Page 118 of Don't Bang a Bandmate

“Really?” I ask, surprised.

She tilts closer. “You remind me of my husband. Handsome and stoic.” She sighs, smitten. “So, is this girl a friend or a fan?”

I don’t even hesitate, the mix of good beer and Evey’s friendliness enough to break through any defense I still have. “Family,” I say.

Evey arches a brow.

“Not the blood kind,” I add. “I’ve known her almost my whole life. And I’ve loved her every single day of it. She’s my best friend.”

“Aww.That’s so sweet.”

I shrug. “She’s on a date tonight with another guy.”

“Oh.” Her nose screws up. “That’s not so sweet.”

“I know what I should do,” I say. “I should tell her how I feel, right?”

She nods. “Of course.”

“But I can’t do that. Not without potentially ruining everything.”

“Then, don’t.”

“Don’t?”

“Love isn’t just words. It’s actions,” Evey says. “When Vincent first opened his bakery next door, I went there every single morning for a whole year. I always ordered the same thing. The entire time, I was crushing on him fiercely, but henever said a word to me and I never said a word to him. Later, I found out that every single morning, he would hold aside a blueberry muffin just for me because he knew it was my favorite.” She grins. “That’s true love in action right there.”

“So, I don’t have to tell her anything?” I ask, hopeful.

“Well, eventually, you should. But if she’s really your best friend, then it won’t come as such a surprise when you tell her. After that...” She hugs herself. “There are warm cuddles and sweet kisses. And sex! All that good stuff.”

I smile at that, though I’m not sure if the advice applies. Not wanting to muddy the moment, I bow my head. “Thanks, Evey.”

“You’re welcome. You want a refill?”

“No,” I say, waving at my empty glass. “I should stop.”

“Well...” Evey reaches beneath the bar. “I don’t know how long you’ll be in town, but swing by the bakery tomorrow for a cookie. On me.”

She holds out a coupon and I take it, smiling at the Muffin Top and Ryan’s House logos side-by-side.

Rough Day Pass,it reads.One free cookie with any coffee purchase. Love, Evey and Vincent.

“Thanks, Evey.”

“Cheer up, Bronson,” she says. “Good things are just around the corner.”

“How do you know?”

She shrugs. “They always are.”

With that, she briefly touches my hand resting on the bar, then walks off to go tend to another customer.

I pocket the coupon and slide off the stool. Before returning to my bandmates to finish out the night — and hearing all the oh-so-cute details of Jordan’s date with Christian — I make a quick detour toward the restrooms first. A line extends from the ladies’, but there’s no wait for the men’s, so I pass them with a silent nod.

The door opens as I approach. I shift to the side, not wanting to accidentally shoulder-check the man exiting. He shuffles by and I catch the door before it closes.

“Yes, sir. It’s all good.”

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