Page 49 of Wine and Research
She blinked and forced her mind to get with it. “I already have most of it fleshed out, and even some dialogue written for a few scenes, so I’ll probably get started on it in a day or two.”
“Don’t you need to give your brain a chance to regroup?” Jenna asked, digging into her fried mozzarella sticks appetizer.
No appetizer for Elle tonight. Heck, by the time she’d returned to their table, she’d lost her appetite. But since she’d needed to order something, she’d gone with just a main dish of chicken parmesan, knowing that half of it would more than likely be going home with her.
She nodded at Jenna. “Yes, hence the day or two break.”
The woman smiled, and the warmth in her blue eyes often reminded her of her brother. “I think that’s amazing.”
“You ever think of writing a play?” Phoebe asked, pouring dressing on her salad.
Elle shook her head. “No. I like writing in third person and giving the reader a glimpse of what’s going on in my characters’ heads. Playwriting and screenwriting are a different machine.”
Phoebe smiled. “Yes, the only time we know what the character is thinking is when we either assume it or the director tells us our motivation.”
“Well, I’m motivated to order more of these jalapeno poppers,” Faith said, flagging down their server.
Elle sipped her wine that the women had also insisted was mandatory tonight. Thankfully, it was okay to limit herself to one glass without censor since half of them drove and the one glass rule was automatically employed.
By the time her food came, they were discussing the upcoming summer and the activities they looked forward to doing. Most of them involved the lake that was barely visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows now that the sun had almost set. Elle had regained a little bit of her appetite, thanks to her friends keeping the conversation light and her involved.
“So, Phoebe, have you decided what play to do for the kids’ summer workshop?” Jenna asked, cutting into her fish that theirserver had just dropped off, along with the rest of the main courses.
Elle had really enjoyed last year’s production of Grease. There was a lot of young, local talent showcased, and she looked forward to going to whatever the kids did this summer.
That probably should’ve sent a red flag waving in her head, but it didn’t. Just because she wasn’t going to be in the Poconos forever, didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy herself while she was.
Just like her time with Jeremy.
Her gaze drifted to him again, and the knot in her stomach twisted. His spine was stiff and gaze was downcast as he stared at the drink he twisted on the bar.
That appetite she’d regained instantly disappeared. And when he rose to his feet and his eyes met hers, her heart caught in her chest. They were dull and expressionless, and his jaw was tight as he held her gaze for a beat, then he gave her a slight nod before walking out the door.
She set her fork down and dragged in a breath, completely at a loss as to what to do. Today and tomorrow were his on-duty days, which he’d pretty much deemed “no contact” days, unless, like today, they bumped into each other.
This rule had worked well for them both over the past month, although, Elle had to admit she wasn’t opposed to seeing him more than once or twice a week. Granted, her writing had derailed some of their projected time last week. Maybe that was driving her need to spend time with him tonight…
Nah, she automatically vetoed that thought. This need was different. It was born out of a desire to help him, nothavehim.
That was bad, right?
“You want to go to him, don’t you, Elle?” Faith asked, a knowing look in her eyes.
It was on the tip of her lips to deny it, but she didn’t. “Yeah, but I don’t think he wants company tonight. He pretty much told me that.”
Jenna sighed. “I wish my brother wasn’t so stoic. I mean, I know after our dad died, he felt he was supposed to step up and take on protection duty, as well as outdoor and mechanical chores for Mom and I. That was fine when we all lived together, but now that the three of us have separate homes, I think it’s too much. Of course, I’ve told him that, often, but he just shakes his head, insists he’s fine, and I’m wrong.”
Elle nodded. That sounded like Jeremy.
Faith snorted. “Typical male.”
The other women agreed.
“Although, Ryder lets me do things,” Sophia said, with a dreamy look entering her eyes. “Of course, we had to have a talk.”
“So did Ethan and I,” Phoebe claimed. “But it’s in their DNA. Their first reaction is to be the provider-protector.”
“Yes.” Sophia smiled. “So I told Ryder I don’t want to take that role away from him. I like that he is those things, but I made sure that he recognizes that I’m more than capable of pulling my weight around the house and in our relationship.”
