Brody
Charlie’s is never empty. That’s one thing I have learned about this small town. And the two roast beef sandwiches I’m waiting on are one of the many reasons why. I don’t know who Charlie is, but the restaurant in his name makes a damn good meal.
Even from the patio, I can faintly hear the sounds of power saws from down the street. That would be the granite counter being fitted for the bar tops. Griffin and I decided this morning that one thing is clear: we’re not in competition with Charlie’s. No sandwiches, salads and chef’s specials that involve homemade bread.
We’re going to offer a different menu, more pub-like and less comfort food. We definitely need fried pickles. That’s a given. I’m drawn back to the bar where I first met Magnolia. Something like that. That’s what I want. And Griffin is easygoing enough to agree to it all. Although he pointed out if we don’t get the legalities sorted out, it’s going to be a BYOB situation for us, and no one goes into a pub expecting not to get a tall glass at the bar.
“Brody, right?” A masculine voice from behind me catches my attention. The afternoon breeze is cooler than it’s been. Fall is slipping into the color of the trees lining the sidewalk too. Still, the suit jacket Robert wears seems … unnecessary. The T-shirt I’m wearing is just fine for this weather. Even if it is a little colder than it’s been.
“Robert,” I answer him back by speaking his name and hold out my hand. He’s got a firm shake, one I can respect although I don’t know what to think about him. Even though he’s as tall as me, his build is slighter. His proper haircut and clean shave make him look slightly older too.
“Nice to formally meet you.”
“I think we were supposed to meet the other day for business.” I recall Griffin saying he was the one we were supposed to meet with for the alcohol license.
“Yes, that’s right,” Robert says, slipping his hands into his pockets. “Your new bar is the talk of the town.” I almost question him further about it, but he adds, “Among other things.”
“And what would those other things be?” I ask him, knowing damn well he’s referring to Magnolia. A slight movement to my right makes me glance back to see a to-go bag has been placed down beside me. Mary Sue, the young waitress who took my order, has already turned around, leaving the two of us to ourselves.
“I don’t want to keep you from lunch,” Robert says and my attention is turned back to him. His blue gaze meets mine with complete seriousness. “I just want to let you know she’s a good girl and she doesn’t need someone coming in and messing up her life.”
“You speak for Magnolia?” My anger gets the best of me and it seeps into the question.
With a heavy sigh, he looks past me a moment and shakes his head. “She speaks for herself.” He meets my gaze again and adds, “But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t already know what I said is true.”
“I’m not here to mess up anything.”
“She already has someone. So back off.”
I remain unbothered although my eyes narrow. “Sounds like you guys are a thing?”
“We are and I’m sure you know we are.”
“See, that’s confusing, though, because the town says you aren’t. And Magnolia says she’s single.”
“I plan on changing that tonight,” he says and nods his head like it’s a done deal. “Maybe we kept it low key before, but I’m all in with Mags and everyone knows that.”
“Doesn’t seem like you,” I tell him.
“I’m willing to leave with her, pick up and go.” His confidence rises and I don’t know why. Magnolia hasn’t hinted that she wants to leave. It’s been just the opposite. “Are you willing to do that? Change your life for her? Because I am.”
The intensity of the conversation increases with every passing second. Until he clears his throat and glances past me to the three waitresses who are just behind us, setting a single table.
As if it isn’t obvious they’re listening. My annoyance couldn’t be any greater.
“I sent the paperwork over to your company’s email. Congratulations on your bar.” Robert’s regards come with a nod and he moves to turn his back to me.
“You signed it?” I’m not going to lie, a piece of me thought he wouldn’t, just to keep me out of town and away from Magnolia. Everything about this guy throws me off.
“Yeah, it’s all signed. I think I may be long gone by the time it opens, though. And just so you know, I plan on taking Magnolia with me.”
Magnolia
“I’m relieved he’s the one who messaged, though,” I say to Renee, who is seated on the other side of my kitchen island. Slipping in my favorite earrings, I add, “I needed to message him anyway,” I lower my voice so Bridget can’t hear, “about the test.”
“That’s good dinner conversation,” she jokes flatly and then calls out, “What do you want for dinner, Bridge? Scagetti?” She mimics the way Bridget says spaghetti and the two of them clap when my little girl shrieks with joy.
“But what’s he want to talk about?”
“He didn’t say. I would think it’s a new position maybe?” He’s always kept me up to date whenever something’s changed for him. When he bought a house, when he transferred departments. Every step of the way, he’s kept me informed. “Something must’ve changed,” I say and slip on my heels.
“Yeah … it has nothing to do with Romeo showing up?”
“I told you.” With my voice lowered I remind her, “I told him about Brody already.”
“Yes, you told me. You told me he understood and I told you politicians are bred to be liars.” She rolls her eyes just like she did last time.
“Well, whatever it is,” I tell her, picking up my car keys, “I’ll spill the beans when I get home. Promise.”
“Enjoy your fancy dinner,” she calls out after me, “I’m going to enjoy my fine dining with my favorite little girl in the whole wide world.”
I have to smile as I kiss the top of Bridget’s head, who’s hard at work scribbling in her coloring book. “Love you, my little miss.”
She’s too invested in the red and blue swirls so I head out with a wave and say thanks again to Renee.
The drive there, I can only think about two things: how I forgot my jacket so it’s going to be chilly with only this sleeveless cotton dress on, but mostly, how the last time I was at Morgan’s I was having an official first date with Brody.
Clicking the radio off, I let the turmoil eat me up. I’m with Brody now. I’m not a girl who sleeps around and even though Brody didn’t say anything to make it official, I am not doing anything with Robert while I’m seeing another man.
As I hit every red light on the way there, I groan. Feels like a sign this conversation isn’t going to go oh so well.
That’s the thing with Robert, though, I can have any conversation I need with him. I always have.