Page 22 of Summer Sweethearts
“Molly, you are quite the forward thinker, aren’t you?” I wag my brows at her.
“A meddler, too,” Loretta snorts. Molly gasps, putting a hand over her heart like she’s pained.
“Now, I don’t think it’s meddling, just a push in the right direction. I saw how you two were together back in the day. That boy thought you hung the moon and stars; still thinks it, as a matter of fact. Every time someone brings you up, he gets all googly-eyed and smiley. Why are there rules or guidelines when it’s love? One person, two people, no matter the dynamic. I only want my loved ones to be happy. And you two fall into that category,” Molly states, not letting us answer before she turns and heads to the kitchen to deliver our order to the cook.
She brings our food to us in no time, just dropping it on the table and leaving us. We eat and chat about the upcoming work week and how excited we both are for the wedding this weekend. Cain and Aiden deserve this and more, and I can’t wait to meet this infamous Garnett, who Loretta talks so much about. She’s coming to help with Cara’s kids and take them home if it gets too late.
When our food is gone and we are both leaning back in the booth, stuffed to the brim with cheese fries and burgers, we pay our check, leaving Molly a hefty tip before exiting the diner. On the way home, I grab Loretta’s hand to hold, resting them on the center console. She pulls my hand up to her mouth, giving it a quick kiss. “I’m sorry,” she whispers.
Confused, I turn to look at her briefly before flicking my eyes back to the road. “For what?”
“For everyone suddenly being on the Michael and Loretta train. I feel like everyone is bringing it up, and I can’t imagine how that must make you feel. I am happy, Jess. I am in love, and I don’t want you to question that. I don’t want everyone else playing Cupid to have you second-guessing what we have. I’m yours.” She growls the last part, and I can feel my heart squeeze in my chest, my core spasming at her words.
“I don’t feel that way at all, Lor. It doesn’t bother me, I promise you. If anything, I think it’s everyone else just seeing what I see and you are the one denying it. You and Mike have a connection, and it’s impossible to miss when people see you together. I don’t know what that means for us, but I’m not pushing you away or giving you up. I’m all yours, and you aremine,” I emphasize the last word, so she knows how serious I am. I have no plans of stepping to the side and letting anyone, including Mike, take her from me.
I don’t know what that means exactly or how it will affect our future. This is all on my girl and what she decides to do. I’m open to her exploring things with Mike. I’ve always been open when it comes to sexuality or relationship dynamics. It’s why I think I made friends here so quickly. This town is small, but everyone is accepting and loving of the people here. Cain, Aiden, Cara, and her men are all in different relationships and no one bats an eye at it.
If Loretta wants to be with Mike, there will have to be very clear and open communication between all of us, but I could see it happening. I like Mike well enough. He’s attractive, and we could have a lot of fun in the bedroom with Lor if she’s open to that. If she chooses him over me, I’d put up one hell of a fight, but that’s what’s crazy about love. I just want Lor to be happy, but I really truly think that happiness involves me and a certain muscled-up man with dark hair and honey eyes.
MICHAEL
The wedding is only three days away and because they didn’t have anything planned, Waylon threw together this last-minute bachelor party. We’re going to Nonpub to have dinner and drinks, along with one last hurrah for Cain and Aiden.
Slipping on my boots, I spritz cologne on, grab my keys, and head out the door to my truck. I turn the key in the ignition and the radio comes to life, playingForever and Ever, Amenby Randy Travis. My heart clenches as the lyrics flow through the speakers. This was the first song I ever danced to with Loretta. It became our song. Anytime it came on, no matter where we were, we’d dance. Hell, even in a vehicle, we’d link hands and sing to one another.
I sing along and think of all the times I sang this song to Loretta and truly meant the lyrics. Then I got that job offer, and I thought I could leave, make something of myself, and eventually, I would come back to rekindle things with my girl. That never happened. I climbed the work ladder, but it took too long, and time was a vicious bitch. It was all for nothing since the company went belly up. And now, I’m right back in Kingston, pining after my girl.
Parking the truck in front of the bar, I head inside to find Walker and Waylon at a table near the back. I pull out a chair, taking my seat. “Hey, guys, thanks for inviting me. We haven’t really had a chance to properly meet. I’m Mike, Cain and Cara’s cousin. I am so glad Cara has you two instead of that jack-off Paul. I hated him even back when they started dating as teens.”
They grab my hand, each taking a turn to shake it. “No problem, man. We happen to fucking adore Cara and the two munchkins. Can’t wait for our new little boy to arrive,” Waylon says animatedly.
Walker slaps Waylon in the back of the head, glaring at him. “We weren’t supposed to say shit yet. You know little Mama didn’t want to tell anyone until after the wedding,” Walker growls.
Waylon winces. “Shit. Mike, promise you won’t say anything. Cara will have my fucking balls.”
Throwing my head back laughing, I look at Waylon, who looks absolutely panicked that he let that information slip. “My lips are sealed, guys. That’s fucking awesome that you’re having a son.” Cain and Aiden come walking up to the table holding hands. We stop our baby talk and turn our attention to the men of the night.
“Well, let’s get some food and drink. Time to get this party started!” Waylon cheers as he claps his hands together. Cain and Aiden take a seat as Waylon waves a server over.
“Hey, fellas, what can I get ya started with tonight?” she asks as she struts up to our table.
“Should we just get some pizzas?” Walker asks, and everyone nods in agreement. “Alright, we’ll get three pizzas. One meat lover, one sausage and mushroom, and one bacon jalapeno. That work for everyone?”
“I’ll eat whatever,” I reply.
“Works for us,” Cain tells him. “Can we get two Captain and Cokes?”
“I want in on that. I’ll take a Busch light,” I tell the server.
“Okay, drinks already. I like the direction this party is taking. Walker and I will do two Crown and Sevens.” Waylon tosses her a wink, making the server blush. She hurries away with her notepad in hand and pencil tucked behind her ear.
“So, what’s the plan for tonight?” Cain asks.
“No plan, Cain. We just wanted you guys to have a night out. We’re all family or will be soon, so let’s just drink and enjoy the night,” Waylon tells us.
The server brings us our drinks instantly, and we raise our glasses. “To Aiden! For putting up with Cain’s growly ass.” I chuckle while my cousin glares daggers at me. We clink our drinks together, and so the night begins. Just a night to blow off some steam while celebrating my cousin and his guy’s last few nights before they tie the knot this weekend.
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