Page 52 of Love Deep

“We’re going to give it thirty minutes,” I say. “See if the Tylenol kicks in.”

We go back to our wings, but Fisher has released my legs and there’s a shift between us. It’s not as fun and flirty. Because, this is real life. And in real life I have a daughter who gets sick.

“So how’s your mystery artist getting along?” I ask, trying to get us back on track. “You still don’t like the trombone?”

“Man, the trombone sucks.” Fisher chuckles. “She’s getting along great. She loves the Club. Finds everything really easy. She’s ahead of schedule and already has four tracks that could be… I mean, if we put the right marketing efforts behind them, they’re going to be big.”

“That’s exciting.”

“It is. Everything’s working out great.”

“You think you’ll end up bringing more artists out here to record?” As soon as the question is out of my mouth, I wish I could stuff the words back in. What was I thinking? It looks like I’m asking him to come back before he’s even left. I don’t want him to think I think that what we have is anything but temporary.

“I’ll definitely encourage artists to come out here.It’s only going to suit certain people. If they’re wanting to party, then this isn’t the best place for them.”

I pull back and glare at him like I’m offended. “What could you mean? Are you saying the people of Star Falls don’t know how to party? Have you ever seen Grizzly’s after a storm? The entire town goes wild. Everyone’s so happy to be alive. There’s no atmosphere in one of your fancy-schmancy New York nightclubs that could compete.”

Fisher chuckles. “Somehow I completely and utterly believe you. And on top of that, you have these wings.”

I laugh. “Yeah, you need to take some back to New York and lure your artists out here with the wings.”

“They’ll be goners,” he says. “There’ll be a waiting list for the recording studio.”

“True story.”

I grin, but I can’t help but glance at my phone to see if thirty minutes is up. I just want to know Riley is okay and then I can relax properly. I want to enjoy my evening with Fisher, but I can’t do that if my daughter isn’t well.

“Any news?” Fisher asks, as he sees me looking at the phone.

I shake my head. “Just checking the time. If her temperature is coming down with the Tylenol after thirty minutes, then I’m sure she’ll be fine. Problem is, my mom is fully committed to her current knitting project, and I just want to make sure she checks Riley again when she’s supposed to.”

Fisher finishes his wings and calls over Eva. He gets the bill. “I’m going to take you back.” He pulls out cash from his wallet as relief and disappointment mixes in my stomach.

“I’m sorry,” I say.

“Please don’t be. I just had the best meal of my life with the best company. If it’s okay with you, I’ll hang around andmaybe we can have a drink on the porch when Riley is settled.”

I narrow my eyes, trying to discover a trace of resentment or hostility in his face, but there’s nothing.

“Come on,” he says, shifting out of the booth. “Let’s get you back with your daughter.”

I stand, just as my phone buzzes.

Temperature is 103 now.

“Let’s go,” I say.

EIGHTEEN

Fisher

We pull into the driveway. “Shall I stay in the car?” I ask. I don’t want to make anything more stressful for Juniper than it already is. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have a daughter who isn’t well. She must be worried sick.

“No, come in. Mom will be preoccupied with Riley. You’re safe.”

“I’m not worried about chatting to your mom,” I say. I don’t want to abandon her but at the same time I don’t want to be in the way.

“Don’t go,” she says, and she squeezes my arm.