Dirty Summer 6

“If we can make it past your adoring fan club,” Blair quipped. “You’re quite the local celebrity. So, this was a whole sneaky plan to get me here so I could see what a big deal you are?”

“Don’t get so testy, darlin’,” Justyn battled back. “I just like to sing some songs every now and then. No big deal. Tonight was all Reid’s idea. I didn’t even know you were showing up.”

“But why the big secret about you headlining? This is way more than small time open mic night,” Blair countered.

“Like I said. No big deal. Just a hobby.” Justyn place a five-dollar bill on the bar. “Change of plans.” He put his hand where her neck met her shoulder and squeezed. “Let’s go home.”

Ten

Maggie

Maggie closed the screen door behind her, hoping not to wake Blair. Holding her shoes, she tiptoed toward the stairs.

“Busted, G.” Blair sipped juice at the kitchen table. “Fun night?”

Maggie jumped. “You scared the hell out of me. I thought you would still be asleep.” She headed toward the refrigerator for a bottle of water.

“Justyn had to get up early for work, and I couldn’t go back to sleep,” she explained. “The coffee’s ready.”

“Mmm, just what I need.” Maggie pulled a mug down from the cabinet.

“Didn’t sleep much either, huh?” the blonde asked.

Maggie blushed and settled down in a chair across from Blair. She let out a long sigh as she swirled the creamer into the coffee.

“That sounded a bit dramatic. What’s up?”

“Oh, nothing. I was just thinking that we only have a couple weeks left here. Aren’t you going to be sad to leave?” She looked at her friend, hoping to find someone to commiserate with.

“Of course it’s going to suck, but just think of all that we have ahead of us,” Blair responded.

“I don’t know. I feel like things are finally getting started with Reid. I really want to see this thing—whatever it is—through.” She couldn’t believe she said it out loud.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. See it through? What exactly are you talking about? It is way too early in the morning for you to be kidding around like this.”

Maggie sipped her coffee. Blair’s reaction was exactly what she was worried about. “I can’t leave. Not yet. I’m not ready.”

“Are you saying what I think you’re saying? What about no entanglements? You are trounci

ng all over your own pact. The pact you made me agree to.” Blair sounded outraged. “What about your career and everything you’ve worked for? We were supposed to be in this together.”

“Calm down. We are in this together.” She didn’t like seeing Blair so worked up because of her. “I’m not talking about throwing away my career to become some island housewife. My job still doesn’t start until mid-September, and I know I can telecommute for a little while. I’m only thinking about staying for a few more weeks.”

“And then what happens? You spend a few more weeks with Reid and wind up even more head over heels for him than you already are. I know exactly how this is going to go. Are you talking a serious relationship here?” Blair demanded. “Is this what Reid wants you to do?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t exactly talked to him about it yet.” Maggie shook her head. “But there have been a few moments when—I don’t know. There’s just something there. I can feel it. I know he feels it. I think he wants me to stay.”

Maggie nervously twisted a lock of hair and stared helplessly into the coffee cup as if it would somehow reveal the answer to her heart’s question. She knew how determined her friend was to succeed in Texas. As much fun as Blair seemed to be having with Justyn this summer, Maggie knew she would not let those sexy eyes, arms, and voice be the reason she quit. Blair was committed to Dallas and to moving at the end of the summer.

“Well, don’t make any quick decisions before you at least talk to the guy. You have to know what he’s thinking. This is big. Like really, really big.” Blair sounded encouraging.

“I’m just waiting for the right moment to bring it up. I don’t want to freak him out.” Maggie felt as excited as she did nervous. “But what if he does feel the same way and wants me to stay?”

“Why don’t you call Mrs. Buttons and see if you can stay here a couple weeks longer? I don’t think her son is coming back until the end of September anyway. Line up the details before you talk to him. That way he can’t get all wrapped up in the logistics.”

Maggie was glad Blair’s practical side kicked in. This is what she was best at. “Good point. That sounds like a plan,” Maggie agreed. “And depending what she says, I’ll think about it.”

“Yes, think about it.” Blair seemed relieved. “No matter what happens, we still have plenty of fun days left around here. Missy texted me this morning that she needs our help with the wedding favors and the flower arrangements. Evidently this is a bit of a DIY affair.”