Page 52 of Forbidden Hearts
“Really? It was a big deal around here, but I guess you left right after we graduated. Anyway, I met Shane my freshman year of college, and we got married that year. It was a whirlwind. His parents own Temple Construction, do you know them?”
I nod. Everyone knows the owners of Temple Construction, but I don’t really care that she married their son. “Sorry things didn’t work out with your husband.”
“It’s fine. Sometimes it just isn’t meant to be. Thankfully, my settlement was very generous. Anyway, I came by because a few girls from high school are heading to Peakness tonight, and I wanted to see if you’d like to go.”
“Oh, I don’t know . . .”
I really don’t feel like it. I have a full night of binging mindless television and not thinking about the current state of my life.
“Come on, for old times’ sake.”
I look down at myself and sigh. “I’m really not in any state to go out.”
“You look amazing, and I can head home, change, and pick you up in an hour. What do you say? We’d love to catch up, and who knows, you might meet someone.”
“In Sugarloaf?” I challenge. There are really only two guys in this town who I would ever date. One is my boss, the other is his brother, and they are both off-limits.
“You never know.”
Dad walks into the living room, clearly having heard the conversation. “You should go. You’ve been working nonstop. It would be good to get out for some fun.”
I force myself to smile. “Sure, I’ll go. I’ll be ready in an hour.”
* * *
After the most extensive pep talk of my life, I showered, did my hair and makeup, and found the most flattering outfit I could.
These pants make my ass look fabulous, and the deep v-cut of my top crisscrosses in the back. If I’m going to go out with these people, I might as well look good doing it. Plus, Emmeline gave me some shit that I am vitamin-D deficient, and not in the pill form. Might as well go out there and fake it so she’ll back off.
“Ready to head in?” Melinda asks as we pull up to Peakness.
“Ready as ever.”
“And you’re sure you’re fine being the DD?”
“Totally fine.” I really don’t need to mix alcohol with my bad decision-making skills.
Inside, the music is loud, the bar smells eerily like my misguided youth, and my favorite bartender is slinging drinks.
I smile and head over to her. “Carmen!”
“Whoa! Hello, sexy thing!” She pushes up onto the bar, and I do the same so she can kiss my cheek. “You look . . . wow.”
I laugh as I do a slow spin. “Thank you. I’m young and ready for some fun.”
She looks over at Melinda. “And with . . . new friends?”
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far, but it’s slim pickings in this town and I’m bored.”
“Good. You should have some fun instead of spending all your time nannying for the stick-in-the-mud cop.”
I push my lips up into a smile. So much for my Asher-free night.
“Tonight is about having a good time. Any prospects?” I ask, scanning the bar.
Carmen tilts her head toward one guy at the end. “He’s a good guy. Matt or Mike, I can’t remember, he comes in every Friday, doesn’t drink too much, and is in construction or something. Not overly talkative, sticks to beer, and typically leaves alone.”
“Typically?”
