Page 18 of Heartstrings & Horizons
“The way you’re sniffing his hoodie would suggest otherwise.”
“He smells good,” I say with a shrug.
“Right. Sure. So if his double date goes well and he ends up taking a girl home with him after, you’d be totally cool with it?” I wince at her words. Do I love the idea of Cade with someone else? No. But I don’t have any claim on him.
“That’s what I thought,” she says with a knowing glint in her eyes.
Chapter 8
Cade
? Can I be him - James Arthur
Why did I agree to this shit?
I pull into the familiar parking lot of the bar, where I’m meeting up with Dean, his date, Cara, and her friend, Jen. I know next to nothing about this girl, but Dean needed a wingman, so who am I to deny him? Normally, I’d be behind the bar on a Friday night, but my asshole friend roped me into taking the night off so he could get laid while he’s in town. Dean and I grew up together, best friends through high school. These days, he’s more often than not traveling for work, so we’re lucky to see each other 2-3 times a year.
Walking into The Ridge on my first Friday night off in months, I nod to Liam behind the bar, mouth a quick thanks to him for covering my shift, and head over to the high top table where I see Dean sitting with Cara, a cute redhead wearing a little black dress. I’ve seen her around, but we’ve never been officially introduced. Dean is in his usual business casual attire, having just finished work, and his dark brown hair is tousled as Cara’s fingers play with the hair at the nape of his neck. They’re leaning into each other, whispering discreetly. God only knows what he’s saying to her, but judging by the blush currently spreading across her cheeks, it’s definitely NSFW. Objectively, I can admit that my best friend is a good-looking guy. He’s what you might call classically handsome in a Matt Bomer kind of way. Across the table from them is a tall blonde with a scowl on her face — this must be Jen, and it would seem neither of us really wants to be here.
On quieter nights, the jukebox plays old country music blending with laughter and the occasional clink of bottles and glasses. Unfortunately for me, Friday nights are karaoke nights.
“Hey man,” Dean stands to greet me, shouting over the sound of a terrible rendition of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, “Let me introduce you to my date, Cara, and her friend, Jen.”
I glance to my left and make eye contact with the busty blonde who was definitely coerced into being here tonight. She gives me a quick once-over, and I have a feeling I just failed some kind of test.
Don’t worry, sweetheart — I’m not thrilled about this, either.
I know it’s not fair to either of them, but I can’t help but compare her to the shapely brunette I’d rather be meeting here tonight. From her icy demeanor to her personality, Jen is the complete opposite of Paige.
“Hey.” I say as I take my seat next to Jen.
She doesn’t respond so I flag down Liam — if my first impression is correct, I’m going to need a beer or 10 to get through this night.
Dean and Cara are absorbed in their own bubble, and I feel a pang of jealousy for the easy affection and flirtatious looks passing between them. Jen and I are clearly off to a rocky start, but maybe I can salvage this if she’ll even give me the time of day.
We stew in the awkward silence for what feels like an eternity before Cara and Dean excuse themselves to join the crowd currently doing the cupid shuffle. I glance over at Jen, who’s looking around the room, probably planning her escape route.
“Look, this doesn’t have to be awkward. We can at least get to know each other. ”
She nods, “I’ve seen you around. You’re a bartender here, right?”
“Yeah, I’m usually working Friday nights, but Dean convinced me to take a night off. What do you do?”
My phone buzzes on the table as it lights up with a text from Paige. Jen’s eyes glance at the screen, and I immediately regret leaving it there.
“I’m a pharmaceutical rep.” Jen contemplates for a minute before she continues, her voice shrill,“Look, you and I both know this —” she points to Cara and Dean on the dance floor “isn’t going to last, so I think we can skip the small talk. It’s clear that your attention is needed elsewhere. Goodnight,Cade.” She says my name like a curse and stalks off towards the bar.
Shit.
I’m about to call it a night, when I remember the text awaiting me and a smile stretches across my face. Do I feel bad about how the date ended? Sure. But it was obvious right from the beginning that it wasn’t going anywhere.
Paige and I have been texting back and forth for over a month now. The conversation is easy. She’s sweet, sarcastic, and, honestly, a breath of fresh air.
I don’t know why I’m so drawn to her. We never explicitly had a conversation about expectations, but it was implied that we both understand that this can’t go anywhere. All it will ever be is friendship; our circumstances are far too complicated to pursue anything else, and I’m not even sure if I’m capable ofmore. I had one serious girlfriend out of high school but anything beyond that has been a one-night stand or a no strings attached situation.
Every girl I’ve been with has been fine with it and never asks for more. I’ve been content up until now. Lately I’ve been feeling restless and unsettled.
“What are you smiling at?” I startle as Dean returns to the table.
