The Slot (Rochester Riot #1)(58)
“What the hell?”
Julia reached into her bag and pulled out the piece of Oreo cheesecake in honor of SueAnn’s quarter century birthday. She held up a fork to her friend with an expectant look. Any attempt at distraction so Sue wouldn’t bulldog the truth out of her.
“Since today is your big day, it’s worth the splurge.”
“You’re trying to divert my attention away from the fact that you stalked Adam Spencer to the hospital like a high school cheerleader after the quarterback.” She shook her pointer back and forth as she spoke. “I always knew you had a crush on that man. Because you’ve told that damn story about him lying down on the ice to kiss it a thousand times.”
Now would be a good time to bust out her best Paul McCartney impression. She held the fork up to her lips like a microphone and proceeded to howl out the birthday song.
Sue didn’t seem impressed. She just heaved in a long-suffering sigh and said, “Since it’s my birthday and my favorite day of the year, I’ll let you off the hook. For now. But expect the grating third-degree later.” Sue forked up a huge bite of the creamy dessert before she continued. “And Jules? Think long and hard about how you’re going to explain yourself.”
Julia nodded as the two women shared the dessert until the last crumbs were gone. Sue wiped her face with a paper napkin and then speared Julia with another chastising look.
“So, how did it go with Andrew?” SueAnn questioned as she deposited the remnants of their treat in the trash can beneath the register. “I take it not well since you left early to run to the hospital like Florence Nightingale?”
Julia regretted disappointing her best friend for the second time that day. Her birthday. She hung her head and thought about how best to spin it.
“I really appreciate you setting me up, Sue,” she gushed. “And the outfit. It’s by far the most gorgeous thing I own. But … Andrew and I just weren’t a fit. That’s all.”
“Well, at least you tried, which is more than I thought you would do.” Sue didn’t seem surprised or even irritated. “I trust that the smokin’ hot outfit wasn’t lost on Mr. Spencer? Did he still have the use of his eyes?”
Julia grinned. “He was in a lot of pain, so I doubt it.” Now was not the time to admit that she’d brought him home the next day.
“Back to Andrew … it started out good. But then, it went downhill once we started talking about sports.”
Sue closed her eyes and smiled. “Let me guess, he’s not a hockey fan?”
Julia grimaced. “I’m all for some healthy rivalry and teasing, but when you crack a joke about a career-ending injury, it kind of lacks empathy. Or integrity.”
Sue nodded. “Ah, I see it all now. So, old Drew threw down the gauntlet when he found out you carry a torch for Adam. It was probably written all over your face.”
“Nah, he just wasn’t my type.”
Sue wagged her finger back and forth again. “I’m starting to despair of you even having a type, Jules. Don’t die lonely and alone. We’re not getting any younger. I thought we’d both be married with a baby by now.”
“Seriously, SueAnn,” she retorted in her best adult voice. “We’re only in our mid-twenties. There’s plenty of time.”
Sue opened her mouth to comment, but the vibrating of Julia’s cell phone on the counter stopped her from replying.
“I need to grab this. It’s Goldie Ledbetter about her barn in Hermantown. She wants to convert it to a studio so she can focus on her arts program for autistic kids. How could I refuse?”
After making arrangements to visit Goldie’s place, Julia started gathering her things to head out. She’d taken a few steps toward the door when Sue’s clear voice rang out in her no-nonsense tone.
“Why don’t you date Adam Spencer, Jules? If Heather is in the recent past or with Mark, or whatever … he’s single. He’s hot as hell and he plays for the Cantelope.”
“Caribou.”
“Whatever … I just want you to be happy. Take a leap of faith.”
“I can’t get involved with a professional athlete. That’s not my life. I want to focus on my work and building my business. I don’t have time for love right now.”
“Who said anything about love?” Sue laughed. “Bang the shit out of him until he’s out of your system. Then, you can focus on finding the father of your children.”
Julia rolled her eyes but didn’t turn around so Sue could see it. “Bye, Sue. Happy Birthday. I love you!”
“Girls’ night Saturday to celebrate,” she called to Julia’s retreating back.
Chapter 6
Julia grabbed the short, white skirt out of her closet. As she slid it over her curves and smoothed the tight fabric down, she thought about Adam and their time in the swing. Then she scolded herself. He was off-limits in spite of any lingering feelings she may be harboring towards him.
She grabbed her jean jacket from its hanger and pulled a pair of calf-length navy blue cowboy boots on her feet. A long, silver link chunky necklace completed her girls’ night look.
Shooters, one of the happening local bars with a huge dance floor was hosting a western themed night tonight with a live band and line dancing lessons. As she inspected her reflection in her full-length, wrought iron mirror, she nodded. Kind of urban cowgirl.