look it up whenever you want.”

“I’ll do that.”

Julie smiled, but I could tell she was preoccupied by something. Her reaction to my question wasn’t at all what I expected. I wondered if I’d inadvertently crossed some line I didn’t know was there.

“Listen,” I said. “I have to get back to the office, but when can I see you again? Tomorrow night, maybe?”

“I’m busy tomorrow,” Julie said. “I have to go to my parents’ house for dinner. My sister is in town with her husband, and Mom wants the whole family together.”

“Ah,” I said with a nod. “Typical mom stuff.”

“Exactly.” She smiled and added, “But, I’m free Sunday.”

“Sunday is perfect.” I grinned, relief flooding my body. “I’ll see you then.”

I stood up to order my coffee and, when I did, I considered leaning down to kiss her. I don’t know what stopped me. My eyes found her lips, and I was immediately drawn in, but I forced myself to walk away. We’d had an incredible night, with mind-blowing sex, but we didn‘t think we were quite at the intimacy level of a public kiss.

After I had my coffee and Marcy’s latte in hand, I chanced a glance back at Julie. She had already immersed herself in her laptop, her headphones planted firmly in her ears. I smiled and waved, and she grinned back at me, filling my chest with warmth. Forcing my gaze away from her, I pushed open the café door and left.

Julie wasn’t like the other women I’d met. She was different, confusing in her own way. From the first time I saw her, I was intrigued, and every time we spoke, she left me wanting to know more.

CHAPTER 7

JULIE

Since I’d moved to Ennis, my parents had barely spoken to me. They weren’t angry about my decision, but they didn’t support it. To them, I’d given up everything I worked for while in college and the years after. I’d built my reputation as a successful reporter, only to leave Dallas for a know-nothing town. They weren’t happy, and as I drove toward their house on Saturday morning, my chest was filled with anxiety.

Deep down, I knew they’d behave. My sister Bethany was in town with her husband and their daughter. My niece, Layla, was only two and a half. She was the cutest little girl I’d ever seen, and I loved her more than anything. My parents felt the same way, so I hoped her presence would keep them in bright spirits for the duration of my visit.

Still, as I pulled into the driveway, my heart raced. I took a deep breath and checked my hair in my mirror. I looked fine, but I knew that wouldn’t stop my mother from finding something to comment on. She worried about my health more than anything. I was either too skinny: “Are you eating enough?” Or I was too fat: “Honey, did you get that new workout I sent you? It’s supposed to help tighten your core.”

She always meant well and, yet, I found myself dreading the visit as I pushed open my car door. Glancing at the house next door, I wondered if Andrea would be home for the holidays. Her parents still lived beside mine. I made a mental note to stop by and see them on my way out later that night.