Page 54 of Slash & Burn

Swiveling in her seat she asked, “What did Cory say?”

“About us?”

“Yeah.”

I shrugged, because Cory hadn’t been against the idea, but he hadn’t been for it either. He didn’t think I was setting out to hurt Jill the way Joey did, but he wasn’t sure I knew what I was getting myself into. Part of me thought that this dinner invite was a way for him to see for himself—and Skylar, too—just how good Jill and I were for each other. But I wasn’t going to tell Jill that.

“He didn’t have strong feelings about it either way. He’s pretty good at minding his own business.”

“And yet his first impulse was to set up a double date?” Jill laughed. “Twenty bucks says he’s reporting back to my brother.”

I pulled into the lot for The Docks, the low hanging sun shining in a blinding sheet off the water. This was a townie gem that I’d spent more time at than any other place growing up. We’d tie up at the docks down below and come up for burgers and beers every weekend. In the winter they’d carve out a rink on the ice just off shore, and we’d play till we were exhausted and then come inside for the best roast beef sandwich in the state. Their massive deck overlooked the western shore of the lake, and every table had a view, making you feel like you were sitting on the water, a part of it.

My stomach knotted instantly, and I let out a loud breath. “Let him. We’re just having a good time, right?” I cut the engine and turned toward her, watching the frustration on her face melt into understanding. I scratched at my jaw anxiously and she gave me a reassuring grin.

“Right.”

As we approached Cory and Skylar at a table in the corner of the deck, I caught the sly grin on both their faces and remembered when Cory had introduced me to his thenfakegirlfriend. I’d hit on her—as one would expect—and watching him get all hot about it had been more fun than I’d anticipated.

“Hey, so glad you could join us. It’s good to see you, Jill,” Cory said, getting to his feet and leaning in to give her a hug, his eyes on me over her head. I tracked the movement of his arm, even though I knew he was far too devoted to his wife to do anything.

“You don’t look too beat up,” Skylar said, pulling back from my hug with a scrutinizing gaze. “He take it easy on you?”

“Sky,” Cory said, clearing his throat. He gave her a wide-eyed look, but she just laughed.

With a sympathetic glance in Jill’s direction, she clucked at him. “Please, ignoring the elephant in the room has never once made it go away.”

Jill’s laugh drew all eyes to her, and she blushed when she saw it. “I mean, she’s not wrong. My brother’s a big baby and we all know he can’t stand not getting his way.”

Taking our seats Jill and I ordered drinks to catch up with them and as the waitress left my eyes finally landed on the water at Cory’s back. It felt like we were hovering just above it. It was dark green and calm except for the boat wakes snaking over the surface. I took a breath through my nose, counting the inhale and exhaling just as slowly.

Jill’s foot grazing my leg under the table brought me back. I shook my head, smiling over at her and letting myself sink into her eyes. She was stunning. Warm cheeks, full lips dusted with a lipstick the slightest shade of pink. Her gaze softened as she held mine, and suddenly she felt too far away. Reaching under her chair I took hold of the nearest leg and dragged her closer to me. A laugh erupted out of her as she was jerked sideways, but she never looked away.

“So, when does training camp start?” Cory asked, and I realized an entire conversation had been happening without me.

“No sports talk,” I muttered, my eyes still on Jill. It felt like we were kids, like some lust-drunk teens who couldn’t help but make a scene. But I didn’t care.

“Okay then, Hollywood. What should we talk about?”

I chuckled at his tone; amused but also slightly uncomfortable. Turning his way I took a sip of my water. “How’s the construction business?”

Cory groaned, but his grin told a different story. “It’s fine. Dirt, cement, trees. We’re doing great.”

“Did you guys get that new shopping plaza in Lyman?” Jill asked, surprising Cory.

“Yeah,” he said, lowering his head like he was almost bashful about it.

“That was a really neat design you submitted.”

Skylar shifted beside Cory, straightening proudly as she nodded in agreement.

“We were lucky the town liked our ideas for the greenspace. If we can keep things on track timing wise, it’ll be one of the most environmentally friendly retail spaces in the county.”

I was far enough out of the loop of local news that I just sat and listened as they debated the use of the abandoned spaces versus the construction of new ones. It was fun to see Jill and Cory both so passionate about the community. By the time dinner had arrived, no one was even thinking about Joey and what he’d have to say about my hand in his sister’s lap.

“Does anyone want dessert?” Cory asked, looking over the menu the waitress had dropped by when she’d retrieved our plates.

“I don’t think so,” I said, giving Jill a sideways glance. “We’ve actually got another stop to make tonight.” I pulled out my wallet and handed my card to the waitress as she buzzed past our table, lowering my voice as I told her, “Put it all on this, once they get their dessert.”

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