Martinis & Moonlight (A Country Road Novel - Book 3) Page 6

  Pulling laundry from the dryer, I carry the basket into the living room and manage to fold the contents and finish packing the girls bags for my parents before I need to settle in for Dakota’s call.

  I pick up my iPad to take into the kitchen where the chilled wine is and pour myself a glass just as the alert of Dakota’s call comes through. Smiling, I click on the icon and see my beautiful sister’s face skirt across the screen.

  “Hey, girl,” she says while adjusting the screen a little.

  “Hey, yourself. How’s it going?”

  “It’s the same as it is every night, Min. Can we have one of our old talks tonight? I am tired of talking about all of this,” she says, waving her arm over her head.

  “Absolutely. First, the girls send their love and Mom said don’t forget they’ll be there tomorrow. Make sure you call them there and not here.”

  “I remember. Geez, I’m in rehab not memory loss camp.”

  I don’t respond and Dakota’s response is an eye roll. She’s the master eye roller. I, on the other hand, am not. Never have been. I used to practice in the mirror when we were kids. But, I can roll my tongue like a taco and she can’t. Small victories.

  “It’s a joke, Min. Relax. Geez, you all are so dang sensitive.”

  “Yeah well, sorry I’m not up on all the rehab jokes, Dakota.”

  “There ya go! Finally, mock this situation I’m in, make fun of me. Do something.”

  “Fine, no rehab talk. Except,” I pause, waiting for her to roll her eyes again. And there it is. “Are there hot guys there? I mean, I know, no dating or hookups for like a year, but eye candy? Man candy? Ab candy? Gimme something.”

  Smiling, Dakota pulls her feet up on the chair so her chin is resting on her knees.

  “Nah, actually there isn’t. It’s like a couple of kids, which is totally sad, and then guys that are so not my type.”

  “Oh well, I guess that’s for the best.”

  “How about you? Dating?”

  “When am I supposed to be doing that? Besides, where am I going to meet anyone? The market? Or, how about at the craft store? I bet there’s a hot guy just waiting for me next to the hot glue and glitter.”

  “Sarcasm is not attractive on you. Don’t do that anymore.”

  We both laugh because we know telling me to drop the sarcasm is like asking me to not breathe. After a few minutes of small talk, Dakota clears her throat and looks serious for a minute. I assume we’re going to talk about the topics she declared off limits earlier. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

  “Do you ever wonder what happened to all those guys you met when you were online dating?”

  “You mean the six weeks before I met Kent and only met two of the fourteen guys I was talking to? Which, by the way, makes me sound like a slutbag.”

  “You were not then and are not now a slutbag. You were twenty-two and just finishing college. Playing the field is a thing. Plus, you only met two of them. The rest were … whatever they were.”

  “Ridiculous is the word you are looking for,” I say before we both break out in hysterical laughter. Six weeks of online dating four years ago and I swear I have some sort of PTSD from it. Sure, not all the guys were creeps, but a few left a lot to be desired.

  “I don’t know why but sometimes I’ll be sitting around here people watching and wonder if any of the guys walking the grounds are one of those guys. I mean, I didn’t online date before I met Jeff so I have to use your experiences for these thoughts.”

  “You’re welcome? This is a random thought to have.”

  “Not really. I have so much time here thinking is about all I do. But remember the one guy? The hot seed? I wonder if he found his ‘vessel,’” she says with air quotes.

  “Oh no! Don’t bring that guy up! I’ll be right back,” I say, standing and walking to refill my wine glass before returning to my spot. “I still don’t know why he thought that was remotely sexy or okay.”

  “Hey, who are we to judge someone else’s kink?”

  “You’ve got to be kidding, Dakota. He said, and I quote, ‘Would you like it if I were to fill you with my hot seed while you are fertile?’ Fertile, Dakota! What the fuck kind of kink is that?”

  Dakota starts laughing so hard she has tears running out of her eyes. I soon follow suit and after five minutes we’re both able to gather our wits. Even remembering that guy is enough to turn me off the possibility of online dating now. Besides, I’m too fresh out of a long-term relationship for dating. I’d just like a guy to come over, watch a movie, help have a few orgasms, and then leave. If he could put together a few bookshelves too that’d be a bonus.

  “I think my favorite part of that entire conversation was how fucking hot he was,” she says between giggles. Bitch.

  “Yeah, he was pretty hot. And then, when I asked him if that was his kink, he actually seemed confused that it wasn’t mine. I even went and looked at my profile after that to make sure there wasn’t something on there to lead him to that. Nothing. It fucking said I liked wine, tacos, and cupcakes. Not CUMcakes!” I bark out before another fit of giggles.

  Shortly after the giggle fest at my prior dating history, we end the call and I close up the house for the night. Once again, I crawl into bed with my e-reader and search through my library until I find a new book that catches my eye. I settle into my pillows and let the fictitious world of rock stars take over my mind while pushing visions of construction workers from my thoughts.

  When I was little, my mom used to say, “Minnesota, be careful what you wish for. Sometimes a wish smacks you in the face like a dead fish.” I never understood what the hell that meant. Until right now.

  I’m standing in the kitchen and trying to figure out if I’m relishing in the quiet or ready to burst into tears that it’s so quiet. When I asked Mom to take the girls for the night I had high hopes. A long warm bath, a good sexy book, and a bottle of wine.

  Then, she strapped those little babies into their seats and each of them waved to me, the joy of going to Nana and Papa’s house evident on their faces. Well, Arizona’s face. Cali was more interested in looking at herself in the backwards-facing mirror attached to the backseat of my mom’s car.

  Now, two hours later I find myself at a loss. Maybe I should clean. This would be a good opportunity to make a few lists of things the house needs. Bookshelves in the living room, a new towel rack in the master bathroom, safety straps on the girl’s shelves and dresser, the list goes on and on. Yes, lists are good. I could pay some bills. Maybe see what the Hallmark channel has to offer.

  Yes, mindless television and bills. That’s reasonable for a Saturday night. I can do that. I decide to skip my bath and instead pull out my favorite pajama set and tie my hair into a messy bun before washing my face. I’m contemplating a deep cleansing mask when my doorbell rings. Since I’ve been here, that is the first time I’ve heard the doorbell ring. Heck, it’s the first time someone has come to the door other than my parents or brother.

  I’m almost to the door when a series of knocks begins. Someone is impatient. I reach for the handle as giggles and hushes filter through from the other side of the door. Confused, I slightly open the door, only enough to peer onto the porch. Standing under the porch light, holding a bottle of tequila in one hand and mix in another, is Ashton Sullivan, and next to her is Piper Lawrence with a bag of groceries.

  I met Ashton and Piper at Jameson’s cookout. Ashton is Jameson’s roommate and Piper’s best friend. Piper is recently engaged to Ben, Jameson’s best friend and Ashton’s brother, and probably one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my life. The entire brother-sister-best friend situation sounded a little like a soap opera to me but once Piper explained the backstory and how her and Ben eventually got together, I was just in awe of them. Their love story is sweet and gives even the most jaded person hope at finding love. And, it explains why they are both so blissfully happy. The four of them, along with Owen and Landon, have all grown up together here in Lex
ington and, from what I can muster, are a tight group of friends.

  “I told you we should have called first,” Piper admonishes Ashton, who has clearly perfected the overly dramatic eye roll.

  “Hi, Minnie. She’s probably right, we should have called first, but we brought tequila so forgive us?”

  Smiling, I open the door all the way as Piper follows Ashton in, mouthing an apology at me as she does. I’m not sure if she’s apologizing for not calling or for inviting themselves over. Regardless, I’m relieved to not be alone even if it is a bit of a surprise.

  “Sorry for just dropping by. Owen was over and mentioned you were having your first weekend without your nieces so we thought an impromptu girl’s night was in order. We aren’t normally this rude and I’m sorry if we seem a little overbearing. I mean, Ashton is overbearing so …” Piper smirks as Ashton gasps and smacks her arm.

  “I am not … okay, that’s a lie. I can be a bit much. Anyway, I have so few weekends off that we thought this was a sign for us to hang out, get to know each other, and make you like us.”

  I look to Piper, who seems to be the calmer of the two, and she shrugs a shoulder in agreement. Ashton completes her declaration and walks into the kitchen. I watch as the ladies make themselves at home in my kitchen. Piper begins unpacking the grocery bag as Ashton opens a few cupboards before finding the glasses she’s searching for.

  Before I know it, a margarita is placed in front of me and the oven signals it is preheated. I haven’t uttered a word, simply watched as Piper and Ashton pile onto a cookie sheet the largest nachos I’ve ever seen. My eyes must give me away because they both stop what they’re doing and start laughing.

  “Oh, we don’t mess around when it comes to food. Plus, I have the worst cramps ever and the only thing that helps is ooey gooey goodness like nachos.” Ashton is rubbing her stomach as she professes her need for nachos.

  “I agree, nachos are never a bad idea. I’m usually much more talkative but as it turns out, I haven’t been around adults much lately and my social skills are perhaps a little subpar.”

  Piper places the nachos in the oven and sets the timer before grabbing her margarita and taking the seat next to me at the island. I’ve only met her a few times, but you can tell after five minutes in her presence that Piper is a kind woman with a good heart. Her long auburn hair is in a braid and she’s wearing very little, if any, makeup. Dressed in a pair of leggings with a wild geometric pattern and a T-shirt that as a logo of the local bar, Country Road, she exudes casual and I’m a little jealous. I doubt I could pull off such a look so flawlessly. I look down at my pajama pants with pictures of little cats reading and a tank and realize they must think I’m a complete bore.

  “They’re butter pants, do you have any?”

  “What?” I have no idea what she’s talking about.

  “My leggings. People call them butter pants. Feel them. Like butter. I’ll hook you up with my consultant if you want. I live in these, much to Ben’s delight. He says they do amazing things for my ass.”

  “Stop talking about my brother talking about your ass, it’s still weird,” Ashton huffs with a smile. Teasing. I like these girls.

  I reach over and gently touch Piper’s leg. Wow, they are really soft. I look over to Ashton, who is not in leggings but is wearing a tank top with the same logo as Piper’s shirt and a pair of cut-off shorts.

  “No butter pants for you, Ashton?”

  “Nope, I hate pants. Unless I’m at work, I try to avoid them at all costs.” That seems like an odd declaration, but the seriousness of Ashton’s tone tells me it’s completely normal for her.

  These two are hilarious, and although I barely know them, I feel like we could end up being great friends. “Thanks for coming over, ladies, I needed this.”

  “Women don’t like you, do they?”

  My head whips around to Ashton, eyes wide.

  “I’m sorry?”

  “That sounded bad, I didn’t intend for that to sound harsh. I just meant, you’re beautiful and smart. I bet women are intimidated by you and assume you won’t like them.”

  “I don’t know about any of that, but I’ve always had my sister and little brother. Our family is very close and Dakota and I are best friends. Neither of us really have many female friends, now that you mention it.”

  I hadn’t really thought of it before, but it’s true. Dakota has a few girlfriends and, of course, she and Jeff had couple friends. But, as far as a best friend or close-knit group of friends, neither of us really had that. Now that she’s not around, it feels as if a part of me is missing. Maybe this is part of the balance I’ve been missing in my life.

  “Minnie, Ashton sometimes doesn’t think before she speaks,” Piper says, shooting what may be considered a warning look to Ashton. “But, it’s said with love. I promise.”

  “No worries. It’s just not something I have ever really given much thought. Anyway, the two of you have made me laugh so much I’m not even worried about the calories associated with those nachos. Plus, it beats the night I had planned.”

  “Oh?” Piper questions.

  “Yes, a thrilling evening of Hallmark movies and paying bills.”

  “Eww, no. We can do better than that!” Ashton’s shout startles Piper as she’s taking a drink and another warning look is sent her way.

  Ashton didn’t disappoint, and after devouring the entire platter of nachos and a few margaritas each, the music got louder and the giggles quickly turned to tequila-infused snorts and shrieks.

  Stories of the two of them growing up and Piper’s crush on Ben for most of her life had us in stitches. Ashton is a steel trap when it comes to her friendship and living situation with Jameson. It’s a little awkward for me since he’s my boss so I didn’t really push. Piper made a few comments that leads me to believe there may be a story there but, again, not my business.

  “Minnie, I have to know something.” Ashton looks at me with a serious expression on her face. I struggle to keep a straight face, giggles escaping. “I’m serious.”

  “Shoot.”

  “What in the world is your name? Is Minnie your real name or a nickname? It’s killing me. I feel like your name should be something like Elizabeth or Gwendolyn.”

  “Gwendolyn?”

  “Yeah, it sounds mystical and you’re like a mermaid or something.”

  We all lose it after that. I finally catch my breath and calm down enough to explain. This is one of the reasons I don’t love my name. The explanation isn’t anything pivotal or important. The reality is, my mom and dad were just young and carefree, not really thinking of the repercussions of their name choices.

  “First,” I say, taking a sip of my margarita before sitting up straight. “Oh hell, I’ll just say it and then let you ask all the questions. My name is Minnesota.”

  “Like the state?” they ask in unison.

  “Yep.” The “p” sound pops as I nod enthusiastically. Or, tequila-y. “Like the state.”

  “Why?” Ashton questions.

  “Ah, the million-dollar question. Because my parents were young and didn’t think of their children’s future? My mother loves our names.”

  “Wait a second. What are you siblings’ names?”

  “Dakota and Lincoln.”

  Piper’s smile is non-judgmental, which I appreciate. Since I haven’t shut down the questioning, she hesitates slightly before speaking. “Well, Dakota is a little trendy these days so that kind of sucks for her. And I like Lincoln, I may steal that when I have kids. But, there has to be some sort of significance.”

  “We’re named after the states we were conceived in. My parents moved a lot when we were little. Linc is named after the city because my dad refused to allow my mom to name his only son Nebraska.”

  “Good call, Pops. Did you ever go by your middle name?” Piper asks.

  “Oh, no way. Our middle names are our great-grandmothers’ names. Mine is Eleanor and Dakota’s is Michelle. She hates her middle
name because she thinks it’s too common. But, she loves her first name, always thought it was great being the only one in our school. I, didn’t love being the only Minnie.”

  “Your parents sound fun. Are you close to them?” Ashton asks, grabbing our glasses to refill them. She returns with only two margaritas and a glass of water for herself.

  “Yes, we’re all pretty close. Even more so since Dakota’s husband passed away.”

  “Your poor sister and nieces. I don’t want to pry but…” Piper begins before stopping herself.

  “It’s okay. Dakota and Jeff, that was her husband, were in a horrible accident. Sadly, he didn’t make it. Her recovery has been long and, unfortunately, she hasn’t dealt with it the best. She’s in a treatment center now to help her heal both physically and emotionally. I’m taking care of the kids and this place for her while she’s away.”

  “Oh, this is her house? I thought it was yours. Where will you go when she gets home? Do you have a place in … gosh, I don’t even know where you lived before? We’re horrible new friends, Ash.”

  “You are not horrible friends. Actually, I guess technically, I’m homeless. Wow. I hadn’t realized that. I was living with my boyfriend before moving here but we broke up.”

  “I’m sorry. Why didn’t he move with you?”

  “It’s complicated, but basically he wasn’t interested in this kind of life. I don’t even know why we were together in the first place.”

  I’m realizing with each passing day, I have no idea why I was with Kent. He was far too conservative for me, he never laughed, and his need for military-grade corners on the bedding was annoying as hell. Plus, he wasn’t spontaneous and lacked any sort of sense of humor. In a nutshell, he was boring. With a capital B. I doubt we would have even gone out on a first date if we didn’t work together. That was the only commonality we had, business.