11. Everly

Chapter 11

Everly

I t’s speed dating night, and I’m nervous. Really nervous. I’m not even worried about speed dating. I’m nervous about seeing Nash after the moment we had in the kitchen the other day and what he’ll say to me. Will he even talk to me? I’ve always felt like he was way out of my league, but now I’m figuring out who I am. I’m a different person now, and it’s clear he is, too. We don’t know each other anymore. Every time I’m out at the ranch, I learn something else that I missed out on when I was gone.

With Willow safely dropped off at Anne Marie’s for the night, I quickly walk back to my house and get ready for the night out with Hayley. I love my new clothes, and I am ready to feel sexy and beautiful for the first time since becoming a mom and now newly single. Nothing wrong with a little flirting and a few cocktails, I suppose. I’m stepping out of my comfort zone. Who knows, maybe Reed will even show up.

Standing in my bathroom in my new black lace panties and black lace halter bra while I curl and tame my long hair, I remember to check for an email back from Reed. I grab my phone from the charger on my bedside table and see an unread email from him waiting for me. My heart flutters as I open it and read it.

Everly,

I thought you might need some things from your list. What’re your plans for the weekend? Anything fun going on in Cozy Creek? I am single. How about you?

Hope you are having a good weekend,

Reed

What do I even say to that? I’m single, but I’ve been in love with my best friend’s older brother since I was a little kid, and I’m tortured by his existence daily. Then, a few days ago, we had a moment, and now I’m confused as hell? I don’t even know what to write. While I like talking to Reed, I wish it was Nash talking to me like this. I want Nash to care about my weekend plans and if I’m seeing someone.

I secretly hope Nash will be there to participate in the speed dating, especially when I’m dressed up. God, I feel like a high schooler again with a crush.

I bite my lip and debate on whether I should respond. What the hell, I shrug, as I type out my response. Can’t leave the guy hanging, I tell myself.

Reed,

I’m also single and busy with life. I don’t have much time for anything other than emailing and texting. Haha. Although I’m going way out of my comfort zone this weekend and attending a speed dating event at Bookers mostly to support my best friend Hayley, one of the owners. I’m not usually into that type of stuff because the pub scene isn’t really my place. I’m more of a quiet date night kind of person. What about you? What’s your ideal date if you were to go on one?

Everly

Nerves fill me as I hit the send button. Can’t take back that email now. I put on my high-waisted black slacks, which look amazing, and my open-toed black heels. I put on the black halter top with sparkles that Hayley chose for me. My hair is down and loose in waves with the top pulled back in a knot with tendrils around my face. Hayley was right; this is the perfect throwback outfit. I feel a little bit like my old self before Richie sucked all my self-esteem out of me. While I apply the final coat of my signature red lipstick, which is nonnegotiable, I feel like a different person. My makeup is the best I’ve ever done, and my eyeliner took too long to perfect, making my blue eyes pop. I turn in the mirror and say, “Not bad.”

Another email comes through, and I’m giddy as I check it .

Everly,

Good to know. Not everyone is into the whole pub scene, and that’s okay. It’s nice that you’re supporting your friend with her event. My ideal date would be to take someone out to my property and go on a horseback ride and have a picnic. I’m a simple guy. Anything outdoors is fun for me. What about you? What’s your idea of a fun date?

Reed

I look around my cozy house and have second thoughts about speed dating. I just want to stay home and email Reed. I’m pathetic. Maybe I could feign a migraine. Surely, Hayley would understand. In under ten minutes, I could take my makeup off and park myself in front of the TV in my pajamas with my popcorn and hot chocolate. It feels good to flirt and talk with someone even though I secretly wish it was Nash. I bite my lip and debate this for a moment as a text goes across my phone.

Hayley

Where are you? I need help. I’m freaking out. A ton of tourists posted about this event on social media, and we are JAM-PACKED!! Please get down here! And don’t even think about bailing on me! I need you, Ev!

I sigh and reach for my purse. I agreed to help her, so I can’t let her down. Ready or not, here I come. I throw on my black coat, which is a little dressier, then slide on my black flats. I carry my heels for the quick walk down to the pub. I spray one more coat of hairspray on my hair, hoping my hair holds up.

Looking back at my computer, I quickly send a response, not even able to help myself.

Reed,

My ideal date would depend on the time of the year. Right now, fall is my ultimate favorite season. Every year I make an entire bucket list I could make date nights out of. Haha. So far, my daughter and I have been working through the list.

Some of my favorites would be going to a fall festival like the Oktoberfest, a drive-in movie, a fall hike, popcorn and spooky movies, an outdoor picnic, coffee at a bookshop, just to name a few. Okay, I’m off to speed dating now. Wish me luck. Honestly, I’d rather just stay home and keep emailing you.

Hope you’re having a good weekend as well,

Everly

I think about what Richie would have done if I’d worn an outfit like this and gone out with a friend. It would never have happened, not just because it’s speed dating, which I wouldn’t have gone to while I was married, but Richie didn’t encourage the idea of me having friends or any sort of life outside of being at home and taking care of Willow. I had a few mom friends when Willow was little and had a few playdates with them and the kids, but he didn’t want people at our house, and he would throw fits when I went anywhere, so I just stopped and stayed home and focused on Willow and my classes. I poured myself into my classes. Looking back, I now know that Richie never loved me, and I should have left sooner. He wanted me to be his household manager and handle things for him. I lived in his house, and he loved to remind me of that. I glance back at my little house and feel my heart warm with pride. This is my house, and it is full of peace and love. I mean, it’s not technically mine because we’re renting, but it’s our home. And I’m so proud of it and grateful to have it.

When I get to the corner, I quickly slide on my heels and tuck my flats into my bag. I glance at my reflection in the side window and fluff my hair. Well, here goes nothing.

I open the door to Bookers. The atmosphere is lively, and the music is loud. Someone is setting up karaoke on the stage, and people are already milling around, laughing and talking. I look around and realize how beautiful it is here and feel a pang of regret that I haven’t been here before. It has rich dark walnut wooden booths and dark green academia vibes throughout the space—very masculine, warm, and welcoming. Old pictures of our town and people grace the walls in various vintage frames with other town memorabilia, and it makes me want to take the time out to come back and explore it one day when it’s not so dark, busy, and loud. The lighting is dim, dark, romantic, and fun. The tables are set up for speed dating, and the stools are filled along the bar, where people order drinks.

Hayley looks up from the bar as she pours a drink and waves. She has a young male bartender beside her that I don’t know and another young girl beside him. Nash isn’t in sight as I quickly scan the bar. Regret fills me when I don’t see him. I’m surprised he’s not there as busy as it is. A few barbacks bring glasses and drinks back and forth from the kitchen .

“Everly, you look hot!” Hayley calls over to me. She rounds the bar and looks me up and down. “Smoking hot.”

“I look nothing like me,” I admit, suddenly feeling self-conscious and smoothing down my shirt.

“I know, that’s the point.” She grins. “Tonight, we’re going to let our hair down, act like the young, single women we are, and have fun.”

“You look so beautiful, Hayles. Seriously.” I smile as I slide up onto a stool and rest my forearms on the counter.

She’s in a sequined top that shows her ample cleavage, dark denim jeans that are tight, pointy black sparkling heels, and her makeup is done to the nines like mine. She splurged on makeup and clothes with me. Her dark hair, the same color as Nash’s, cascades in long curls down her back. Her sea-green eyes shine and pop with her dark red lipstick. She’s a bombshell. How she’s still single, I’ll never understand. With Hayley, it’s always felt like she’s had one foot propped outside the door, as if she doesn’t really want to be here in Cozy Creek. Our small town is not overflowing with eligible bachelors, but we get our fair share of tourists. Most of them are annoying, but I suppose it’s good for the pub. And I’ve noticed that Hayley has had some things going on for the past few months. I can’t put my finger on it, but it’s almost like she’s unhappy about something. Restless. I make a mental note to talk to her about it soon. Just not tonight. Tonight is about her and her event. I look around and notice the place is packed, and I am ready to help in any way that I can.

“Everly, have you met Marcus and Courtney?” Hayley calls over her shoulder.

I smile and wave over the loud bar noise. Marcus lifts a tray of beers and grins as he saunters off. “Stay dangerous, ladies.”

I laugh at his teasing and look around curiously. I wonder if Reed ever comes in here and what he looks like. I suddenly feel nervous. I could run into him, and I wouldn’t even know who he was. And Nash. Where is Nash?

“Hey, do you know a local guy named Reed?” I ask lamely, taking a sip of my drink and trying to play it cool. Hayley knows all the townie people, so if he’s been in here, she’d know.

She tilts her head as if she’s thinking, Doesn’t ring a bell. Why?

“Oh, never mind,” I say as Hayley slides a few drinks over to a server and mops down the bar top and shoots me a curious look.

It’s possible Reed isn’t a pub person, either.

Hayley was right. Tonight is the night we have fun. We dressed up and get to feel pretty and be young and carefree and not have any worries. I could use a few hours without worrying about motherhood, bills, a crazy ex, and what everyone else thinks I should be doing. I’m doing this for me. I need this.

“Come on,” she says, hooking an arm around my shoulders as she pulls me over to where long tables have been set up for the speed dating event.

Oh boy.

Speed dating was interesting and not at all what I expected. There was a line on each side, and we had two minutes with each person. When it was done, if we clicked with anyone, we could get a drink and talk more or dance. It was simple, casual, and not a big deal. I’m glad I helped Hayley. She and I both laughed a lot and had fun. Hayley should put it on again because it seems to be a hit with most people. A lot of people have gotten together and are talking and dancing now that the ice has been broken, so to speak. It just wasn’t for me. I basically went through each guy, hoping one of them might be Reed. Sadly, none of them were. I’m still curious about who he is and what he looks like. When I wasn’t vetting guys and trying to figure out who they were, I scanned the bar for Nash, but he never showed up. Karaoke is going full swing, and that’s been fun to watch, too. Hayley and I both signed up to sing a few songs. We’ve always loved karaoke, and it’s our jam. We used to put on performances for the animals from our little karaoke machine out in her barn. I keep my eye on the bar, and when Nash doesn't make an appearance, I want to ask Hayley where he is, but I don’t want to admit that I’m looking for him. I assume that he just has the night off like she said he might. Maybe he’s on a date. Thinking of that makes my heart sink. What does Nash do in his spare time? Does he have a girlfriend?

Hayley and I aren’t too bad at singing. I mean, I’m not going to win an American Idol or The Voice competition anytime soon, but I can hold my own, and she can too. I sing “ All Too Well,” Taylor’s Version, of course. Hayley sings along with me, and then she sings “Timeless,” which got couples dancing, and I could tell it made her happy. I didn’t find anyone I wanted to connect with more. Probably because I kept looking around for Nash. I even snuck to the back of the kitchen earlier and hung my purse up where the aprons are stored on hooks, hoping to catch even a tiny glimpse of Nash hiding out, but he wasn’t there either. There was no sign of him anywhere.

Hayley and I commandeer the end of the bar, where it’s a little quieter and darker. She makes drinks on the other side to help the bartender, who has been busy nonstop. I’d offer to help, but I’m terrible at bartending. I barely know what drinks are what, so I am of no help. Finally, I cannot take it anymore, so I ask, “Where’s Nash?”

The corners of her mouth smirk while she pours a few more beers and slides them down to Marcus and Courtney. “Been waiting for you to ask me that all night. I’ve seen you looking for him.”

“I have not—” I start to protest, but we both know it’s true. I can’t fool Hayley. She knows me too well.

She cuts me off and points at the glass windows above the bar. “He’s working up in his office.”

I sit back on my stool. He’s been upstairs the whole time and hasn’t even come down. Confusion fills me. “Why isn’t he working? It’s so busy in here.”

She shrugs. “He didn’t want to make it weird for you. I told him you needed this.”

I bite my lip, trying not to show my disappointment. He didn’t want to see me. I shake my head because this isn’t right. It’s his pub. He can do whatever he wants. All I can say to her is, “Oh.” But I’m not fooling her. She can see the disappointment on my face.

“But you can run this up to him if you want to help.” She smiles and raises her eyebrows as she hands me a beer she just topped off and grabs a plate of bacon cheddar cheese fries from the kitchen window. “Another loaded cheese fries,” she calls back and turns to me with a grin.

I start to object, and she says, “Hurry before they get cold. Nobody likes cold fries.” She winks as she pulls two more glasses out and fills them, turning to help another customer.

“I guess I can do this.” I swallow nervously as I slide off my stool, trying to play it cool.

Hayley gives me another wicked grin as she continues making drinks. I anxiously make my way up the back stairs, hoping I don’t spill anything or freak out with nerves. I’ll just hand it to him and leave. Yeah, I can do this. Get in and get out. Plus, I want to see his office. From down below, it looks like it could be Batman’s lair up there, so I’m kind of curious.

I stand nervously in front of the door with a sign on it that says management. Suddenly, I’m more nervous than I was for speed dating. My two cocktails have long worn off, not giving me the liquid courage I need right now.

Hopefully, he just takes the food, and it’s not super awkward.