Page 21 of Johnny Gun

“I like it, Viper said. “Deacon will flip out, but eventually, he’ll understand. Isolde’s safety is everything to him.”

“Cool. With that settled, feel like shooting some pool?” Stew asked Viper.

“Why not?” Viper replied.

Eyes wide, Johnny Gun stared at both men. “You’re going to shoot pool? Now?”

“Relax.” Viper smiled. “It’s early. One round and then we go home. We have to sit tight until Stew gives us some locations. For now, Isolde is well guarded.”

He breathed out. Viper had a point. While the guys did their thing, he could make a mental list of everything he needed to put his plan into action. Most importantly, how to convince Isolde to go with him.

Two endless hours, or was it three, had gone by since Isolde had offered to save him food and Johnny took off. As time passed, dejection got the best of her, but she repressed her emotions until Opal yawned and announced she was going to bed.

“He’s not coming, Sydney,” Isolde burst out, unable to contain her disappointment anymore. “Why bother saving him a plate?” She pouted at her busy friend’s back. With the dishes from dinner put away, Sydney was placing the salt and pepper shakers in the cupboard.

“Let’s discuss it.” Slowly, Sydney faced her, setting her fists on her hips. “Your father has no clue of what’s going on, am I wrong?”

Isolde pressed a hand to her chest. “Going on? I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Is that right? That’s the standard answer of someone who’s hiding things.” Sydney shook her head. “You’re a terrible liar.”

“I’m not lying to you.” Folding her arms with a huff, she leaned against the kitchen counter.

“I’ll grant you that. Technically, you’re not lying.” Closing the cupboard door, Sydney approached and gently held her cheek. “You did a good job during dinner. But I’m a grown woman older than you by several years, and I’ve seen many things in my lifetime. I know when someone is smitten, and you have it, bad.”

Isolde jerked her face away. “I have nothing and I feel nothing.” She moved several feet from Sydney. As if the distance would prevent her friend from reading her so well.

“I understand why you hide,” Sydney said. “But I’m not your father and I promise not to judge you or your Johnny.”

“He’s notmyJohnny.”

Sydney’s eyes gleamed with sympathy and sadness. “Oh, honey. That man is so yours, he’d walk through fire for you.” She sighed. “I’ve seen devotion in a person’s eyes. Nothing comes close to the way Johnny Gun looks at you. I’m amazed Deacon hasn’t noticed. When he does, he won’t be happy. Your dad’s not ready for you to grow up.”

Isolde swallowed despite the pain in her chest. Should she continue to hold the raging storm inside or let go? For once, it would feel so liberating to lean on a comforting shoulder, someone who understood and wouldn’t criticize. Long months of pretense and repressing her love, of guarding her expression from her watchful father and monitoring her tone of voice had exhausted her.

She grasped Sydney’s hands. “What can we do? I don’t see a way out.”

Returning her grip, Sydney tugged her toward the nook table. Pulling out a chair, she sat and motioned for Isolde to do the same.

“My first thought. Johnny earned a few credits with your father when he volunteered to help the Dalton crew. For bothyour sakes, Deacon should get to know Johnny a little better. Respect the man and his qualities before he notices there’s an attachment between you two. That would improve your chances of his acceptance. I don’t have much influence, but I’ll do what I can to help you on the sidelines.”

“Thank you.”

“The age difference is your biggest obstacle. Which means you have to show maturity to your father. Force him to see the woman you’ve grown into. Make a decision and stand your ground. It won’t be easy because fathers only see the baby girl.” She sighed. “God, I miss your mother. Elaine would’ve handled this issue in a second.”

“I miss her too.”

“Be patient and careful, Isolde. Don’t let anyone guess how you feel, especially Gomez. You know he has a thing for you.”

“Ugh, disgusting man.” She rubbed her bristling skin. “I don’t understand how Dad hasn’t picked up on the way he…leers at you.”

“It’s a mystery to me…” Sydney paused and glanced toward the doorway. “Hear that?”

“What?”

Sydney smiled. “The sound of boots in the hallway. Your man is back.”

Isolde stood. Twisting her hands, she scanned the counters. “Shit. Where’s his plate? I thought we saved him food. I don’t see it.”

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