Page 14 of Jolene's Justice

“That may be, but everybody knew that boy was a player.”

“Hey,” a voice from the bar called out.

“You know it’s true, Grady,” Dante replied over his shoulder. Jolene peered around him and saw none other than Grady Smith, her first kiss, sitting at the bar. He looked older, of course, but still had that playful, mischievous glint in his eyes. His hair was thinning, and he tried to overcompensate with the facial hair. Despite that, he looked good.

He’d been an easy-going guy in high school. Dante was right. He had been a bit of a player. And he’d been unapologetic about it. She’d heard through the high school grapevine that he’d gotten married, but she couldn’t remember to who.

Grady swiveled around to face her, assessing her with a secret glint in his eyes. It was the same look he’d given her after that kiss. What had she been thinking, letting him kiss her all those years ago? She rolled her eyes. Some things never changed.

“Hey, Jolene. You’re lookin’ mighty fine,” he crooned with that sly smile. Finch stepped forward and positioned himself as a barrier between her and Grady’s semi-lecherous gaze that came across as more silly than anything else. She suddenly remembered that he’d also been somewhat of a hothead as Grady stood and narrowed his eyes at Finch, ready to face the obvious challenge. “Who the fuck are you?”

“Someone you don’t want to mess with.”

“Is that so?” Grady’s fists clenched, and Jolene felt Finch’s body tense in anticipation. It was so subtle she was sure only she could detect it. Outwardly, he appeared at ease, yet he stood strong, ready to defend her honor. Jolene fought the need to roll her eyes again. She could fight her own battles, and Grady Smith wouldn’t be much of a challenge for her.

“Jesus H. Christ, Grady,” Dante cursed. “Sit the fuck down and drink your beer. Nobody wants to see you get your ass kicked. At least not tonight.”

“I don’t know, Dante. I’d consider paying an admittance fee to see that show,” a woman’s voice shouted from the other end of the bar.

“Shut up, Cynthia,” Grady shot back.

Jolene stared at the woman, a little shocked. It was surreal to see so many people from her past all at once.

Grinning from ear to ear, Cynthia Maddox stuck out her tongue at Grady before heading over to Jolene. When the petite blond woman wrapped her in a hug, Jolene was stunned. They’d been friends in high school, as she was with most everyone in her class. That was small town life in general. Everyone knew everyone else, and you were all friendly, but not necessarily best friends. Jolene would call Cynthia a tertiary friend.

“It’s good to see you, Jolene,” she said, stepping back before Jolene could return the hug. “Sorry about the whole kiss thing in eighth grade. I was young and stupid, too.”

Jolene chuckled. Despite the fact that they’d never talked about what happened, there was no animosity between them. “No worries. We both wised up eventually.”

Cynthia winced. “Not exactly. I was stupid enough to marry the asshole.”

Jolene noticed Finch’s attention turned toward the glowering man, who was sitting on his stool, trying to be invisible. “You hit on another woman in front of your wife? What is wrong with you?”

Cynthia’s laugh was so loud and distinctive that Jolene was sure it could be heard even from the other side of the pub. “Don’t worry. I know he was only teasing. He’s totally addicted to me.”

Grady hooked an arm around Cynthia and pulled her to him. “You got that right, darlin’,” he crooned before kissing her soundly on the lips. The absurdity of the situation was not lost on Jolene, and she burst out laughing.

“I’d say I’m sorry to hear that, but it looks like you’re not,” Jolene remarked.

Cynthia shrugged. “He’s a changed man, even if he can still act like a dick on occasion.”

“Fuck, Cynthia. Take it easy on my man,” the guy sitting next to Grady said. “Can’t you see he’s nursing the burns he’s gotten tonight? Give the man a little sympathy.”

Cynthia glared at the guy. “It’s my love language,” she replied simply with a shrug. “Anyway,” Cynthia continued. “Who’s this handsome devil?” she asked as her gaze swept over Finch. The irrational jealousy hit Jolene like a bolt of lightning, catching her off guard. Finch wasn’t hers. So why did she feel like laying claim to him right here in front of everyone?

Lost in her confounded thoughts, she didn’t answer right away, and Finch filled in the awkward silence. He held out a hand to Cynthia. “Hi. I’m Finch.”

Grady snorted. “Stupid name,” he mumbled, making his friend snigger. Jolene ignored them, her gaze entirely fixed on Cynthia’s hand in Finch’s. A hand she was holding for far too long. As she watched, Cynthia stepped in closer to Finch and peered up at him.Was she batting her eyes?

“Hi Finch. I’m Cynthia. That’s an interesting name.”

“Thanks,” Finch answered, appearing a little bewildered by Cynthia’s weird attention. “It’s a nickname.”

“Stupid nickname,” Grady muttered. Jolene rolled her eyes and noticed Cynthia do the same.

“Ignore him,” she said, covering their clasped hands with her other one. “I think it’s a great nickname.”

“Um . . .”

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