Page 60 of A Surefire Love
“Works for some production company in California.”
“How do you know all this?”
David snorted. “Knowledge is power.”
Knowledge about Prissy Johnston? “All right. I’m curious. Tell me about Blaze and the musical.”
“I think the truth was, she wastoogood. She would’ve put everyone else to shame. Guess what else she’s too good for.” David raised his eyebrows.
Anson shrugged and shook his head. “Surprise me.”
“You.” David pushed his chair back and braced a hand on the table. As he rose, he paused to catch Anson’s eye. “And if you don’t believe me, it’s even more true.”
Anson opened his mouth to respond, but to say what? That he and Blaze didn’t have that kind of relationship? That, maybe instead of either of them being too good for the other, they actually made sense?
David straightened. “Hurt her, and you’ll have me to dealwith.” He clapped Anson on the shoulder and headed for the bar.
When Blaze stepped off stage,Anson met her with a glass of water. She’d finished her onstage water bottle two songs ago, and his thoughtfulness made the drink that much more refreshing. “Thank you.”
He smiled, and she wished he’d slide an arm around her. Wished their closeness on Monday, both emotionally and physically, were the norm and not the exception. Yet for all her wonder at their connection, they still had a lot to learn about each other.
She set the glass on the table. “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you talk to David before.”
Anson shrugged. “Other than graduating together, we don’t have much in common.”
They might have more in common than Anson realized. David tended to act careless and gruff, but for the right cause, he’d put the welfare of others ahead of himself. “You were in the same bus accident,” she said.
“True. He helped haul people out.” Anson focused on the middle distance. “At the scene, he seemed fine but I hear he passed out at home. Internal bleeding.”
Blaze winced. The refusal to show weakness sounded like David.
“How close are you two?” Anson’s voice lowered into a rumble.
Was he … jealous? The idea was so far-fetched, she laughed. “He’s Marissa’s brother, so he was around a lot. Their mom made him drive us places, since he got his license before we did.”
Anson stuffed his hands in his pockets, eyes narrowed.
David had really done a number on him. “What did he want from you tonight?”
“He says you’re too good for me.”
A half-cough, half-laugh burst from her. David had a lot of nerve assuming they were a couple, let alone playing the older brother stand-in. But his concern for her, as embarrassing and misguided as it was, showcased a certain sweet loyalty. “And no one believes he has a soft side.”
“He did end with a threat of violence.” Judging by his tone, Anson wasn’t worried. At least, not about David’s threat. As he studied her, concern slanted across his features. “How are you feeling? I thought you might not sing tonight, since you weren’t well yesterday.”
“I’m sorry I missed Rooted.” She motioned him to follow her as she stepped past anEmployees Onlysign. They passed an office, then the hall turned and widened into a coatroom with hooks and a line of mini lockers.
She shrugged into her jacket and spun the combination on her locker to retrieve her purse. “I’ve been exhausted. I fell asleep at work on Tuesday and struggled all yesterday. I was in bed before eight.” She pulled the purse over her shoulder and turned to face him. “I hope you and Nolan managed okay?”
“Sure.” A line appeared between his brows. “Is this still the medication?”
Embarrassment sent her toward the hall. It wasn’t a true escape, since he’d follow her, but it spared her having to look at the pity in his eyes. “I’m not sure I’ll last the however many weeks it’ll take to make a difference.”
“I’m surprised you’re trying to last at all.”
“At least the headaches are gone. Maybe one of these days, the fatigue will be too.”
“Isn’t it normal to have to fiddle with the prescription?”
