It should be easy to spot a flower-painted golf cart in town,shouldn’t it?
A sensible man would call her brother to give him a heads up.
A sensiblesaneman wouldn’t be freaking out about what kind of trouble she might get herself into that Dallas and I can’t save her from.
A sensible, loyal to his best friend, manwouldn’thave been relieved knowing she turned down hanging out with a bunch of professional hockey players.
The glow of streetlights casts long shadows on the ground as I make my way through town, my eyes scanning over every corner.
The diner lot, gas station, even the closed shopping strip. All before reaching the street where Bones is.
No Rose-branded golf cart here.
Hell, not even a plain old golf cart to give me false hope.
My frustration is mounting.
She doesn’t belong out here—not alone, not at this hour. Rose doesn’t know the kind of fast trouble that could show up.
Driving down another block, I finally spot the open, white hooded vehicle. I race toward it, relieved at the unmistakable, caught-red-handed sign.
TheRose.
“Damn stubborn woman,” I growl and park my truck at the first empty spot, ready to go door to door.
I look up at the awnings.
This can’t be right. The only thing open is an old strip club that shut down ages ago and now only opens for traveling events.
I walk inside like I belong, ignoring the hostess at the front. It’s dim, almost too dark, with small round tables and candles filling the room. There must be twenty of them.
Thehellisgoingonhere?
Whatever trouble is stirring up here, Rose is sipping on it likeit’s her favorite drink.
She’s sitting at one of the tables, talking to some guy.
She’s smiling, her face glowing in the tiny flame.
While mine burns with a new kind of heat, leaving a bitterness in my chest.
“Hi there. Are you signed up for this evening?”
I turn, my eyes dropping to the short woman. She scans me slowly. “Ooh .?.?. maybeIshould have too.”
“Excuse me? No, I’m not signed up for anything.” I turn my focus back to Rose.
“Well, you’re in luck; we had a no-show today so we’re odd. Go right in.”
“Odd? What is this?”
“A place to find your one true love. Or your one true Saturday night, whatever floats your boat.” She gives me a push. “Start with table six.”
I look up with my jaw tight, watching Rose as another man approaches her table.
Speed-dating?
Youhavegottobekiddingme.
