Page 65 of Baby, It's You
“I know it's them,” he responds breathlessly as his dark eyes meet mine. “My mom’s name is Amy and my dad’s name is Frank, our last name is Rowe. That’s their anniversary date.” He pulls at the collar of his T-shirt as if it’s choking him suddenly.
“This is insane,” I tell him in a soft voice. I point to the text then. “‘Time of the Season’ like the song?”
“Yeah. It was my parents’ first dance song.”
“I looked those lyrics up when I first noticed the heart on the wall years ago. It’s been one of my favorite songs ever since. This is crazy,” I tell him, shaking my head. It feels like him coming into the bar that first night was almost like fate. Who knew his parents' own history was on the walls of Whiskey Jane’s?
“I guess I should ask my mom if we can come over to film…” He half chuckles and puts his hands behind his neck, stretching. “Unbelievable,” he whispers to himself.
A minute later he goes outside to call his mom, and I continue to crouch by the wall, running my fingers over the textured lines of his parents’ script. For years I have sat right by this spot, wishing I could absorb this couple's story, and I always wondered how their lives turned out. The bar door jingles and I look behind my shoulder to see Hunter sauntering back in the bar, a bright smile on his face.
I grab the dishes from our table as he walks up and takes one of them out of my hand.
“We are good to go. My mom’s ready and excited to meet you.”
I lead him back towards the kitchen. “Geez, this is a lot of pressure. I didn't think I would be meeting your mother so soon,” I joke, but deep down, I mean it. I want his mom to like me.
“My mom will love you,” he says as he pushes the kitchen door open for me. I thank him and take his dish back. “Staff only. Tripp’s rule. Be right back.”
I head over to the sink across from the grill where Rob currently stands and begin washing our two plates. I can feel his eyes on my back and ignore it until I finish drying the dishes and place them on the rack. “Yes?” I ask, turning around.
“What are you doing, Olive?”
“What?”
“You’re leading the poor kid on; he really likes you. I can tell.”
“I like him, too.” I shrug. “We are just taking it slow.”
“I feel like you’re going to end up breaking his heart,” Rob continues, a serious look on his face. “He seems really invested in you and I actually like the guy.”
“I thought you were supposed to be on my side about things.” I raise an eyebrow.
“I am on your side. I’ll always stand by you, but I will also give you a reality check when you need it. Stop messing aroundand either be with him or let him move on. I don’t know if there will ever be a day where you will wake up and think you’re ready to be with him. I think you’re making excuses because you don’t want to get hurt by him. I say stop lying to yourself and go for it. You know Jane would tell you to get your head on straight if she was here. Bebrave,Olive.”
I feel like Rob just exposed all the hidden parts of my mind. Yes, I am scared, and he’s right, I don’t know if I will ever wake up and decide it’s the right time for Hunter and me.
I bite the inside of my cheek as Rob continues, “I’m not trying to make you sad; I want to see you happy. I want you to wake up and realize there’s a great guy waiting for you out there.”
I snort. “Wow, I didn’t realize you guys were so close.”
Rob shrugs nonchalantly. “We text sometimes.”
“Oh, is that it?” I tease, but I’m happy to hear that they have a friendship blooming. Rob really is a brother to me.
Missy pokes her head through the kitchen window, obviously eavesdropping from the other side. “They have a bromance,” she chirps.
I shake my head hearing that, my smile growing. “How sweet,” I say, drying off my hands with a nearby towel. “Alright, I’m leaving. See you tomorrow.”
Rob nods. “See ya.”
I push through the door and wave goodbye to Missy and Johnny at the bar.
“Go enjoy your day off.” Missy smiles.
“It’s like you’re obsessed with us,” Johnny jokes. “Even on your day off, you want to bask in my beauty.”
“Yeah, right. We are leaving,” I say as Hunter walks up behind me. I point at Johnny. “You better tell me about your new granddaughter tomorrow. I haven’t seen you in weeks!”
