Page 60 of Spur of the Moment
“Eat shit, Lennon. At least it’s not sales numbers,” Beck remarked.
Lennon took a seat, taking a long pull from his beer. “Now, that’s a conversation I’d happily take part in.”
“Always was the boring brother,” Callan mumbled.
I scoffed. “You guys talk like you’re not damn near thirty. Hell, Len and Reed already are.”
“Bailey, you’re fucking twenty-seven. Shut your mouth before I shut it for you.” Beck grabbed the pool cue from Lennon and got up to rack the balls for another game.
I grabbed Callan’s cue, coming to the opposite side of the pool table. “Speaking of being almost thirty, you thinking about retiring soon?” I asked Beck.
“Not sure. I enjoy the rush and being on tour. I’m not sure what else to do once I do decide to retire.”
“You could work on the ranch. Could always use an extra set of hands,” I offered.
He moved the balls around, arranging them just right. “I could.”
Beckham removed the rack and bent to take his shot.
“You and Parker still talk?” I asked as he shoved the cue forward, missing the cue ball entirely.
He pursed his lips and straightened. “Haven’t heard from her since she left on a cattle drive a couple weeks ago.”
I didn’t press further, getting the feeling it was a sensitive topic.
“That’s it, I’m cutting them off.” Reed pushed off his chair, aiming for Brandy and Lettie.
I set my cue on the felt tabletop and grabbed Reed’s arm before he could get any further. “Let them have their fun. They haven’t been able to do this in years.”
Heshrugged me off. “You’re fine with them taking their sixth shot right now?” He nodded his head in their direction. I moved my gaze over to where they were propped at the bar. I’d lost track of how much they’d been drinking, but it was clear Reed had been counting. I didnotfeel like carrying them out of here tonight.
“I’ll get Lettie,” I said. He took off in their direction and I followed suit.
“Oh, if it isn’t buzzkill number one,” Brandy slurred as we approached.
“Who’s buzzkill two?” I asked.
“No one. There’s just one. And I’m unfortunately face to face with him right now.”
Reed ignored her jab as he gave the bartender a look to cut them off. The guy nodded in response, filling two glasses with water and setting them on the bar.
Reed and Brandy shot daggers at each other as I faced Lettie, her eyes glistening up at me. “Care to dance, Huckleberry?”
I held my hand out to her. I didn’t think she’d take it, but she didn’t hesitate for even a second, setting her dainty hand in mine. She followed me out to the dance floor, “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw filling the room. I turned, facing her and placing my hands on her hips. She wrapped her arms around my neck, giving no indication that the alcohol was affecting her.
“When you call me huckleberry, do you just see me as a giant, blue ball?”
I laughed,pressing my forehead to hers. “No, Lettie. But youarewearing a blue dress.”
She tried to hide her smile as she pinched my shoulder.
“It’s denim,” she whined.
I feigned hurt, drawing her closer to me. I was so lost in her, I didn’t see when Brandy stomped past us, or hear when she told Reed she wouldn’t get in his truck.
All I saw was Lettie, with her blue eyes, in her blue dress.
Blue was my new favorite color.
