Page 76 of Love Her

Chapter 33

Connor

Live music was my idea. Lexington’s close proximity to Austin made it a logical decision. Truthfully, I was surprised it took me coming here for Taylor to even consider the concept. Actually, that’s not true. The extra stress that has come with the new promotion has sucked. I’ve managed to take most of it on, but it’s his business and he still feels the pressure.

One of the biggest stressors of the live acts are the days leading up to it. Making sure we have enough inventory on stock for the increase in capacity, double up on the staff, including security, and all of us being a little more patient. Normally, I try to take the day before live music off because it allows me to be less exhausted.

Under that concept, today should be my day off. But our afternoon bartender called in sick so I’m covering. The downside to living on the premises—you can’t really ignore the boss when he comes looking for you. It may be a Friday night, but the crowd is light. Tomorrow will be a different story.

“Dax, I’m going to go to the office and make a few calls. That cool?”

“Yeah, man. I’ve got this.”

Smiling at a few regulars, I cross to the hallway and lock myself in the office. Focusing on the schedule for the rest of the weekend, I am startled when my phone rings indicating a video chat.

Meg.

“Hey, sis,” I greet. My sister is still dressed in her nursing scrubs, but I can see the telltale signs of her apartment in the background.

“What is this I hear about you coming for a visit?”

“Mom has a big mouth. I was going to tell you myself.”

Smiling, she lifts her foot onto the chair and rests her chin atop her knee. “Oh please. You haven’t been home in almost half my lifetime. You know she’s over the moon. When are you coming?”

I lean back in the desk chair, still holding the phone out at an angle. “I’m not sure yet. I have a few things to clear up here.”

“Lis?”

Sighing, I nod. “Yeah. You were right, I should’ve heard her out.”

The satisfaction of me admitting she was right is evident on Meg’s face. We’ve talked a lot over the last few weeks. Never did I think I would be going to my baby sister for relationship advice, but she’s a neutral party in this situation and I needed her opinion. Boy, did she have opinions. Not just about my relationship with Lis but about how my staying away from home has hurt our mom. I’ve been so consumed with my own memories and issues I didn’t stop to think of it hurting anyone.

“Of course I’m right. Now, what’s your plan? Do you need me to figure that out too?”

“Nobody likes a know-it-all.”

“Untrue. Everyone loves a know-it-all; they just don’t know it!”

Laughing at her horrible joke, I break the news to her. “I don’t have a plan. I’ll be here late tonight and again tomorrow. I thought I’d go by her house on Sunday. If I show up unannounced, she can’t turn me away, right?”

By the look on Meg’s face, maybe she can. Horrified, she gasps and shakes her head rapidly. “No. No. No. Do not just show up at her house. How were you in the military? You can’t go into a mission without a plan! I swear, I have to do—”

A knock at the door draws my attention from a rambling Meg. Taylor pokes his head inside the office. Lifting a finger telling him to wait a minute, I look back at the screen. Meg is still talking, arms waving in the air.

“Oh . . . Me . . . Meg!” She stops talking mid-sentence when I shout. “I have to go. I think I’ll just stick to the no-plan idea and hope I don’t get kicked in the balls.”

“Fine. If you need one of my ideas let me know. Love you!”

She disconnects before I can return the sentiment and stand, slipping my phone in my pocket. Taylor steps into the office, hands resting on his hips. His eyes are strictly on me. Assessing. Before I can ask what is wrong, he sighs.

“How’s it going?”

“Fine. What’s wrong? You look worried.”

Taylor shakes his head and motions for me toward the hallway. “Not worried. The gang is all here. Did you know Scarlett liked being this social? I didn’t. It’s like every weekend we have somewhere to be or there’s a milestone to celebrate. Maybe I should’ve worked tonight. At least then I wouldn’t have to sit in my own bar drinking when I can be at home doing the same damn thing.”

Baffled, I ask, “How did you not know she was a social butterfly?”

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