“I’ll give you more time.”
Once the waitress is out of earshot, Cooper says, “The Goody Two-Shoes down there, able to handle the night without alcohol. Congratulations.”
Something has snapped in Cooper. This isn’t the man I know; this is another version of him. An old version.
“I didn’t want to drink if Larkin wasn’t drinking,” Ford says. Boy sure looks like he needs one, though.
“If you want to get a drink, by all means get a drink. I didn’t get one because I’m afraid if I have one, I’ll have twenty, based on how this night is going.” She folds her arms and leans back in the booth.
Double yikes. Ford has an unhappy date on his hands.
“What about the fire?” Palmer asks, bringing us full circle once again. You can see the insecurity in her facial features. It’s clear as day. Something happened with the fire that she doesn’t want people knowing about.
“Palmer, just drop it,” Beau says with a shake of his head. The way he said that makes me believe he knows as well.
Huh, now I’m curious about the fire conversation.
“Do you really want to know?” Cooper says, a gleam in his eyes that makes Palmer sit tall. She glances over at Ford and then back at him.
“You know what? I think we should just drop it and focus on our own dates. Clearly, talking isn’t getting us anywhere.” Palmer picks up her menu again. Okay, something is up for sure.
“Or maybe we push our tables together and really talk,” Cooper says, a crazed look in his eyes. And I realize he may have asked me out, but we’re not really on a date. We’re just watching a burning sideshow. I need to help him snap out of it. I need to help ground him. He might have made a lot of progress, but being around his siblings is triggering, that much is evident, and it’s throwing him back into old patterns. I need to help break that pattern.
“Cooper.”
His eyes flash toward me. “Yeah?”
“Maybe we just have our date.”
“Listen to your girlfriend,” Palmer says.
Ugh, Palmer, you’re not making this any easier.
“She’s not my girlfriend,” Cooper says.
Not his girlfriend? That’s a blow to the gut. I know we haven’t had that conversation yet, but for him to react so harshly, so quickly, it hurts. His eyes flash toward mine, and he realizes his mistake.
“What I meant to say is we haven’t made things official.”
He might have recovered, but the damage has been done.
“Well, if I were Nora, I’d run for the hills.”
The waitress drops off our drinks, and as a group, we all take a sip. Some of us longer than others.
And then silence falls over the three tables.
No one is looking each other in the eyes.
No one is attempting to carry on a real date.
“You know, I think it’s best that I just go,” Larkin says, breaking the silence. “This isn’t the night I envisioned.”
“What? No,” Ford says in a panic. “We can ask for a different table.”
“Ford, look around; these are the only tables available. And we clearly can’t have a peaceful evening with your siblings.”
“Do you need a ride back to the island?” Beau asks.
“Beau,” Palmer says in shock. “We’re on a date.”
“And my sister is in distress—caused by your family. I want to make sure she’s okay.”
“I can make sure she’s okay,” Ford says. “That’s my job.”
“If you took your job seriously, then you would have shielded her from your siblings,” Beau says, which doesn’t seem to go over well with Palmer.
“Why are you taking her side?”
“Probably wants to distance himself because of the fire . . . ,” Cooper says.
“Coop, don’t fan the flames,” I say, realizing that’s exactly what he’s doing.
Palmer’s head snaps to the side. “Unless you want me to break the news to Ford about what I saw the other day, I’d suggest you keep your mouth shut.” Cooper gives her a blank look, and she adds, “Your little afternoon date. Your secret one.”
“Date?” I ask, confused.
“What date—?” Cooper’s eyes narrow. “Palmer, you have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I have eyes. I know what I saw.”
“What date?” I ask. “Cooper, are you seeing someone else?”
“Of course not.”
“Why would I want to know about his date?” Ford asks.
“I’m shocked Larkin hasn’t told you,” Palmer says, looking pleased to be in control of the conversation.
Larkin tosses her napkin on the table. “That’s it, I’m done. This is not the evening I wanted.” She turns to Palmer. “I’ve spent enough time with you to know you’re not a mean girl, but you’re being one right now. I don’t know what’s going on in your life that’s making you act like this, but this is not the kind of person Beau is going to go for.” She stands from the table and addresses Cooper. “You have potential, Cooper, but not if you keep spurring on this bickering.” She turns to Ford. “I like you so much, Ford. But I can’t deal with this.” She motions to the tables. “It’s not worth it.” To Beau she says, “Please, take me to your place.”
“Of course.”
“Beau,” Palmer says, looking confused. “You’re going to leave me here?”
“Larkin needs me,” he says, though by his large puppy dog eyes, it’s obvious how sorry he is.
“And I need you,” Palmer shoots back.
Beau glances between his sister and Palmer. Oooh, the battle between sibling and romantic love. Tough choice. Beau squares his shoulders. “I’m sorry, Palmer.” And just like that, he stands from his chair.
I glance at Cooper to gauge his reaction. I can see there’s something on the tip of his tongue, but he keeps his mouth shut and leans back in his chair instead.
“So, you’re not dating anyone else?” I ask.
His eyes snap to mine. “I barely have time to spend with you—you think I’d date someone else?”
“Hey, you don’t need to be mean about it,” I say.
“Well, don’t question me, Nora.”
I press back, stunned.
“Cooper, you’re clearly feeling out of control right now and need a second to gather yourself. Reset.”
“Don’t overanalyze me, Nora.”
“I’m not. I’m trying to help.”
His eyes flash to mine. “I don’t need your help.”
It feels like a slap to the face. His words sting, with his harsh tone and detached glare. I believe I’m a patient person, an understanding one, but I don’t deserve this.
I think Larkin and Beau had the right idea. Gathering my purse, I stand from the booth, my glance sweeping over the fuming siblings. “Well, I was going to stick this out, but I don’t need to be treated like that. Good night, Cooper.”
“Shit.” He scrambles. “Nora, I’m sorry. Please.” But I take off before he can say anything else.