instead. “But I don’t know how. I don’t know if that’s something he even still wants and—” She swallowed as the words got stuck in her throat. “I’m scared, I guess.”
An unnerving moment of silence passed before Andie responded. “And you want me to tell you what? How to woo my brother back?”
Mia sank down on the couch and pressed her forehead into the palm of her hand. “That’s weird, isn’t it? I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have dumped this on you.”
“No, it’s okay. It’s fine, actually.”
Mia sat up, squeezing the phone. “It is?”
“Yeah, why not? If you need someone to talk to, I’m your girl. Even if it’s about my brother—as long as you don’t go into any gross detail or anything. Hearing about my brother’s sex life is where I draw the line.”
“No,” Mia said quickly. “Definitely not.”
“I’m kind of with a friend right now though.”
“Oh gosh. Sorry.” Mia was mortified. “We don’t have to do this now. It can wait.”
“It’s cool,” Andie said. “I’m working tomorrow, but why don’t I swing by when I’m done and we can go for a drink?”
“Er…isn’t tomorrow New Year’s Eve?” Even in Crowder, she assumed the bars would be crowded and not exactly conducive to conversation.
“Is it? Even better. We can talk and celebrate at the same time.”
“Okay,” Mia said. “Sounds good.”
Andie was doing her a favor, so if she wanted to go out on New Year’s Eve, it was the least Mia could do. Her conversation with Josh could probably wait another day or two. It wasn’t like he was going anywhere.
And neither was Mia.
Hopefully.
Andie insisted on going to the Rusty Spoke. On New Year’s Eve. Mia had gently tried to suggest somewhere a little quieter, but Andie seemed to have her heart set on it.
So to the Rusty Spoke they went.
The place was packed. And deafening. Wyatt’s band was on stage, blasting out a cover of “Jessie’s Girl.” According to the retro-style decorations and large banner that had been tacked up behind the stage, the theme for the night was “Back to the 80s.”
Andie dragged Mia behind her as she moved through the crowd, determined to find them a spot close to the stage. “How’s this?” she shouted, pushing her way into a space next to a noisy gaggle of women who waved an enthusiastic greeting at Andie while they danced and sang along with Wyatt’s Rick Springfield impression.
“It’s kind of loud,” Mia shouted back. They were dead center in front of the stage, in the middle of the noisy crowd.
Andie grinned as if she hadn’t heard and turned back to the stage. Wyatt’s gaze lit on them and he nodded his head in greeting. Andie flashed him a thumbs-up before leaning over to say something to one of the women next to them.
Mia gave up on the idea of having any sort of meaningful conversation tonight and decided to try and enjoy herself instead. It was New Year’s Eve, after all. She was back home where she belonged and in the company of friends. Everything else could wait until tomorrow. It would be the start of a new year and a brand-new chapter of Mia’s life. That was worth celebrating.
“I’m going to go get us some drinks,” Mia shouted in Andie’s ear.
“Not yet.” Andie clamped onto Mia’s arm, holding her fast to keep her from going anywhere. “In a minute.”
“Okay…” Mia was a little confused by Andie’s behavior tonight. But it felt nice to know her company was wanted, at least. She could think of worse ways to end the year.
If only Josh were here too, it would be perfect.
But Mia knew better than to look for him in the crowd. Even if he accepted her apology and they worked things out and she was offered the job at Bowman so she could stay here—which was a lot of ifs—Josh would never want to come out to someplace this crowded. He’d never be able to relax and have a good time listening to his best friend’s band play.
Which was okay—even if it made her a little sad for him—as long as they were together. Next year, if things worked out like she hoped, she and Josh would be spending a quiet New Year’s Eve together at the farm.
Assuming he wanted her back, of course.
“Hey.” Andie gave Mia a shake.
“What?” Mia blinked, coming out of her daze.
Andie grinned at her. The song had ended, and as the applause died down a buzz of conversation rippled through the crowd. People around