Holden
“You’re welcome. I wanted to do something nice for you. It was Conleigh’s idea to fill it up with the goods.” Missy gives me a gentle squeeze.
I feel like an ass for not thinking of it myself. I know they do okay working for me, but babies are expensive. I never realized how much so until I went to the baby version of that Toys R Us store today. We spent way too much money but looking at Taitlyn there is no price for how precious she is.
We bought her blankets, clothes, toys, diapers. The chest I constructed was overflowing when Waylon helped me get it out of the truck. Missy still has tears in her eyes and I admit it feels good to do something nice for them. They are good people and hard workers. Waylon and his wife busy themselves putting things away and enjoying a few free moments together while Conleigh coos over their baby.
She seems so content with the little bundle of joy cradled in her arms as she dotes on her. Telling her she’s all that is good and beautiful in the world. I can’t help but imagine us someday having a child of our own. It should sound crazy to me but it sounds like a dream come true. A piece of me and Conleigh in this world.
She smiles at me. “Want to hold her?”
I shake my head. I’m content just to watch her.
“You’re a natural,” Missy tells her.
“You think so?”
“Yeah. Maybe we can talk the two of you into babysitting for us sometime,” Waylon suggests. “I need some alone time with my wife.” He waggles his brows and we all laugh.
“I’m sure we can plan something,” Conleigh says, looking at me.
I nod but I’m not really paying attention to the rest of their conversation. All I can think about is taking Conleigh home and watching her prance around the apartment in nothing but her socks.
My cell phone ringing loudly in my pocket startles the baby and I step outside to take the call.
It’s my attorney, Reese gave him the slip again. I’m sick of her shit and have it in my mind to track her down myself. He says he will attempt to serve her personally again tomorrow. He should. I’m paying him enough to get this shit over with.
Conleigh joins me, telling me she said our goodbyes. The baby was fussy and she figured it was time to go.
“As cute as kids are, I am in no rush for them,” she says shaking her head as we get back in my truck.
“That so?”
“Yeah. I mean, she’s adorable but you saw all that stuff, and I’m not anywhere near ready for that responsibility.”
Her words shouldn’t deflate me but they do. At the same time though I get it. She’s young and has plenty of time for babies later and so do I. I just want her.
Her head lays on my shoulder as I pull out and she sends a text to Bailey asking if her and Wren want to go out with us tonight. There’s some club they used to go to and I agree a night out sounds fun. I haven’t really done much of anything with Wren since he showed up out of the blue. It feels good to have him back now that I have gotten the stick out of my ass and accepted him into my life again.
————
It’s been years since I have been in a bar that wasn’t my own and being here, I realize exactly what my brother means. The Grill needs a lot of TLC, hell it needs redesigned all around. One thing at a time though. I get another round of drinks from the bar, taking in the décor. It isn’t too fancy but it feels rich and makes you feel like you don’t mind spending seven dollars on a simple drink. The DJ knows how to keep the crowd excited too. Bodies are moving on the dance floor and a line forms at the bar at the end of nearly every song.
I don’t want to mirror what they have going on here. I liked what Wren said about bringing in some quality bands for live music. Conleigh is moving to the music when I sit her drink in front of her. I kiss her neck as she takes a sip. “Mmm. This is really good. You should get Waylon to make something like these.”
She offers me a drink and I take it. The peach flavor explodes on my tongue. It’s sweet and fresh tasting. “What do you think of this?” I hand it to Wren for his opinion.
He takes a hefty swig. “It’s good but not the drink for the crowd we want to target. I’ve been to a lot of bars, believe me, I know what I am talking about.”
“Watching Bar Rescue doesn’t count,” Bailey teases him.
“Shut it you. I’m a world traveler,” he tells her, handing the glass back to Conleigh.
She sips on it and I enjoy my beer. Wren is whispering in Bailey’s ear, making her blush and giggle. It feels as though we have traveled back in time and things are finally transpiring the way they should have from the start. I’m with Conleigh and Bailey may not be with Ezra but Wren serves as the perfect replacement. If anything, she’s gotten an upgrade. My brother can be a dick but he’s honest about it.
A slower song plays over the speakers and Conleigh grabs my hand. “Dance with me?”
I lead her onto the floor and the strobe lights have stopped flashing, there’s only a low glow coming from the dimmers overhead. Her arms circle my neck, her eyes never leaving mine as we sway to the music. Bailey and Wren are dancing next to us off in their own little world.
“Tonight’s perfect.”
“It is. It kind of feels as though life has given us a do over,” I tell her.
“In what way?”
“Well, two years ago or so…two girls came into my bar but shit happened ass backwards and I lost the girl of my dreams but now tonight I may be in a different bar, but I got the girl.”
She kisses me tenderly. “We are exactly where we’re meant to be. As strange as it sounds had things happened the way you wanted them to, we probably wouldn’t be together now.”
There is some truth to her logic, but I don’t dwell on it. The song ends and we make our way back to the table. Wren and Bailey are still dancing.
Conleigh excuses herself to the restroom and I order another beer.
Wren makes his way back to the table. Bailey joined Conleigh for her bathroom excursion. Women always go in pairs. Who knows why. One of the world’s greatest mysteries.
“I’m in love,” Wren volunteers to the table next to ours.
“Easy, tiger. Thought you said you were taking it slow.”
“I thought so too, but I really like her. A lot.” He squeezes my shoulder and downs the rest of my beer. He leans in close. “Get this. Bailey…” He says her name in a whisper. “She says she’ll go to the strip club with me.” He nods and smirks waggling his eyebrows. “We’re headed there next. You guys coming with?”
I wrinkle my nose. “Nah, I think I’m gonna head home. You just be careful. That’s asking for trouble.”
“I can handle it.”
“No doubt.” I bump his fist just as the girls are making their way back to the table. “You ready to call it a night?” I ask Conleigh.
Her eyes linger on my lips. “Yeah, I’m ready for bed.”
“You guys cool to take a cab?” Wren has drunk a lot more than I have. I’m still good to drive.
“Yeah, man. We’re straight.”
“Here.” I give him my door key. Conleigh has hers.
The girls say their goodbyes and I steer my girl to the truck intent on getting her home and naked.