Page 70 of My Heart Still Beats
I feel a little exhilarated. Movement always does that. It helps when I’m feeling low. I shouldn’t be feeling low, though. I had an amazing time at Dunn’s River Falls, and then I had a great massage and mani-pedi.
I’m determined not to feel low. This is Skye’s weekend, and I will not bring it down.
I head to the bar for my water, and the Jamaican bartender has been replaced with—
A sliver of recognition ignites at the back of my neck…and it feels…odd. Odd and definitely not good.
I’ve seen this man before.
He has fair skin, a strong nose. And something…
It’s apprehension that’s curling up my spine. Apprehension…and fear.
I pay no attention to it. I’m used to feeling this way around strange men. A gift from Garrett. The gift that keeps on giving.
But I feel like there’s some memory lodged in the back of my head. Some memory that I can’t quite grasp.
Something involving this man.
I cock my head, regard him. His hair is sandy brown, his eyes nearly the same color. He’s pleasant looking, though not runway material like Lucas. Far from it, actually. Something about him is familiar…
But I can’t place him. And I’m done trying.
“Have we met?” he asks.
“No,” I say flatly.
I’m not in any mood to discuss the fact that he looks familiar. Not when the memory feels like it could be a bad one.
“What can I get you?”
“Sparkling water.”
“Coming right up.” He smiles at me.
And it’s the smile.
The smile.
It’s kind of snakelike, and I know I’ve seen it before.
Goose bumps erupt on my skin.
I take the drink he hands to me. “Thank you.”
And I know this will be the last drink—alcoholic or not—I order tonight as long as that bartender is here. I take a seat back at the table. Betsy, Kathy, and Daniela are still dancing with the strippers.
“Hey, Tess.” Skye sits down next to me.
“Are you having a good time?” I ask.
“The best. I honestly didn’t expect you to get strippers. Or…scantily clad guys, to be more specific.”
“Yeah, well…it’s your big sendoff.”
I’m not about to tell her I had nothing to do with it, that her future brother-in-law planned the whole thing. After I told himnotto get strippers.
“They’re so hot. I could dance all night. You know I don’t drink a lot, and I’ve lost count. I love Braden, and he’s the only man for me, but…”
