right now I could really use the positive press to help bolster business.
I shoot Ronan a message when I get home, letting him know I stopped by, but that he and Tori were talking and I didn’t want to interrupt, so I’ll see him tomorrow. I throw in a couple of kissy-face emojis to make it seem upbeat and not like I’m a jealous girlfriend, or mopey, when in reality I’m both.
I change into a comfy sleep shirt, get my dress ready for tomorrow, and decide I’ve had enough of today. I brush my teeth, grab a glass of water, and climb into bed. I’ve just turned off the light when my phone buzzes, not with a message, but a call, from Ronan.
I debate letting it go to voicemail, but I decide that would be a jerk move. It’s not Ronan’s fault that my last act wasn’t great and his band was. Or that he’s ridiculously attractive and charming and women go gaga over him. Myself included.
I accept the call. “Hey.”
“Hey, yourself. You took off without saying good-bye. I thought I was coming back to your place.” There’s no accusation in his voice, just a hint of disappointment.
“You were busy with Tori, and I didn’t want to interrupt.”
He’s silent for a moment. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, just tired after a long day.” It’s more of an omission than a lie.
“Is this you uninviting me over tonight?” And now there’s hurt to go with the disappointment.
I should give myself the night, especially with my mood, but I’m feeling selfish and needy. “Of course not, I always love having you in my bed. I’ll leave the door unlocked so you can let yourself in.”
“I’ll be there in fifteen.”
I’m still staring at the ceiling, no longer quite as exhausted as I was when I slid between the sheets. I know I’m going to be tired tomorrow as a result, but my brain is too busy to settle.
When the door to my bedroom creaks open I flick on the lamp beside my bed and whisper “Hi.”
“Hey, yourself.” I watch as Ronan strips down to his boxer briefs, warmth spreading through my limbs as any residual tiredness fades away, replaced with want. As soon as he joins me in bed, I pull his mouth to mine and lose myself in him.
Half an hour later I’m tucked into his side, my head resting on his shoulder, fingertips tracing the tree limbs that climb his shoulder and morph into birds taking flight. It’s a gorgeous, intricate tattoo.
“The band was great tonight,” I say softly.
“They were. I was impressed. How was the rest of comedy night?” He’d stopped in during the first act, when everyone was laughing their heads off.
“Started great, fizzled out at the end.”
“Oh no, I’m sorry, babe.” He presses his lips to my forehead and tips my chin up. “What happened?”
“The last act was a dud. I should have cut it at two when Betty canceled, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to give someone new a chance. I think Tori being there unnerved the guy and he just kind of shit the bed.”
“Maybe it’s not as bad as you think.”
“It is. Or was. It’s okay. I’m glad your night went well, though.”
“Me, too, but I don’t like that yours didn’t.” His sincerity makes me feel conflicted. I want him to succeed, but I want my own success, as well.
“It would’ve been nice to make a better impression on Tori. I could really use some positive press and more customers.”
“Your place was packed tonight.”
“It was, but you know how quiet it’s been when we don’t have cohosted events. I don’t want to cut Callie’s hours more, but if things keep going this way, I might have to.”
His brow furrows. “It’s that bad?”
I backtrack, not wanting to rain on his parade with my dark cloud. “I’m just being preemptive. I can’t afford to go too far into the red, so I have to cut costs where I can.” Not to mention I’ve been pulling out all the stops in anticipation of Tori, and that means spending more than I probably should have.
He’s quiet for a few moments. “I have an idea.”
“I’m all for one of your ideas because I’m fresh out.”
“Why don’t we have a street event?”
I adjust my position so I can see his face better. “How do you mean?”
“So when we cohost events both of our businesses see higher returns, right?”
“Definitely.”
“What if we apply the same principle to all the restaurants and shops on the street?