Page 86 of Carry Me Home
“Because when you’re holding all the aces, you can’t lose.”
35
JACK
Jack
Everyone clear on the schedule?
Essie
James and I have Maya at ten. We’re giving her a barrel racing lesson. Don’t tell Janie.
James
She’s kidding. Janie already knows.
Chloe
I’ll pick Maya up for lunch and then bring her to the library.
Hannah
Maya is going to be my intern for the afternoon. I can’t wait!
My original planwas to have one of Janie’s friends cover her bar shift, but Brax had nixed that in the bud with words like “employment fraud” and “liability.” Which meant that I was now standing in Janie’s usual spot behind the bar, despite the fact that the only drink I knew how to make was a whiskey neat.
Eh. That was fine. The only people here on a Friday afternoon weren’t the type to order fancy mixed drinks. Most of them drank their beer straight from the can.
And then Steven McAllister sidled in with a blue baby carrier strapped to his chest, chubby baby thighs dangling at his abdomen.
“You have a baby. In a bar,” I deadpanned. If he didn’t recognize the line from one of the best movies ever made, we could never be friends.
But Steven laughed as he bellied—or babied—up to the bar. “You know, I heard it in my head right before you said it out loud.” He scanned the tap handles. “I’ll take the pilsner.”
“Got it.” I grabbed a pint glass and filled it up. “Why do you have a baby in a bar?”
“Chloe’s at lunch with Maya and then she has clients all afternoon. I only had one horse to shoe, so I get to spend the day with Grayson. I figured, with all the girls showing up for Janie, someone ought to show up for you. So here we are.”
I didn’t know what to say to that. Steven and I weren’t exactly friends. But he was with Chloe, and Chloe was part of Janie’s circle, so maybe I should rectify that. “Thanks.”
“It was Chloe’s idea,” he admitted. He played with Grayson’s sock as he talked. “I know you’re close to the Hales. I’m not trying to get between that.”
I remembered what he’d said back in November. “They still have a problem with you?”
He considered. “It’s a work in progress.” I slid his beer across the bar. His lips quirked as he took in the foam. “That’s a lot of head. You need some help back there?”
I braced my palms on the bar. “I need you to not complain.”
“Sure. I can do that.” His head turned at the sound of the door opening.
Adam and Zack strolled in.
“What are you two doing here?” I asked. “Don’t you have cows to chase?”
Zack grinned. “And miss a chance to fuck with you? Come on, now.”
Adam stiffened, but he tipped his chin in greeting. “Steven.”
