Page 57 of Give In To Love
I smoothed a hand down the front of my short-sleeved button-down, making eye contact with Gram in the mirror where she had come up behind me.
“There’s a bonfire down at the lake. Drea invited me. She thought it would be good for me to meet some people.” I fiddled with the buttons, trying to decide how many to leave undone at the top. “Do I look alright? I don’t know what to wear to a small-town bonfire.”
“Honey, I turn eighty-five next week. How the hell should I know what you kids wear to those things?”
I laughed and turned to face her.
“You always look beautiful, no matter what.”
“Mm-hmm. Flattery will get you everywhere.” There was a distinct twinkle in her eye.
“You sure you’re good without me?”
“Pfft.” She waved a hand in front of her. “You moved back here to help me, and I appreciate that. I love having you here. But you have your own life. I think it’s good you’re getting out and meeting some people. I’ll be fine.”
It was true that I’d moved back in order to help her. She’d had a couple of concerning fainting spells last spring. After several visits with the doctor, it appeared she was in the early stages of Parkinson’s. Ma and Aunt Lydia had been taking turns checking on her, but they both worked full-time and couldn’t be around as much as they would have liked.
Everyone was surprised when I offered to move back, but the fact was, I’d been subconsciously heading this direction anyway. When I got the news about Gram’s diagnosis, the show I’d been performing with had been scheduled to finish its run in July, and I didn’t have another gig lined up. I hadn’t gone to auditions or sought other opportunities.
I’d been dealing with some serious burnout without realizing it, and at the same time, I’d been finding myself longing for home more and more. I missed Trent’s high school graduation while on tour and nearly missed Tyler’s wedding last summer. At the time of Gram’s diagnosis, I’d been about to become an uncle. I hadn’t wanted to miss those things anymore. So I’d sublet my apartment, packed my things, and flown home.
“You promise you’ll call if you need anything?”
“Sure.” I narrowed my eyes when her lips twitched. “I’ll call your aunt.”
“Gram…”
“Shoo. Off with you. Stop worrying.”
“I can’t help it. I love you.”
Her gaze softened. “I love you too, sweetie.”
* * *
I followedthe sounds of music and laughter down the path from the parking lot to the beach. A little ways away, a crowd of people stood around, talking and laughing. I headed in that direction but pulled up short, feet rooted in place when I saw him. Jimmy. I’d wondered about the possibility, had thought of little else since Drea invited me, yet I was still unprepared for the sight of him.
His clothes weren’t particularly notable, dressed simply in a T-shirt and jeans. His blond curls were shorter and appeared to have been tamed with product. I itched to run my fingers through the strands and muss them up. I started forward but pulled up short once again when I noticed the guy standing beside him lean over and whisper something in Jimmy’s ear. Jimmy’s jaw tightened, and he gave a little shake of his head, making the other man frown. But despite the seemingly negative interaction, there was a closeness between them, a familiarity that suggested more than friendship.
Even as my heart sank, my curiosity got the best of me, and I studied the man closer. While most people in the crowd were dressed casually, wearing jeans, T-shirts, and the like, this guy was wearing a crop top paired with cut-off jean shorts and combat boots. His hair was artfully styled, and like Jimmy, he had a petite build.
I hated him on sight.
I was startled by the sudden appearance of Drea in front of me. I’d been so focused on Jimmy and the guy he was with that I hadn’t noticed her approach.
“Oh my god. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know he was going to be here.”
I blinked, giving myself a mental shake, and attempted to focus my attention on what she was saying.
“What? Who?”
“Steven. Jimmy’s boyfriend. He’s a fucking tool. I wouldn’t have invited you if I’d known he would be here.”
I blinked again, trying to make sense of what she was saying, and then it clicked, and I narrowed my eyes.
“How long have you known about my connection to Jimmy?”
“Known you were roommates and dated before you went off to pursue your Broadway career? Since shortly after your interview in June.”
