“I did a lot in college, but I slowed down when I was married,” I say, playing it off as if it’s not a big deal. “However, after the divorce, I picked it up a bit more.” Why did I say that? Carson Lee doesn’t need to know that about me.
“Mhm. So does this mean you’re finally relaxing a little with your campaign?” Thankfully, he changes the subject.
“Maybe, a little. The commercial looks great, shots are coming out awesome, and things are running smoothly. As long as this keeps up, I’ll be happy.” I give him the best fake smile I can muster. Yes, things were going as scheduled, but I’m waiting for the ball to drop and for it all to crash around me.
“Sure about that? Doesn’t quite seem like it to me.”
“Well, we still have a lot ahead of us the next few weeks, and I’m trying to stay positive. So, why the hell are you down here bothering me?”
“You see, there’s a chick that doesn’t want me to get laid, so I have to annoy people instead.” He gives me a sly smirk. “When was the last time you had a one night stand? There’s plenty of options in here for you.”
Like I would ever tell him the truth, but I do have fun joking around with Carson. “Four months ago, he was sort of cute, but couldn’t use his tongue at all,” I lie.
“What? Seriously?” Carson’s eyes grow wide with shock and disbelief.
“No, Carson Lee.” His face relaxes. “I’m lying. I’m not going to tell you anything about my sex life. It’s bad enough I have to cook you dinner soon.”
“Do you get some sort of thrill out of saying my full name? And dinner won’t be that bad. If it makes you feel better, you can cook it and that’s it. I’d hate to have dinner with someone who would rather be somewhere else.”
“First, and don’t get a big head about this, Carson Lee seems to go better together, and I like sounding professional. Two, the dinner isn’t that big of a deal. I actually like to cook. My Grammy taught me. So, you’ll get a true southern meal from me.”
He chuckles. “Your Grammy?”
“Don’t make fun. She was an amazing woman and would kick your ass before you even knew it.” I narrow my eyes at him.
“You must get that trait from her then. Do you miss them? Your family?”
“Yes, my parents and I are close. Even though my mama is a bit overbearing, I know she means well. I’m her only child, and she wants me to have a good life. Are you missing Alabama?”
He shrugs. “Not really. I can be pretty much anywhere and be happy about it.”
I saw that look in his eyes before when I was at his home, and he was talking about his family.
“Carson, I don’t mean to pry, and tell me if I’m overstepping, but have you always been a loner? I mean, I get the feeling you’re not close to your family. You never talk about friends, and you’re never with a girl more than once. Have you alway been like this?”
“Yeah, but don’t confuse loner or being alone with lonely. That is something I’m not.”
“I s
ee. Well, I’ll make note of that. And you’ll be lucky to know that you get to see my parents soon. Apparently, we are having our family vacation here this year.”
“First, why do I have to see them? Second, they are coming all this way just to include you in the vacation? And what the hell do you mean by ‘I see’?”
“One, I figured that since you made such a scene the last time, you would enjoy an encore. Second, my parents and I always take a vacation together, but this year I used my vacation time for a different trip, so they are coming here. And I don’t mean anything by ‘I see’. It’s an expression.”
“Mhm. You can keep your parents for yourself this time. I don’t want an encore.”
“Mama will be disappointed, just so you know,” I tease him while trying to figure out why he’s acting so strangely.
“Too bad. Life is full of disappointments and I don’t mind being one in this case.” For the first time, I see his face drop.
“Carson, are you okay? I mean, you seem ‘off’ tonight.”
“I’m fine.” He smiles, but I can’t tell if it’s real or fake. “Maybe all that alcohol is messing with you.”
“Maybe. I think I’m tired and need some sleep.” I slide off my bar stool and turn to him. Our faces are close enough that I can smell his minty breath. “But just to let you know, you’re not a disappointment.”
His gaze drops to my mouth, and for a split second, I think he might kiss me. “I think you’re right and you need some sleep, Kinley.”