Center Stage

Page 5

John pulled the truck into the lot at Steve’s BBQ Pit and Beer. Immediately Arianna let out a snort.
“Regan told me about this place.”
“Did she?” He opened his door and climbed out. He would have helped her out of the truck, but she was already closing the door and walking toward the restaurant. His ex-wife would have needed the pampering, but not this one. She was as strong headed as they came.
“I think this was the first place Zach brought her when he was trying to make his moves on her.”
John stopped walking. He’d forgotten about that. He sure hoped Arianna wasn’t thinking the same thing.
She turned back and looked at him. “You comin’?”
He gave her a nod and followed her inside.
The greeter at the front walked them to a booth in the corner. He’d thought about requesting two seats at the bar, but Arianna bounced into the booth and pulled out a menu.
“I haven’t had good ribs in a long time.”
“This is the place to get them.”
When the waitress came to the table, they each ordered a beer and placed their dinner order. Arianna tucked the menu back into its place behind the salt and pepper shakers, laced her hands on the table, and looked right at him.
“So, anything new since we last dated?”
John cleared his throat and wished his beer would arrive quickly. His mouth had gone dry.
“Dated?”
“Just kidding.” She sat back against the booth. “Why are you all worked up having me around?”
“Am I? I didn’t notice.”
She nodded. “C’mon, I didn’t make any plays on you at Carlos’s last wedding. We just had a good time.”
“We did.”
The waitress set their beers down, and John took in after his. Of course he’d only have one if he was driving, but he might have to have an entire six-pack when he got home.
“I’m glad Madeline and Carlos are back together. I liked Kathy, but Madeline was the one for him always.”
“And Curtis and Simone? When are they getting married?”
“When she can fit into a dress again.” She leaned over the table on her elbows. “What do ya say? Be my date?”
“People will start to talk.”
“Let ‘em.” She leaned back and took a sip from her beer. “One thing you won’t find me doing is getting married and having babies.”
He felt his body heat rise. “Really? All these babies being born and you’re not getting baby fever?”
She shook her head. “No way. I have other plans in my life.”
“Like what?”
She shrugged. “I think I’d like to teach theater. Maybe even own a theater someday. You know, community theater. Perhaps write some plays.”
He nodded slowly.
Arianna took another sip of her beer. “You think it’s stupid, don’t you?”
“Not in the least.”
In fact, he knew of a theater that was slated for demolition if it wasn’t purchased. He’d look into it and see if it was worth saving. Then maybe he’d tell her about it. After all, she seemed safe enough. She didn’t want marriage or kids. Maybe they could just share a meal and a beer after all. Then again, what came after that?
Chapter Four
It was later than John had thought when he finally pulled up to Zach’s house. Zach’s office light was on. He wanted to laugh at the man. He was brought up all business, and it didn’t seem as though much had changed, but John knew the family he was building was more important than any business venture. He’d seen it in Zach’s eyes the moment he’d fallen in love and again when Alexander Hamilton had approached them at a business meeting and threatened Regan.
John’s fingers tensed around the steering wheel. Zach would go to the ends of the world to protect his wife and, now, his children. Losing multi-million dollar builds didn’t matter when you loved someone.
Zach loved what he did. But he loved his family more.
John stopped the truck and turned off the engine.
Arianna looked at the house and then back at him. “Thank you for the ride and for dinner.”
John gave her a slow nod. “My pleasure.”
“But I still owe you a meal. I think I had said I was taking you out.”
“I’m very southern. I don’t know if I’m going to be able to let you pay for my meal.”
Arianna let out a grunt and shook her head. “Get over it, Forrester,” she said as she zipped up her coat.
“I’ll do my best.” He opened his door. “I’ll get the door.”
He shut his door behind him and walked around the front of the truck to the other side. She already had it open when he reached for the handle.
“You are a good-ole-boy, aren’t ya?”
“I try.” He held out his hand for her to take as she climbed out of his old truck.
When she landed on the ground, she was close enough that he could feel the heat from her body. He deliberately took a step back.
“Do you want me to wait for you and follow you back to your house?”
Arianna laughed and rested her hand on his chest. He was glad he had a heavy coat on so she wouldn’t feel the rise in his heart beat when she’d touched him.
She shook her head. “I’ve been around these roads my whole life. I’ll be fine.” Arianna lifted herself up on the balls of her feet and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Thanks again for saving me all the time.”
He cleared his throat and tried to clear his mind. “Always my pleasure.”
Zach opened the front door and stepped out onto the porch. “Are you two going to make out in my drive?”
Arianna laughed easily again. “I certainly wouldn’t do that here if I were. I can think of a million other places to be making out.” She walked toward the house and turned back to John. “Thanks again. I’m going to go kiss Tyler.”
“Don’t wake him up,” Zach warned.
“I promise.” And she was gone.
Zach walked down the steps, his arms crossed over his chest to obviously fight off the chill, and toward John.
“Did you take her out on her first night back?”
“Just offered her a ride out here is all. We did catch a bite to eat. She had a hankering for bar-b-que.”
Zach’s eyebrows rose. “Steve’s.”