Page 25 of Holiday Hopefuls
Meaning I have to stop watching what Ms. Rutherford is doing, not totally unlike a newly obsessed stalker.
His gaze flits toward the dance floor as the music continues blaring. “Was it Callie that ran out of your office earlier this week? Callie Rutherford?”
I don’t get a chance to answer.
“Why was Callie in your office?” Rindy demands.
“I never said she was,” I point out.
“I was pretty sure I recognized her voice, but didn’t want to say anything in case it was weird,” John says carefully. “Of course, she knows what I do. But I figured, if she was at theoffice, she’d be there to discuss Cici.” A frown works its way onto my friend’s strong features.
Joanna cuts in, “You think she was there to see you and got to Oliver first?”
“She wasn’t there to see John.” The words are out before I can stop them.
One, two, and three of my closest friends look my way. All of them silent, waiting.
But John’s eyes widen before I can say another word, raucous laughter pouring from him.
His sister and sister-in-law watch the sudden change, clearly wondering if he’s having some kind of fit.
“What’s going on?” Joanna asks. Careful, like asking too intently will bring about catastrophe.
Confusion mars Rindy’s pinched face.
“Oliver?” Jo tries again.
Rindy pokes her brother’s arm. “Any time you’d like to quit your cackling and explain yourself would be fantastic.”
I, on the other hand, pray to anyone listening that the music doesn’t come to a crashing halt and divert all the attention our way.
Especially one redhead, in particular, who’s now dancing with her brother while he looks ready to pass out from boredom at any moment. Sighing, he moves to spin her, nearly causing her to crash into another woman.
With every bout of John’s laughter tainting the musical experience, my chest tightens a little more. Tears begin leaking from his eyes with every shake, only increasing in volume as he hunches over the table for stability.
Annoyance flares as my friend finally catches his breath. “No way,” he wheezes. The hand not gripping his glass reaches up to wipe away the saline. “I can’t believe it.” Another choked laugh makes its way into the world.
“Uh, hello,” Rindy presses.
I’ve never been one to embarrass easily, but right now, I’d love nothing more than to crawl under the table and wither away. It doesn’t help that my best friend’s sister is like a bloodhound—there’s no stopping her once she’s caught a scent.
Rindy’s eyes narrow more, which I honestly didn’t believe was possible.
John slaps the table once more before taking a big breath. “When you came to see me … not that I knew it was her but … ” he blinks. “Wow.”
Jo and Rindy are chomping at the bit for answers, and I know we can’t hold them off for much longer.
“John,” I warn.
“So, what did you say?” My friend quirks a thick brow and I have the sudden urge to shave it right off his smug face.
“To what?” Rindy practically yells, throwing exasperated hands in the air.
It’s right then that the band finishes their current song. Only half a second passes before every person in the joint is focused on our table. Even the band hesitates a moment too long before starting up again.
My eyes unwillingly seek out the one person I wish they wouldn’t. But Calloway Rutherford is already staring right at me, her chocolate eyes indecipherable as sweat slicks face-framing hairs to flushed cheeks.
“Uh, one, two, three, four,” the lead vocalist chants into the mic. And just like that, Mr. Callie Rutherford’s Best Friend’s Brother leads the entire bar back into a state of normalcy.
