“We’re going to drop Larissa off at her place,” she tells him, ignoring the beer.
“I can take you,” I offer. “I’ve only had two.” I point to the bottles on the table.
“That’s sweet of you, but not necessary.”
I stand and grab her hand. “I’d like to.” I’m not ready to end my time with her.
She gives me a smile, one that says, “I appreciate the offer, but it’s not happening.” Her words confirm the look. “Really, I’m good. We live in the same complex, so it’s a wasted trip.”
“Can I see you again?” I ask her.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Are you seeing someone?” Please say no.
“No.”
“We could have dinner,” I suggest.
“Other obligations.” She shrugs.
Defeated, I watch as the girls turn and walk away. “Catch you later,” Drew says, finishing off his beer and setting the empty bottle on the table. He doesn’t comment on me being shut down.
I watch them go, debating on whether I should follow them, follow her and try again. It’s not often in this town, or others, that people don’t recognize me, either from my family or from my career. She’s like a fucking needle in a haystack. One I’ll never find again.“I still can’t believe you turned him down,” Chloe says.
It’s been a week since I let her talk me into a night out, and this is what I’ve heard every day since. “You know I have no room in my life for more complications.”
“Complications,” she scoffs. “I didn’t say to marry the guy, just get back on the horse so to speak, and trust me, if he’s anything like his friend, you really, really wanna ride the horse.” She winks.
“I’m good, thanks,” I say, rolling my eyes.
“I’m worried about you.”
“Chloe, I’m good. My days are full right now, and I’m okay with that. I have a plan. I need to finish school. I want better than this.” I motion to the room with my hand. Chloe and I both work at The Vineyard. It’s a swanky upscale restaurant here in Nashville. It’s good money, but the nights and weekends are grueling. Add school and family obligations on top of that and, well, there just isn’t much time for anything else.
“I know you do. We both do. You’re working yourself to the bone trying to do it all on your own.”
“And what choice do I have in that?” I snip. I don’t mean to be short with her, but she knows how crazy things are for me right now.
“Look, Larissa, I’m sorry. You’re the strongest, most dedicated person I know. I just want to see you happy.”
“And you think hooking up with some random guy in a bar who claims to be a major league baseball player will make me happy?”
“What do you mean, ‘claims to be’? They are,” she informs me.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. Please don’t tell me you fell for that line?”
“Babe, I hate to break it to you, but you’re wrong on this one.”
“Hey, Larissa, I just seated a party of four in your section,” Tara, the hostess, informs me.
It’s been a slow night so far, so I’m thankful for something to do to get away from Chloe’s inquisition. “Thanks, Tara. As for you”—I point at my best friend—“don’t fall for every line they tell you.”
She laughs. “Go get your drink orders, and by the time you come back, I’ll have proof.” She holds up her phone.
“Don’t you have tables to serve or something?”
“Nope. I’m gonna sit right here and get my proof ready.”
Shaking my head, I head toward my table of four. I block out my conversation with Chloe and place a smile on my face. “Welcome to The Vineyard. I’m Larissa. I’ll be your server,” I say while flipping my order pad to a clean page to take their drink orders. When I look up, my smile falters just a little before I catch it and correct myself.
“Hey, Ris.” Easton smiles up at me. “Fancy meeting you here.” His grin is infectious.
“Good to see you again,” I say, then glance at the other three guys. They’re all built and hot as hell. “Drew.” I smile at him. “Tonight we have spare ribs.” I go on to tell them the special of the day ignoring my rapidly beating heart. “Can I start you off with drinks?” I start from right to left, ending with Easton. “Take your time looking over the menu. I’ll be right back with your drinks.” Slowly, I turn and walk away. Once I’m out of their sight, I rush to the back room where Chloe and I were taking our break. Leaning my back against the wall, I close my eyes and will my heart to slow. What are the chances of him showing up here?
“Hey, take a….” She trails off when she sees my face. “What’s up?”