Home to Stay (The Long Road Home #2) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,17

same school, they’d become friends when Paula moved to the area two years ago.

“I should have known that the news of John’s visit would have traveled like wildfire through the faculty.”

“Hey, I spend my days with a bunch of eight-year-olds. You’ve got to give me the lowdown on him!”

“I was surprised, that’s for sure. I had no idea he was stateside. We only had a few minutes to talk, but he agreed to come back so that he could have more time with the kids.”

“Yeah, but what about spending time with you?”

It was on the tip of her tongue to insist that spending time with John was just for the class’ benefit, but Paula knew her better than that. “I gave him my number so that he could let me know when he can come back and arrange a time.”

“And you’re hoping he’ll call just for you.”

Lucy sighed. “I won’t deny that it would be nice, but I got the feeling from him today that he has a lot of things to figure out in his life. I hardly think I’ll be anything more than just a way to visit the class to check something off of his to-do list. Lord knows I certainly understand that.”

“Well, if you’re not sitting by the phone waiting for him to call, you’ve got no excuse to deny my attempt to drag you out to Moose’s tonight. Just for the music and one beer, okay? Look, since I know your secret crush is home, I won’t even insist on you dancing. Just sit and listen to the band and relax after a crazy week. Those shutters that need to be painted will still be there tomorrow.”

While going to the bar with Paula was not what had been her plan for the evening, she and Paula had made it a habit to support local indie musicians. “Okay,” she gave in. “But I’m driving because I’m only staying for one drink and one set. And I know you. No matter what you say, you’ll end up staying longer, especially if you catch the eye of one of the musicians.”

Paula laughed and agreed. “Okay, okay. I’ll meet you there in an hour. And I promise you’ll have a good time. This band is supposed to be really up-and-coming. It should be epic.”

Epic… A flash of John ran through her mind—tall, dark, so gorgeous it almost hurt to believe someone could be so attractive and not seem to know it. And how just a tiny smile from him warmed her heart more than a huge grin from any other man. Now that was epic.

Disconnecting, she washed her plate and headed back to her bedroom to change. Maybe a Friday night doing something besides painting shutters would be interesting. At least not as mortifying as landing on the floor at John’s feet in a hardware store.

John rinsed the dinner dishes while Gramps dried them. He worked patiently, adjusting his movements to his grandfather’s slower pace. When the kitchen was put to right, he assumed they’d retire to the living room. Instead, Gramps leaned against the counter and pinned him with a stare.

“Whatcha got planned for this evening?”

John’s chin jerked back slightly and he turned fully to face the older man. “Well… nothing.”

“Then let’s go to Moose’s Bar. Gonna meet a friend, and he offered to come to pick me up, but I told him that you were here and could take me.”

“Uh… sure.” He hadn’t been to Moose’s Bar in years. Maybe he’d been once or twice on visits back home, but this was the first time Gramps had asked him to go. “Let me change, and I’ll be back down.”

“Hell, boy, it ain’t fancy,” Gramps groused.

“Yeah, well, I’ve sweat enough today to know I reek.” He hustled up the steps and jerked off the button-up shirt he’d worn to the school. Balling it up, he tossed it in the laundry basket in the corner. He was surprised Gramps hadn’t complained of the smell when he came in. It definitely wasn’t the odor from hard-work sweat but nerves. Hell, missions didn’t make me as nervous as I was today. Reaching into the drawer, he pulled out a clean, dark blue T-shirt and slid it over his head. Shoving his wallet and phone into his pockets, he headed back down the stairs.

It didn’t take long to drive to Moose’s Bar. One of many bars in the area, it was frequented by old-timers and newcomers alike. He had no doubt it