Sage's Story (The Town of Pearl 5)

“It was a lot of fun despite the scar I’ll probably have to show for it. We were fine. Just like when we all do other crazy things together. They’re good friends, but when I was out, I kind of felt out of place.”

“Out of place?”

“Yes. Like I was bored with the whole drinking, dancing, and flirting. That’s why I think this summer is so important for me. I need a career, a way to feel even more independent and my own person. I love working at the Main Street Inn and meeting people, but I want a job doing the researching and making a difference. I don’t think there’s anything I can do in Pearl that will give me a position like that.”

“Don’t cut out Pearl and its people so fast. You haven’t even asked around. Weigh your options and don’t make any rash decisions. Especially going out to Dallas like you are. The big city, the career woman idea might seem exciting and perfect, but it’s far away from family and the ones who love you. You might be able to make a difference right here in Pearl.”

“I promise to not sign any contracts or agree to any professional positions while I’m out there.”

“Good. Make sure you watch yourself, and carry that pepper spray that Bryant gave you.”

“Bryant? Lena, I have eight bottles in my bag.”

“Eight?”

“One from each of our men.”

“Oh, referring to Dale, Virgo, Matt, and Quaid as your men already? Interesting.”

Sage smiled and felt her cheeks blush as the realization hit her. “I guess I am, and you know what? I’m all right with that.”

“Good for you.”

They pulled into Turbank and found a parking spot. Lena stayed with Sage until the bus pulled up and was loading bags and passengers.

“Have fun, and call us when you get there.”

“I will.”

“Love you,” Lena told her.

“I love you, too.”

* * * *

“I miss her,” Quaid stated as he sat at the island in the kitchen while the others were around him.

“We all do,” Dale said with an attitude.

“She texted us. She’ll be home late tonight and we’ll have her in our arms by Wednesday, tomorrow morning,” Virgo stated.

“In our bed is where I want her. We’re going to have to talk to her about this trip and her plans,” Quaid stated.

“We discussed this so many times already, Quaid,” Matt told him. “She needs time. We’ve got plenty of time and there’s no need to rush. Let’s give her the opportunity to talk to us about Dallas and the offices she visited. Maybe she didn’t like any of them.”

“I don’t feel that we discussed this enough. She’s out in Dallas, with Curtis and some friends probably at dinner then going out afterward. There are lots of businessmen and cowboys who will see her and want to make a move.” Quaid slammed his hand down on the table.

“I’ve never seen you so lacking in confidence, Quaid,” Dale said.

“Me? What about you? You gave her shit from the time she mentioned the trip.”

“I did, but she’s entitled to keep plans she already made before we made love to her Sunday morning. It would

have put a wedge between us and that’s the opposite of what we all want.”

Matt’s cell phone was ringing.

“It’s Wyatt. I’ll be right back.”