top of the charts.”
“When did you become so gloom and doom?” he asked, slamming the door shut and locking the truck.
She just shrugged. “I don’t know. I say that because it’s always in the back of my mind. What will I do if I end up without a career? But you’re right--there is no reason to worry about that tonight. I’m in a good mood and I shouldn’t spoil it for myself.”
Chance reached for her hand and gripped it tightly before she could pull away. “There definitely is no reason to worry tonight. Let’s have some fun.”
They walked down the sidewalk hand in hand and it took all of about ninety seconds for him to notice the long stares and people digging in pockets for cell phones. For once, it didn’t bother him. “I notice people are admiring our dog,” he said, giving Jolene a wry grin.
“Yes, that’s definitely why they’re staring,” she agreed. She waved at a group of college students who were whispering behind their hands and pointing. “Hey, y’all,” she called. “How’s it going?”
“Aren’t you Hart-Rivers?” one bold skinny kid said, adjusting his hat on his head.
“That’s right,” Chance told him. He also gave a wave then opened the door to the Blue Bird for Jolene. Music spilled out onto the sidewalk and he took a deep breath. Oh, yeah. This had been a good idea. He felt his creative juices stirring already.
Not to mention his other juices. Jolene looked luminous bathed in the fluorescent light of the sign out front and he was feeling like a great day was turning in to a great night.
“Hey, buddy, you can’t bring that dog in here.”
Chance turned when the bouncer at the door touched his arm. Jolene did the same and instantly the man’s face changed.
“Ms. Hart, I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize it was you.” He stared, wide-eyed, first at Jolene’s face, then at her chest, before yanking his eyes upward again and over to Chance. “Mr. Rivers, can I get you both a seat?”
“Yes, that would be great. Somewhere tucked away so the dog can be under the table? I’m sorry for bringing her in here, but we didn’t want to leave her out in the truck barking her head off.” He pulled some money out of his wallet and tipped the guy. “Thanks.” He clapped him on the shoulder.
“Thank you, sir. No problem. There’s a table right here, up front, but in the corner.”
Chance put his hand on the small of Jolene’s back and followed her in the direction the bouncer was leading them. He nodded here and there to people as they had to maneuver past other tables. It was always an odd experience to watch expressions change as they realized who he and Jolene were. It was something his father had always enjoyed tremendously. And while Jolene didn’t crave it, she didn’t mind it either. But it made him uncomfortable. It always had.
Except tonight, with Jolene by his side, he just felt proud. He was proud of her and how hard she had worked for this and instead of worrying about his own feelings of discomfort with the limelight, he wanted to focus on her. She deserved success and to be able to enjoy what she had achieved. Plus he was proud of them, for enduring a roller coaster ride and coming out on the other end still caring about each other.
Because he did care about her. A whole hell of a lot. There was no denying that.
Pulling a chair out for Jolene, he ushered Dolly to a spot under the table. She was a dog used to lots of loud music. She settled right down and dropped her head onto her front paws and closed her eyes. Not even the foreign smells of the sticky floor seemed to interest her. Chance tied her leash to his chair, just in case, and sat down. “What are you drinking?” he asked Jolene. “Beer, you said?”
“Yes, please. Something light.”
When he flagged down a waitress he saw that a group of girls in their twenties was taking pictures of them. He smiled. “I hope they get my good side,” he told Jolene.
“Which side is your good side?”
“All of them.”
She laughed. “Modest as usual. Now hush. The band is going back on.”
The band was a four piece country rock group--young, talented. Chance enjoyed just sitting back and taking the sound in with Jolene for company. This was what he loved. Just sitting down and listening to the music.