Page 19 of Spring Break with a Bass Player
12
SAIGE
It took a full day after Bridger walked me home before I felt ready to face him. The night had drained me, the wounds of my past unearthed and raw.
It still feels raw.
The only bright spot had been when I snuck into work and helped Madeline Torre, a traveling nurse, extend her rental agreement after rekindling a relationship with the fire chief.
Love had found so many people around me and yet, I was hiding from it.
In a moment of weakness, I looked up creative ways to show a guy you’re interested, but that had taken me down a rabbit hole that made me want to bleach my eyeballs.
Hard pass on ninety-nine percent ofthosesuggestions.
But what are you supposed to do when the person you spend the most time trying to impress is your eight-year-old niece? While a little presumptuous, I’m fairly confident Bridger isn’t interested in getting pedicures or French braiding my hair.
That leaves me with sports, food, and activities that requires me to be social—and most likelysmile.
Ugh.
Taking a breath, I grab my keys and purse and head for the door—no time like the present.
BRIDGER
The knockon my door is a surprise but not completely, the knot in my stomach tightening at having to see her right now.
“Should I leave?” Lettie asks from her perch at the counter.
“No.”
“Alrighty then,” she mutters as my hand closes around the knob.
“Hey,” Saige says, her smile shy like she wasn’t sure I’d answer. Her dark hair is pulled back in a ponytail, and she’s wearing a short-sleeved shirt and jeans. It’s casual but she still looks gorgeous. “I got you this,” she says, handing me a coffee.
“It’s almost four in the afternoon.”
“Sorry, I drink it all day—more out of habit than for the actual caffeine.” The admission is sheepish as she shifts uncomfortably on her feet. “Do you want to grab dinner? A different drink?”
“I have plans with my sister,” I tell her even though I can practically feel Lettie’s eye roll.
“Okay.” Forcing a smile, Saige takes a step back.
“That’s it?” My voice is incredulous even though a part of me is relieved I don’t have to pretend to be all right.
“I realized that I’m not great at this. Coffee was what I picked after driving around Love Beach and overthinking every option.”
“Saige…”
“It’s fine,” she says, the vulnerability in her eyes telling an entirely different story. “I’ll think of something else.”
“I don’t know; maybe I need another day.”
“Sure. I’ll see you around.” She turns quickly and I want to call after her, but I can’t form the words.
“Shut the door, Romeo. You already told her off,” Lettie calls from behind me. Startled, I do, glaring at her as I return to the kitchen.
“I’m allowed to still be hurt.”
