Page 51 of Brews & Bartenders

She puts one of her hands on top and leans her head on my shoulder. “Do you think we’re moving too fast?”

That’s a turn I wasn’t expecting this to take. “I don’t think so. Why?”

She sighs, “I don’t know. It just feels like whatever we have is too good to be true. Even if it started out as fake, I can’t ignore the feelings I have for you. Hell, I had a crush on you before any of this even happened.”

“You did?” I suspected, but I didn’t want to assume. It was hard to miss the glances she always shot me, and how she would come to the bar to order her own drink even when she was with her friends. A part of me always hoped I was the reason, but another part thought it was also because her friends always got her cocktails instead of the beer she drinks when she comes in. Unless, they were setting this whole thing up. After spending a day with them, I know they are capable of it.

“Yeah.”

“Then why were you going to say no when I asked you out?”

“I don’t know.” Another shrug. “I didn’t think I deserved being in a relationship. The last one I had didn’t turn out so great. I couldn’t keep him happy enough to stay. And since then, I put all of myself into raising David.”

The urge to slam on my brakes in the middle of this deserted road is hard to resist. Not because what she said makes me angry, but because she should know none of those things are true. “Caroline, you deserve every ounce of happiness that comes your way. Hopefully, I’m a part of that. But even if I’m not, don’t ever question what you deserve. You are an amazing mother, daughter, and friend. How your ex treated you, and made you feel, that’s on him. Don’t let his actions frame the rest of your life.”

I feel her lift her head up. A quick glance in her direction, and her focus is on me. “You are the only person who has told me something along those lines outside of my family and friends.”

“Honestly, nobody else’s opinion should matter. Especially your ex-husband’s. If he can’t handle his loss of an amazing woman, that’s his problem.”

“You might be my favorite person right now.” I hear the smile in her voice.

“I’m trying to be your favorite person ever.” As soon as I say it, I know it sounds ridiculous. Her favorite person should and will always be David. I would never make her choose between her son and myself. What kind of asshole would that make me?

“You’re working your way up the list.” She pulls her phone out of her bag, checking for messages before she places it back inside. “So, where are we eating? I’m starving.”

It almost would have been worth it to stay in. The looks and whispered secrets by some of the patrons were almost too much to bear. There’s no doubt in my mind it was about me and Caroline. It was like the moment we entered, everyone decided they wanted to give input about us. Never to our faces, but with mouths covered by their hands and quick, curious glances in our direction.

I get it to some extent. Even though I’ve lived here for a while, Caroline has lived here her entire life. Of course, there is going to be scrutiny. I tried, unsuccessfully, to prepare for whatever might come our way, but misjudged how shitty some people are. Never mind the fact I’ve served a lot of these people on multiple occasions at the bar. It’s like she’s not allowed to date after a failed marriage, and it’s such bullshit. They could have been staring at us for other reasons, but I refuse to believe a majority of our town thinks we shouldn’t be together for any other reason. If that were the case, I’d have to not serve them next time they come into the bar.

Caroline must feel the tension running off me as we walk out of the restaurant and judgmental stares. “Ignore them. They are assholes that refuse to believe the world has changed instead of being whatever the hell they want it to be.”

“That isn’t what bothered me. It was the way they looked at you. As if you’re some person that needs to be pitied.”

“You realize none of that matters to me, right? I haven’t cared what other people think of me in years, and I don’t intend to start now.”

The strength of this woman never ceases to amaze me. The world could be on fire, and she’ll dust herself off to continue doing what needs to be done. “Which is why you are a much better person than me.”

I open the car door and wait until she’s inside before closing the door and getting in on my side. “Where to now?”

“That’s up to you.” I turn on the car, but don’t make a move to put it in gear. “Are you ready to go home? I can drop you off, or we can get ice cream and head back to my place.”

“Definitely ice cream.”

I put the car in gear and leave the parking lot, elated she doesn’t want to go home just yet. Who knows…maybe she won’t go home at all tonight.

23

Caroline

The protectiveness Carloshas over me is sweet, though unnecessary. When Nathan left, I had to grow a thick skin. Rumors flew all over this town and it almost destroyed me. My mom was the only strength I had, other than David.

Either way, I’m happy he feels the need to protect me. It’s something I’ve never felt before outside of my family. He’s the person who makes me feel safe. He makes me feel like I can take on the world. “How did you know that was my favorite ice cream shop?”

He looks over at me and grins as he’s driving through town. “Probably because it’s the only place in town. It’s not like we have many options.”

“True.” He turns down a road I’ve been on a million times. “But what if I liked fast food ice cream.”

“Nobody actually likes that.”

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