Page 12 of Whiskey and Whispers
“It’s weird,” Tyler agreed. “I don’t see most of these people when I come to town. It sounds like you don’t see them much either, even though you live here.”
“Unless they come into the bar, that’s true. Everyone is busy living their lives, I guess.”
Most of Tate’s high school friends were married and either already had kids or were working towards having them. They didn’t have the time or inclination to hang around the tavern — even if he did serve the best bacon cheeseburger in town.
“Who is living their best lives?”
The question came from behind Tate. Josh had sidled up next to them, a huge grin on his face.
“Everyone,” Tyler replied promptly. “Hey, how many drinks have you had anyway? You need to slow down. The night is young.”
“I’ve had a few, but not as many as I want,” Josh answered. “It’s a party. Rachel and I never cut loose like this anymore. We need to have some fun in our lives for a change.”
“Too much adulting, huh?” Tyler said. “What was going on with Leo? He looked pissed off.”
“Leo is always pissed off. It’s his natural state. He just doesn’t know how to have fun,” Josh declared. “By the way, Tate, we’re going to have a little breakfast thing here tomorrow morning. Just for our close friends so they can have some time with Tyler. Did you know he’s staying here? He’s wearing my clothes, too. Rachel says he looks better in that sweater than I do.”
“That explains why it looked familiar,” Tate laughed. “I just thought you both had similar fashion tastes. Can I ask why you’re wearing each other’s clothes?”
Had someone lost a bet? Josh and Tyler were notorious for their stupid twenty-buck bets where one of them had to do something outrageous, usually in public.
“The airline lost my luggage,” Tyler explained. “I’m supposed to get my suitcase soon, but in the meantime, I showed up here with only my laptop and the clothes on my back. Josh was kind enough to let me borrow a few things until then.”
“Enough about clothes and luggage,” Josh declared. “How about a game of blackjack? Or poker? Just as soon as the other guests leave. The diehards can stay until the sunrise.”
Tate didn’t habitually stay up all night, but this party was a special occasion. One night wouldn’t hurt. It would give him more time to catch up with his old friends.
He would have to get used to Cat being around since she was moving back home. It shouldn’t be that difficult. He’d give her a wide berth and mind his own business.
He was positive they could exist in the same town. All he had to do was leave the past where it belonged.
In the rearview mirror.
“Someone owes me a hug.”
The declaration came directly from Tyler, who had joined her on the patio. As usual, he wore a friendly smile, no games or hidden agenda. She could always count on him to say what he meant and not beat around the bush. He was a straight shooter, but with kindness and empathy.
“Then come get one,” Cat responded playfully.
They hugged briefly before he leaned against the railing. He didn’t speak again right away, allowing them to simply enjoy the quiet.
“It’s got to be weird to come home after all this time away.”
His statement was loaded with meaning, and she didn’t pretend not to know what he was talking about.
“I think Tate is angry with me. Is everyone else, too?”
He didn’t answer her question; instead, he posed one back.
“Why do you think he’s mad?”
“Because he has a reason to be,” she admitted with a sigh, rubbing at the chilled flesh of her arms. “I didn’t reach out when his mom disappeared. I didn’t know what to say. I still don’t. And now he’s mad, and I guess I can’t blame him. I would be, too, if the roles were reversed.”
She would have been hurt and disappointed. It would be stupid to lie to herself and say she wouldn’t.
“Did you apologize?”
“Yes, but I don’t think he’s feeling very forgiving tonight. I tried to explain, but I don’t think I did a good job.”
