When We Go Back Again (Mason Brothers Book #1)

Chapter 38

FLETCHER

I was a total ass and by the grace of God and the goodness of the woman I love, she was going to give me another chance. I didn’t really know how I was going to earn her trust back, but I knew I could. Eden came back to me for a reason and the words my dad told me resonated with me. I hated that Caleb had pushed his way into our lives, but if anything she had told me about him was correct, he would never last very long.

I spent the last two weeks trying to play the perfect boyfriend. Well, I won’t say that I was playing it, because I meant every bit of it. I sent her flowers. I showed up unexpectedly and whisked her away to lunch. I even brought Joey over to the building yesterday and let him ride his bike in the empty reception hall. 

She was right that he was really down after leaving the resort that day. I felt like shit for not being there for him as I should have. He was just as important of a person in my life as she was and I wouldn’t be the guy that left when he needed him the most. He needed consistency and that was something I could do.

Today was a big night at the bar. Parker and Jolie were going to be performing a live set for the first time. Parker had a gift for music, but one that he didn’t tap into very often. When we were younger he used to play a couple of times a month, but I haven’t seen him pick up a guitar in a while. Not until Jolie came around, that is.

I don’t know what is going on between the two of them. I asked him a few times and he said nothing. He was quick to say nothing though, which tells me it is probably something. I won’t push though, he’ll come around when he’s ready.

“You nervous about tonight?” I asked my brother while he was getting ready to go on stage.

“No, I’m actually pretty excited. I can’t believe that you all advertised this and shit.”

“Well, look at the crowd! They came here to see the two of you.”

“Probably more Jolie than myself,” he shrugged. “When she played on New Year’s the crowd was on their feet.”

“I can’t wait to hear you guys together. Why don’t you go make sure she’s not nervous?”

“Are you trying to get rid of me?”

“Just a little. I need to get back to work. I’m down a waitress tonight thanks to you.” I give him a pat on the back and he heads off to the back office where Jolie was getting ready. Tonight was going to be a full band version. They had a few people from around the play drums, bass, and backup guitar. 

The house was packed which meant we were super busy. The good news was that Toni and I weren’t fighting anymore so we were back to our magic of working the bar together without any hiccups. We’ve been doing this together for so long we could almost do it blindfolded, but I don’t think I’d recommend it.

“Can I get a bourbon?” I hear from behind me. “The good stuff, if you carry something like that here.” When I turn around, I come face to face with Caleb, sitting at the end of the bar in a dress shirt that probably cost more than my mortgage. 

“What are you doing here?”

“I heard there was some live music tonight. I thought I would check it out. Am I going to get that drink?”

“I think you should leave. And I don’t just mean the bar. Pack your shit and get out of my town.”

He leans forward with a smug smile on his face, “I’m not leaving until I get to take my family back with me.”