Page 24 of Those Two Words

I’m getting dizzy with how many times I’ve spun around on this stool. Booth grins at me, and I know that look means trouble. “For fuck’s sake, is this some brotherly reunion I didn’t know about?”

“Of sorts,” Booth replies as he sits on the empty stool to my left, as Lenny takes Graham’s order. “Hey, Lenny, can I add a gin and tonic to that?”

The surly bar owner grumbles under his breath, mixes up Booth’s drink like he has all the time in the world, and slams the glass on the bar top. No one flinches at the questionable hospitality; it’s just how he is. “Loada’ bull that is. Stick to beer and whiskey, boy.”

“Always a pleasure,” Booth calls as he shuffles away.

Looking left and right, both my brothers have a hint of concern in their eyes, and I sense a conspiracy. My head thumps against the sticky bar as it falls forward.

“Dex sent you, huh?”

“We’ve been watching you gawk at Jo for the last thirty minutes. I wish we intervened sooner. What’s your plan here, Pat?” Booth says, though there’s no teasing in his voice now. When Booth uses a serious tone, you know he means business.

Peeling my forehead off the bar with a groan, I raise my head and keep my eyes trained forward. “I’ve been trying to work that out since the moment I got here. This is dumb.” I go to stand up, but a strong hand grips me by the elbow and yanks me back.

“Dex texted me. Said you might need some support tonight. He didn’t say much, but from the way you’ve been staring across the room, I think I know what help you need. Just go and talk to her.” Graham’s gaze doesn’t break with mine. His perception is spot on. Despite me thinking I kept my feelings under wraps—even before Jo left—it’s clear I wasn’t as sly at hiding them as I thought I was. Apparently even now I look at her like a lovesick puppy.

“I’ve been such a monumental dick to her. I don’t even know if she’ll want to speak to me.”

“Why don’t we stop creeping on our coworkers in the shadows and join them for some darts? If you talk to her, you talk to her. If you don’t, you don’t. The call is yours, buttercup.” Graham and I jump as Booth slaps his palms on the bar, droplets of warm beer hitting me in the face with the impact. “Let’s get groveling.”

As he walks toward the table, greeting everyone with a smile or handshake, I suck down my obvious discomfort and stand to follow him. Graham is close behind, who’s more of an introvert than me, and the minute he sees his escape, he’ll be out of here.

Booth must have warmed them up to our arrival, because they’re all smiles and friendly greetings when we join them. Even Jo cracks a small smile at our approach, though it’s one of those fake ones I’ve seen her use over the weeks.

Everyone makes room and drags some extra stools around tables. It’s a tight squeeze, and by the time Booth and Graham have settled, the only spot left is next to Jo.

“What brings you in, boss man?” Simon asks as I perch on the stool. He’s on Jo’s other side, and when I see how close they’re sitting, I’m reminded that I don’t like him.

“Just a beer with colleagues, you know,” I say, raising my glass at him.

“I’m guessing Carrie and Lottie are having a girls’ night?” Simon asks.

“They sure are. She’s probably on her fifth rewatch of Encanto by now.” I love my daughter, but when does a movie you’ve watched over forty times get boring?

Jo shifts slightly in her seat, and when I glance to her lap, I notice her fingers tapping on the outside of her thigh. I’ve seen her do it a lot lately and it’s not something I ever witnessed before she left.

A nervous tick?

“I didn’t know you and Jo went so far back,” Simon continues. Because he never seems to shut up. “She only told me George is her dad the other day.” He pokes her in the ribs from her other side, and nope, don’t like that.

She looks at the group sheepishly. “I didn’t want anyone to think of me as a nepo baby.”

“You’re clearly a pro in the restaurant field and the team loves you,” Jules adds and gives Jo a genuine smile. She’s not wrong; Jo’s been a huge asset to the team and already I’ve felt a weight lifted off my shoulders.

I should probably tell her that. And now I feel like an even bigger dick. I’ve been so busy obsessing over how to avoid her while simultaneously creeping on her, that I’ve failed to acknowledge what amazing work she’s been doing.

“I think it’s so cool George’s and Ted’s kids are working at Our Place again. I bet it’s a massive relief for your mom”—Jules nods to me—“And your dad”—now to Jo. “Ted and Valerie would be so proud.”

“Thanks, Jules. We miss them both so mu?—”

“Excuse me.”

Everyone’s eyes dart to Jo as she rushes to get off her stool—almost toppling backward into a young couple in her haste to escape. Her eyes are as wide as saucers and skin practically translucent she’s so pale.

Without any explanation, she runs out of the bar, leaving behind her coat and bag. I don’t even realize I’m standing to follow her until I see Simon rise from his seat, but Booth quickly grabs his attention and gives me a nod.

Then I’m rushing out into the cold night in search of her.

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