The song ended as Brad and I stepped apart. “Thank you for the dance,” I said with a grin.
“I hope it won’t be our last for tonight.”
Glancing over Brad’s shoulder, I watched as Jase headed out of the bar . . . alone. It was time for me to do a little bit of research. Putting my attention back to Brad, I nodded. “Same here. If you’ll excuse me, I need to get a drink.”
Before he had a chance to offer, I quickly walked away and headed straight to the girl who Jase had been dancing with. Not having a clue as to where I was getting my courage from, I made a mental note to let Meagan and Grace know. The two of them wouldn’t believe what I was about to do, even if I told them.
As I stepped up to the bar next to her, I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation.
“Jesus, Rick. You told me he was in a funk, but you didn’t tell me he was in that big of a funk. He barely even looked at me.”
I turned to see her talking to a guy my age. He was tall with blond hair and looked to have been raised on a ranch with the way he was built.
“I told you, Jill, he’s hung up on some girl. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some fun to make up for.”
Rick walked away as Jill turned and stared straight ahead. I motioned to the bartender and sat down next to her. I had no idea what I was doing. All I knew was I wanted to know who this girl was.
“Is anyone sitting here?” I asked.
Turning to look at me, she shook her head. “No.”
After placing my drink order, I glanced around for Colt and Lauren. Smiling, I watched the two of them dance. I wanted a love like theirs so desperately.
“I don’t think I’ll ever understand men.”
My attention was drawn back to Jill. My head was spinning with different reasons why Jase left alone. I only allowed myself one brief second to think it might have had something to do with me. “Join the club,” I said with a chuckle.
She shook her head and took a drink. “I practically threw myself at an old boyfriend tonight only to be turned down flat.”
The feeling of relief swept across my body when she said Jase had turned her advances down. I let out the breath I hadn’t even realized I had been holding when she started talking. “Did he give you a reason why?”
With a sour expression, she replied, “No, but I’m guessing it has something to do with some girl he spent the summer with.”
“Are they a couple?” I asked, even though I regretted it the moment the words were out of my mouth. There was no reason for me to play at this game like I was.
Pinching her brows together, she slowly shook her head. “No. Well, honestly I have no idea. It’s hard being turned down though, ya know?”
With a curt laugh, I agreed. “Tell me about it.” Taking a small sip of beer, I set it down on the counter. “Will you keep after him?”
With an evil smile, she looked directly at me. “Oh, hell yes. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone like him. He’s handsome, funny, a great kisser.”
Squirming in my seat to ward off the jealousy, I looked away briefly before turning back. “Well, good luck.”
Jill lifted her drink and said, “I’ll take all the luck I can get.”
Spinning around on the stool, I stood. “It was nice chatting with you.”
Without really looking at me, she
said, “You too.”
As I made my way over toward Colt and Lauren, I saw Brad.
Shit.
Taking a quick detour, I finally made my way over to the lovebirds. “So . . . this is . . . fun. The band is great!” I shouted as Colt and Lauren looked at each other.
“You’re ready to go?” Lauren asked.