Page 18 of Skid
“I haven’t had that in years. Let me guess, Skid wants some pie?”
I blushed and glanced down at my folded hands before meeting his gaze. “I asked him what his favorite was.”
“He’s a good guy, Grace,” Eddie stated , and I nodded in agreement.
“He seems like it, but he’ll be gone before we know it, I’m sure,” I explained, and he shook his head, leaning back into the old chair.
“I know what you’re afraid of, but I can tell from the look in his eyes, he’s an honest man who would treat you right.”
“How can you know something like that?” My lip trembled and I closed my eyes briefly, fear pushing through the lovesick haze I allowed his kiss to wrap me in. “He could be worse than . . .”
Eddie stood from his chair and kneeled in front of me as the tears welled up in my eyes, “Grace, honey, I know trusting people doesn’t come easy to you, and I fully understand why. But you have to take a chance on someone or you’re going to be miserable. Real love exists, you just have to open your heart and let someone in.”
“I let you in,” I replied, hearing the sadness in my voice.
He took my hands into his. “It’s not the same thing, Grace, and you know it. I love you with everything in my soul and I want you to be happy, but I can’t be the only person you show love to. You deserve someone who can give you the family you want, and no matter what, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll always be right here to tell you when you’re screwing up.”
“Are you saying Dalton is that one? I just met him and hardly know anything about him.”
“What does your gut tell you about him?” Eddie asked, moving back to his seat and stretching out his legs to alleviate the pain in his joints.
For years, my ability to trust my own judgment had been completely fucked up. What I thought was right and normal was anything but, so I questioned my decisions, resulting in anxiety. Eddie taught me to trust my gut. Evaluate, look for deception, and let my gut decide.
I exhaled deeply. “My gut says he’s a good guy.”
“Mine does too, so trust your instincts and give him a chance, for however long he’s here. Maybe, when he goes home, you’ll be ready to take the next step. Maybe not. Whatever happens, give your heart a chance to experience all the joys a new relationship can bring you, and don’t look for the bad things that could happen.”
A knock on the outer door of the bar drew our attention, and Eddie checked the security camera to see another delivery driver waiting to offload more provisions for the bar. I followed him to the door and went to grab a box when Eddie stopped me.
“I’ve got the new barback coming to help get set up. You’re off tonight so you can spend some time with Skid.” His brown eyes twinkled, and he gave me a sly smile.
“Are you sure?” I asked as the driver pushed a hand truck full of boxes into the bar, and Eddie walked me to my parked car.
“I’m positive, and if you don’t feel like working tomorrow, you don’t have to.” He wiggled his eyebrows, and I shook my head, rolling my eyes at him.
“I’ll call you later.”
I climbed into the car, and he stuck his head through the open door. “Shave your legs, girl. No man wants furry calves wrapped around their waist.”
I gasped, mocking outrage, before joining him in laughter. “For your information, I shaved this morning.”
“Brat.” He pecked me on the cheek before closing my door and reentering the bar.
I drove home and pulled into the yard, parking my car close to the walkway. After carrying the groceries into the kitchen, I started some music playing over my sound system and got to work on Dalton’s dessert.
Dancing around the kitchen, I smiled, thinking about his lips pressed to mine. I had just put the pie into the oven when my phone dinged with a text message.
Unknown:I may have begged Eddie for your phone number, so don’t be mad. It’s Dalton, by the way.
I smiled at the phone and checked I had a timer set for the oven before walking onto the front porch and settling into my overstuffed chair. Debating on how to respond, I decided to follow Eddie’s advice to trust my gut. After saving his number into my phone, I responded.
Me:I just put your pie into the oven.
The three little dots popped up, and I smiled, thinking about him. He was so damn handsome, and when he kissed me last night, I felt myself falling for him. After talking to Eddie, I chose to live instead of hiding.
Dalton:I can’t wait to taste it. What time are you working tonight?
Me:I’m off tonight. Would you like to have dinner? It won’t be fancy, but I promise dessert will be delicious.
