Page 119 of Corkscrew You
Dan has the Durant ability to not give much away, but there’s a watchfulness about him. My guess is he’s realized even the worldliest LA women havenothingon Chiara, and that he’d be advised to proceed with caution. Time to wind my brother up.
“Ava’s told us she’s staying here,” I say. “You thinking of doing the same?”
“Oh, are you staying, Ava?”
Shelby, bless her, is also obviously delighted. I enjoy watching my sister come as close to blushing as she ever does.
“Yeah,” she says, quickly. “I just – you know – Mom and Dad…”
“Same,” says Dan. “You think you’ll have years with them, and then…” He shrugs. “I can’t leave my business yet, but I can make plans.”
“Does that mean Max and I will be the only ones who are miles away?” Izzy’s bottom lip is a little trembly.
“Only for two more years, Iz,” says Max. “Oh, right, no, you’re doing a PhD. Nate’ll be a grandfather by the timeyoufinish.”
The biker bar guy appears by Shelby’s shoulder.
“Get you anything?”
He’s speaking to the table, but looking at Jordan. Who draws herself up and lifts her head away nose first, like a well-to-do Victorian lady being accosted by a hobo.
“Another round would be great,” says Ava.
Barman Brendan gives Jordan one last stare. She continues to ignore him.
“Sure,” he says, brusquely, and turns on his heel.
Jordan, we all observe, watches him out of the corner of her eye.
“What’s going on with those two?” Max murmurs to Shelby, on his other side.
“Nothing,” she whispers back. “That’s the problem.”
“Ah…” Max’s shoulders slump, along with his hopes.
“Cheer up, little buddy,” I tell him. “Just think. You’ll be back with those violinists in no time.”
“It’s the cello players you’ve got to watch out for,” he says, with a grin.
That’s Max. Can’t keep him down for long.
“Is anyone else starving?” says Shelby. “Those cookies wore offhoursback.”
“My turn to order,” says Izzy. “Nate, are you paying?”
“Me?” I protest. “Dan’s the one rolling in it.”
“Not after tonight’s little contribution to the state coffers, I’m not,” he says, with a sour glance at Ava.
“Halves?” I suggest.
“Why not,” Dan sighs. “No moredrinks for me, though. I may be a slow learner, but I know full well when you shouldn’t push your luck.”
I wrap my arm around Shelby’s shoulders. I pushed my own luck to the breaking point, and I give thanks to whatever force decided I deserved a second chance.
“How’s your energy?” Shelby murmurs in my ear.
Oh, I’ll have enough gas in the tank for later on. That’s a promise.
