Page 83 of Need You
“He and Josh talk anymore?”
“It’s still pretty strained between those two.” Stuff about Hannah, but that wasn’t for public consumption, even if Jack was almost family.
Jack nodded like he understood. “You ready for this weekend?”
Colt wasn’t sure if Jack meant the kayak race or his show at Old Glory. “You do know that we’re getting our asses kicked, right? The sooner you come to terms with that the better you’ll feel when we lose.”
“Oh ye of little faith,” Jack said. “What do you think of me asking Carrie Jo to your concert?”
“Are you asking my permission or whether she’ll go? Because I know for a fact she’s planning to be there.”
“With me. Go with me. Like a date.”
Ah, dude. “You think that’s a good idea, Jack? You two work together.”
“I was wondering about that, but it’s not like I’m her boss. Besides, Carrie Jo can hold her own.”
“Yep, she sure can. It’s up to you.”
“You think she’ll say yes?”
No.“I never know what’s in that woman’s head. You prepared if she doesn’t?”
Jack hitched his shoulders. “It might be awkward, especially around the station.”
“That’s why I personally would steer clear of work situations.”
“Colt, you steer clear of any romantic situation, period. You can’t get much hotter than Rachel Johnson, who has all but screamed her interest in you. Yet . . .” He considered his next words, then just put it out there. “It’s time to get over Lisa.”
Why did everyone keep telling him that? He was as over her as a man could get without being dead. He just wasn’t over what she had done. That continued to be a festering sore, especially when he was forced to hear her on the radio every day.
“I’m interested in someone!” He practically yelled it, and a few diners a couple of booths over turned to stare. “Does that make you feel better?”
“Who?” Jack folded his arms over his chest as if he thought Colt was lying.
“Delaney Scott, that’s who.” Jesus, why’d he open his mouth? Jack, unlike his brothers, could at least keep a secret.
Jack leaned over the table. “Seriously? You think she might be a little out of your league?”
“I know she’s out of my league.”
“Shit. What are you going to do?”
“Nothing. That’s what I’m going to do.”
Carrie Jo came over his radio. “They found Finkelstein’s car.”
Colt jotted down the address, they finished their lunch and paid the bill. Jack drove Colt to Morris’s house to get the car keys, then followed him back to drop the Buick off. Finkelstein made them wait while he checked the sedan over for damage to report to his insurance company.
Colt didn’t bother to tell him that there wasn’t anything wrong with the car. That it had sat all night at the Starbucks parking lot, where he’d left it. The life of a country cop. Yet, he wouldn’t trade it for all the money in the world.
The rest of the day wound up being uneventful. Before leaving, Colt checked in with Josh to wish him luck the next day. Then he drove home.
He thought about hiking to the lake for a swim and quickly nixed the idea. Nothing wrong with a quiet night at home. The luxury of it was short lived when TJ showed up with a few take-out containers of Indian food.
“Where’s your neighbor? I thought we could invite her.”
“I don’t think she’s home,” Colt said, and got down plates.
