Page 66 of No One But You

“I told Nico two o’clock. It’s about two, so it should be any time.” Patrick popped open a beer and pushed it across the bar to Bryson.

“That’s fine. I’m not in a rush. I’m glad I had somewhere to go. Charles and Jamison are manning the grill, and between the kids running wild and the women all over Kora, I had to get out of there. Trevor, are you stopping by when you close?”

“Yep. We close at five, and since Nico has a new dish washer, I think I’ll be able to get out of here on time, unless we’re empty before then.”

The bell by the window to the kitchen rang.

“Orders up,” Trevor said as he went to grab the bags.

Patrick grabbed them from Trevor and held them high. “Let’s go. Kai, that includes you. If you’re the one Kora has her heart set on, then you better be willing to fill her heart with happiness, because you’re one lucky bastard.”

“I agree. And the more guys I have there, the happier I’ll be.” Bryson downed his beer and waved to Trevor. “Trev, see you soon. Kai, will we see you there?”

I rubbed my hand over my forehead. Maybe what they said was right. Kora was an adult. She could figure out who she wanted. If she wanted me, why would I fight it? I sure as hell wanted her. I shrugged. “Maybe. I want to make sure everything here is settled.”

As soon as they were gone, I leaned on the bar and gestured toward the kitchen. “I can stay and keep my eye on him.”

Trevor chuckled and filled a pitcher of beer for a couple of men, gave it to them, held up a finger, and walked to the kitchen.

My mind wandered as I sat there. Patrick seemed to be a great guy. He was focused and a good friend. Why did he and Kora not work out?

Trevor came back. “Your dad and Nico are having a great discussion in there. Seems as if they were both in Desert Storm and have some things in common. Nico said he had no issue with taking Terry back to your place after they close.”

The thought of Terry alone in my RV did not sit well with me, and I guess my face showed my concern.

“I promise, Nico’s a great guy, and like I said, he’s been a member of AA for some time. I’m sure he’ll be going to his meeting later. You never know. Maybe your dad will go also.”

Hearing Terry being referred to as my dad churned my stomach, but like so much where Terry was concerned, I chose to ignore it. “So, Patrick works for the police department, and weren’t you part of the fire department?”

“I still am but work only on an on-call basis. I run this bar mostly. Patrick’s only been in Orlinda Valley about six years. Honestly, I think that’s what interested Kora in him the most. He was new, and she didn’t grow up with him. She always had issues with knowing everyone.”

My stomach fell and a lump grew. “So, you’re saying that she’s probably only interested in me because I’m new. That’s it.”

Trevor stood tall as a laugh escaped him. “God no. I’ve known Kora my entire life. Hell, we dated for two years. We were even prom king and queen, so the only other people who know her better than I do would be Summer and Darlene. And I promise you.” He took a long sip of beer. “She’s never looked at anyone the way she looks at you.”

The lump shrunk a little, and my shoulders relaxed. Trevor was telling the truth. I could do this. I had to go to Kora and apologize for being a major asshole.

“She has a big heart and knows everyone is not a product of their family,” Trevor said. “Don’t think that because Terry is one way, you’re destined to turn out the same. She’ll understand if you tell her that your past bothers you, and anyway—she’s worth fighting for.”

Everything Trevor said was right. I knew that. I stood and placed money on the counter for my and Terry’s lunch. “Thanks, man. Call me if he gets on your nerves.” I wrote my number on a napkin. I needed to get to Kaye’s and talk to Kora. Hopefully, what Trevor said was true, and Kora’s heart is as big as it seems.

“You got it, but I’m sure things will be fine.”

I walked quickly to the door and jumped into the truck. You can’t go there and ask her to forgive you. You need to come clean first and tell her everything before Terry does. “Shit.” I laid my face in my hand and gripped handfuls of hair. “What are you doing?” I came here to live quietly by myself and learn to deal with my past. I never thought I’d have feelings for someone, especially this quickly.

I’ve got to figure out my shit. What do I truly want? How am I going to come clean about my past? I can’t go to her. Not yet. I’ve got to figure my shit out first.

Chapter 25

Kora

The great thing about summer break was I had all day to do whatever I wanted. The bad thing about summer break was I had all summer to do whatever I wanted, and I was already bored. I had hoped Kai would show up at Kaye’s. Bryson told me he talked to him, and he thought he was going to be there, but as the night went on and he never showed his face, I got quieter and quieter.

I couldn’t lie, I was disappointed, and I guessed it showed. Darlene got on to me and told me to stop moping around and insisted I needed to give Kai space, and no matter how hard it was, that’s what I was going to do. If things didn’t start looking up, though, I might need to go visit my dad in Florida earlier than I planned and maybe stay there as long as possible.

But that was this past weekend, and today, Darlene and I had a girls’ day planned. She insisted I needed it to get my mind off Kai, and with James in Mother’s Day Out, she had the free time she usually lacked.

She pulled up my driveway at eleven o’clock sharp just as I walked out my back door.

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