Page 96 of Idle

He points to something and shows Marge, who gasps. “A portion of your proceeds are being donated to MADD? Diana would be so proud of you.” Tears stream down my mother’s face, and I feel them welling up behind my eye sockets as well.

With a gruff voice, Homer adds, “I love having you in the same industry as me, I won’t lie. According to this business plan, though, you’d be an idiot not to try this new business.” He puts the plan onto the table. “And I know I didn’t raise an idiot.”

Maybe I’ve misjudged my parents this whole time?

Maybe they’ve always wanted me to follow my dreams?

Maybe Paige is healing our entire family, and not just my damaged heart?

Whatever the reason, I’m not going to dwell on this right now. I have a woman to meet. But not before making one quick pit stop at home.

28

Paige

Itoy with the mug of my Mexican mule, the same one I’ve been nursing for over an hour. Got here at quarter to seven and told the hostess, Shelby, I’m meeting someone in the bar. Still no sign of Jesse. His heart is in designing furniture. If only he’d let himself.

A guy wearing a shirt proclaiming his love for the city approaches. “Hey there, Sweet Cheeks. Want some company?”

“Not really. I’m waiting for my girlfriend.”

His eyes bug out and he stammers, then leaves. Men. So easy to redirect. Unfortunately, the next guy doesn’t seem put off by my line—more like he’s interested in watching or joining a threesome. My gaze keeps directing to the door, but still no Jesse. Now I’ve acquired a leech. Guess I’ll have to use plan B.

“I need to use the restroom.”

Leaving my drink so he thinks I’ll return, I walk away and duck into the hallway before turning around and going to a different part of the bar with a pretty good view of the front door. I observe the guy as he waits for a good ten minutes before the lightbulb goes off that I ditched him, and he approaches another poor woman. Better her than me.

The server walks around, and I order another Mexican mule plus some nachos. Seems like I’m in for a long night.

The hours tick by.

I triple check my cell to confirm today is Tuesday.

Finishing the nachos, I use a piece of chip to scrape some guacamole off the bottom of the plate.Could he not show?

The bar fills, then most of the patrons leave. Only a smattering of folks remain at ten o’clock on a Tuesday night.I can’t believe he didn’t come.

Signaling the server, I get my check and pay up. With heavy limbs, I trudge into the bathroom and use it this time. I stare at my face in the mirror, my brown eyes paler than before.He doesn’t want me.

I sling my purse over my shoulder and pull out my phone. Time to admit defeat and call Jimmy, our vehicle concierge, to pick me up. In the middle of the hallway, I stop. I told Chloe not to expect me tonight. I guess I could ask Theo if I can crash at his place. Or my parents. None of my options are how I expected this evening to end.

Entering the main area of the bar, I debate where I want to go tonight. The thought of being around the love at Theo’s is too much for me to bear, so my parents win. At least their fighting won’t affect me so much. I bring up Jimmy’s contact info.

“She’s about this tall, lanky, with the most beautiful brown pixie cut you’ve ever seen.” The tenor voice assails me. My phone clatters to the floor.

Jesse turns.

The world stops spinning.

My pulse accelerates.

A heart-melting smile crosses his face.

He takes a step toward me. And another. And a third.

When he reaches me, I gulp for air, trying to assimilate the fact Jesse’s here. He did come. He does want this. Me.

“Paige.”

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