Page 12 of Second Chance Valentine

“Brother, you are hopeless,” Baylor says, reappearing like a cat who hides under the bed when company comes.

“We’ve been invited to a get-together at Fiona’s tonight.”

“You’vebeen invited to a get-together.” He points to Sully and me. “See, the nice thing about not talking to people is you don’t have to turn down invitations you never receive.” He shrugs. “Well, it sounds like you two need to get cleaned up. You can tell me all about it tomorrow.”

NINE

Ginger

“Idon’t think this is a good idea.” Anxiety bubbles in my stomach, as I swipe mascara on my lashes and reach for the lip gloss.

“It’s not a big deal.” Fiona’s exasperation rings clear through the speaker of my phone. “It would be weirder if you didn’t show.”

In a way, she’s right. If I didn’t go to the gathering tonight, it would be like shouting out to everyone in town that I’m not over Branson. And that’s the last thing I want everyone thinking. I am over him. Or at least I want to be over him. They say the best way to overcome your fear is to face it head on. So that’s what I’m going to do.

“OK, fine,” I say, pulling on my cowboy boots and stuffing lip gloss and powder into my bag.

“What are you wearing?”

“Does it matter?”

“Yes.”

“White sundress with a jean jacket,” I say, trying to keep my voice casual.

“I knew it!” she shouts, startling me and almost causing me to drop my bag. “I knew you were still into him!”

“Just because I’m putting on something decent to go out does not mean…”

“Shut up. You and I both know that boy cannot resist a sundress. Are you wearing your cowboy boots too?”

“Yeah,” I mumble.

“You little minx. Oh, people are starting to pour in. I’ll see you in a few!”

I mist my curls one last time with hairspray and take in my reflection. I look pretty darn good. Maybe I should pick up some other guy tonight who will make me forget all about Branson. But even as I think it, I know the truth. There’s a reason why I haven’t been with anyone else for the last ten years. Even if I can’t bring myself to admit it.

???

The band is just getting started when I arrive at Fiona’s Bar & Grill, but people are already crowding the dance floor. Fi must have booked a big name band tonight judging by the crowd. Mariah waves at me from a corner of the patio and I push through the crowd to reach her. She and Sully are sitting at a fewtables pushed together near an outdoor patio heater, and string lights cast a glow over the whole outdoor area.

“I’m so glad you came!” Mariah says, giving me a squeeze. “You look amazing.” She raises an eyebrow and gives me a knowing smile, but whether it’s due to the newness of our friendship or her more subtle personality, she is tactful enough not to mention her suspicions.

“You look great, too. Love that darker lipstick on you,” I say, noticing that Sully seems just as smitten with her as he did when he proposed to her last month. He rubs his thumb over the back of her hand and brushes his face into her hair as if he can’t get enough of her, and I can’t help but feel a little jealous.

The sensation of eyes on me pulls me from my thoughts and I glance up to see Branson’s eyes locked on me as he makes a bee-line for our table.

“Hey,” he says, pulling his chair closer to mind. “I didn’t know if you’d come.”

“You know how persuasive Fiona can be.”

“Yeah, you can’t tell her no,” he laughs.

“Can’t tell who no?” Fiona asks from behind us.

“Hey! Are you working tonight? Or are you here in a strictly social capacity?” Branson asks, placing his arm on the back of my chair.

“A little of both. The blessing and curse of being a bar owner.” She shrugs. “What can I get you guys to drink?”

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