And as they both built their own businesses – Tanner in New York, Logan in Boston– they’d become confidants. Bitching at each other about how hard it was to please their employees. Talking through business options when they needed somebody they could trust.
It was natural Logan was a little taken aback that Tanner hadn’t discussed the drive-in with him. Tanner couldn’t help but feel bad about that.
“I bought it on a whim,” he confessed. “I don’t have a business plan or anything. Just signed the contract and now here I am.”
Logan laughed. “That doesn’t sound like you.”
No it didn’t. “Yeah, well I had money burning a hole in my pocket. And I was bored.”
“There’s always a job for you in Boston,” Logan reminded him. “I could use somebody I trust.”
Tanner lifted a brow. “I think I’ll stay in Hartson’s Creek for now, but thanks anyway.”
“So what are you planning to do with the drive-in?” Logan asked.
“I’m gonna rebuild it.”
“Seriously?” Logan sounded skeptical. “How the hell are you gonna do that? You don’t have any experience of the hospitality industry.”
“I know. But I know some people who do.” He grinned. “Like you.”
“Yeah. I’m a bit busy to be playing movies with you. Seriously, bro. I thought you weren’t supposed to be doing any work for a year? Wasn’t that part of the conditions of your sale?”
“Only in a competing company,” Tanner told him. “And I’m not planning on doing much work anyway. I’m going to get somebody to do it for me.”
“Who?”
“Van Butler.”
“What?” Logan chuckled. “As in Van Butler the girl you used to hang around with, then you dicked over until she was in pieces?”
“Shut up.”
“Come on,” Logan said, his voice disbelieving. “I heard you tell Becca you weren’t interested in seeing Van again. And now you’re talking about employing her? How long have I been gone? When did the two of you reconnect?”
“It’s a small town.” Tanner shrugged. “We’re friends, that’s all.”
Logan was silent for a moment. “Friends?” he asked, as though he couldn’t quite believe it.
“What else would we be?”
“You tell me? She’s always felt like the one who got away.” There was a shrug in Logan’s voice. “There was a point I thought you’d never get over her. Or what happened. It just feels… I don’t know… weird, that you’re talking about her like you don’t have a past.”
“Maybe I grew up,” Tanner said. “We’ve bumped into each other a few times. At the diner, running… that kind of thing. And then Aunt Gina invited her to dinner this evening. We’re okay. What happened between us is water under the bridge. I think we can be friends again.” And if he wanted more? Well, they’d see what happened.
“Just be careful, man,” Logan said softly. “I remember what you were like ten years ago. The situation broke you. I don’t want to see you get hurt again.” He cleared his throat. “And she doesn’t deserve to get hurt either.”
“I won’t hurt her.” Tanner was certain of that. “We’re both adults, we know what we’re doing. And thank you. It’s good to know you’ve got my back.”
“Always.”
“You okay?” Tanner asked his brother.
“Yep. Busy as hell at work, but surviving.”
“Any women on the horizon?” he teased.
“Nope.” Logan’s voice was sure. “No time for one if there was. The women of Boston are probably sighing with relief.”
“I doubt that.” Logan was a good looking guy, or at least that’s what Tanner’s female friends told him. “But whatever gets you through the day.”
“Talking of which, I’d better go. We got a party of forty in this evening. And the wine is flowing a little too fast. You take care of yourself, bro. And don’t go breaking anybody’s heart. Especially not your own.”
“Wasn’t planning on it,” Tanner said, his voice light.
“Yeah well. We never do.”
Chapter Thirteen
“Hey,” Tanner said, his voice warm as it echoed through her cellphone. “I was wondering if you’re free for lunch today. To talk business,” he added quickly. “I thought we could meet at the diner around one.”
Damn. “I can’t make lunch. I have to take my mom for an appointment. Can we meet later?” Because she really wanted to talk to him. “Maybe four?”
“At the diner?”
“Why don’t we grab coffee and walk?” she suggested. “It’s a beautiful day.” And maybe if she was surrounded by fresh air she wouldn’t be quite so aware of him. All those gas molecules might dilute his essence.
“Sounds good to me. I’ll get the coffees and meet you in the town square. We can walk down to the creek.”
“I’d like that a lot.”
“See you at four.” His voice was soft, and it held a promise that made her heart ache.
“See you there.”
“Are you ready?” Van called out to her mom, grabbing her car keys and purse. “We have ten minutes to get there.”
Kim walked out of the bedroom in a pair of tight, bleached jeans and a navy tank, her light blonde hair tumbling over her bare shoulders. She wasn’t wearing any make up, but she looked better than she had in days. Van gave her a tentative smile, and Kim smiled back.
This was already going better than she’d expected.
The drive to town took less than five minutes. Van would have suggested they walk, but she knew her mom wouldn’t have gone for it. She was too fragile to deal with meeting people in the street. They’d head straight for the doctor’s office, then home again.
“Here goes nothing.” Kim followed Van out of the front door and down the steps. A warm breeze rustled through the trees and lifted her hair, the golden tips dancing in the wind. Van looked at her mom, taking in her warm, smooth skin and pale blue eyes. Right now she looked like she was in her twenties, not her forties.
She’d always been a good looking woman. And she’d relied on those looks to get her through life. They’d been her blessing and her curse, bringing her joy and pain at the same time.
Parking outside the doctor’s office, Van opened the car door, then walked around to help her mom out. Kim blinked as she emerged into the bright afternoon sun. “You can wait here,” she said, her voice low. “I won’t be long.”
“You sure you don’t want me to come with you?”
Kim shook her head. “I only need a prescription. It’ll take no time.”
Van watched her mom walk into the doctor’s office, then leaned on her car, enjoying the feel of the sun against her skin. She was wearing a dark blue shirt dress, belted at the waist, the hem skimming her mid thighs. Like her mom, her hair was freshly washed and flowing. She felt good today. Maybe it was the fact that things were finally falling into place. Her mom was feeling better, Zoe seemed happy, and she had a job offer that she was almost certain she was going to take.