Page 36 of Finding Yesterday

“I have no idea. You don’t know?”

Jack shakes his head. “I don’t.”

“Then maybe he means nothing. He’s beyond drunk. And he just called me Emma.”

“Maybe. I mean, I did lots of stupid stuff on Pops’s farm when I was a kid.” Jack looks at Larry, studying him for a beat before he says, “Seems like the booze.”

“You think?” I nod at Larry who’s slumped in his chair and mumbling.

“Right.” Jack shrugs, but it almost seems he’s convincing himself more than me. I have no idea what that’s about, but then Jack relaxes back in his seat before surveying the room. “I admit. I do kinda like this place.”

“You should come on Saturday,” I say, leaning back too. “Nate’s introducing all new songs.”

“Will you be here?” He raises a brow with a twinkle in his eyes.

My heart rate kicks up, but I shrug and say, “Possibly.”

“Then thatpossiblysounds great.”

I laugh, feeling flushed, and I have to be glowing. I know Jack is. I give him a playful shove as an excuse to touch him.

At a thought of this weekend, I snap a finger, thinking about my calendar reminder. “Unless you’re planning to attend the spring chili and beer festival in Buckhead. Restaurant investors will be there. It’s a big networking deal.” Saying the words out loud to Jack makes me want to go that much more.

“That would be a great place to showcase The Fine Bone.”

“Yup. And help bring in tourists from Atlanta.” The side of my mouth slants upward. “And I make a mean chili. Vegetarian, of course.”

“I bet.” His eyebrow ticks up. “I can make a pretty decent chili of my own.”

“Interesting.” My tone is playful, but I’m serious, and by his expression, it seems he might actually be considering this. I set my beer down and rub my hands together. “There’s actually meat and vegetarian categories. We could try to win both titles.”

“I do love a good competition. And good food, of course.”

“We’d probably have to stay in Buckhead Friday and Saturday night.” I put a finger on my chin. “Friday, we’d have to prepare everything so it’s ready to go first thing in the morning. Then Saturday, people stay to hobnob after the festival. There’ll be a swarm of foodies.”

“I have to check in with Pops to make sure he can handle the restaurant, but The Fine Bone can cover my and your hotel room for those nights if we decide to do it.”

“I don’t know,” I say, feigning a tough act, but excitement tingles through me. “You’re making this a really hard decision.”

“So, it’s settled then.”

“I guess.” I shrug. “I mean, if I have to. You’re the boss.”

He grins. “Right.”

The music continues, and when Nate takes over with a guitar solo for a few beats, the crowd goes wild. He’s so talented, and we’re lucky to have such great live music in Blue Vine. After, Charley jumps in with her fiddle, and watching her almost makes me wish I’d stuck to it. If I had, I could’ve played with Nate and accompanied Emma’s singing.

For some reason, I quit. It was probably because I realized early on that I’d never be as talented as my brother and sister. It’s much easier to act like you don’t care than to admit you don’t have what it takes.

But I do love listening, especially to the bluegrass music Nate plays. My dorky brother comes alive on stage, and the music he makes is the kind you feel in your soul. I’ve never told Nate this, but I guess I should. Maybe I would if he’d ever stop being so obnoxious.

But I’ve always loved it, and for some reason, I love it even more right now.

When Jack puts his hand on the small of my back, butterflies explode in my stomach. And I have my answer.

It’s because Jack’s here, enjoying it with me.

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