One Simple Step (Journey #3)

I had always really been into fashion, even as a small child. My mom is always telling people how, since I was little, I’ve always taken more time than anyone in the family to get ready because I always had to have the perfect outfit, matching accessories and shoes, and when I was old enough, makeup and hair to complete it.

When I first found out that Leah was pregnant with a girl, I went a little nuts at the craft store and made about a million bows and headbands. Leah looked at me like I was insane when she opened my very large present at her baby shower, but I knew I would easily sway her into the world of girly-land. Now that Leah put the thought into my head, though, I was seriously considering the idea.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when our waitress came over to see if we wanted a refill on our drinks, for which I was happily obliged, and we ordered a few appetizers for the table as Leah rolled her eyes. “I haven’t seen this Ally in a while. Think maybe you should slow down?”

“Oh, come on, Mom. I deserve to have a little bit of fun, and it’s not every day that you’re here. By the way, do you already have a trip planned to come back? Maybe this time you could bring the kids.”

“I wish, but I have to go back to reality, unlike some people. When are you coming back to Indiana is the real question? And when are you going to start taking care of...”

She trailed off; probably because of the death stare I was giving her, and pursed her lips at me. “I’m sorry to be a bitch, Al, but you can’t keep avoiding the topic. I know it’s hard to deal with, but I can also tell you want to move on with your life. You need a clean break, but I think Teddy’s going to make it hard for you, especially—” She was interrupted by Chase who planted a hand over her mouth and narrowed his eyes at her, giving a sharp shake of his head.

He leaned in to whisper something into her ear, and I saw her shift in her seat uncomfortably, before he kissed her on her cheek and turned back to Danny to continue their music discussion. I eyed her questioningly, and was just about to yank her into the bathroom to get all the details on what in the hell that was all about, when I spotted a tall frame that I had become awfully familiar with lately.

He wore a black hat pulled on backwards, a tight black shirt that hugged his broad chest and a pair of loose jeans that hung low on his hips but somehow managed to stay on. He looked yummy, and my stomach was jumping at the sight of him. I was a little disappointed that he said he had plans when I wanted him to come out with us tonight, but he didn’t share what those plans were, and I hadn’t pushed. Things were new with us, and I didn’t really think it was my place. Plus, I hated those nagging girls who thought they needed to know who their man was with, where and when.

I raised my hand to call him over, but dropped it quickly back down to my side, my heart sinking right along with it when I saw his hand land on the small of the back of a girl I didn’t recognize. She was exotic looking, with jet black hair that flowed to the middle of her back, and was dressed head to toe in black. In one word, she was gorgeous, and in one word, I was jealous. They seemed very comfortable together as they were seated at a table on the other side of the restaurant and bar we had picked for the night. Nick glanced up just as he was handed a menu, and our eyes connected. I tried to manage a smile but he quickly looked away without even acknowledging me, and my heart continued its downward descent.

“Ah, shit. Really?” I turned to see Danny staring in the same direction, which in turn made everyone snap their heads. Leah leaned over and whispered in my ear, “Who are we all staring at?”

I couldn’t seem to find any words, and really, I didn’t want to tell her, so Danny went ahead and did it for me. “That right there is our dumbass friend, Nick. And that bitch with him is, Kara, his ex.”

I sucked in a breath when I heard the name, and Danny gave me an apologetic look. “Sorry, Al, I had no clue he was gonna be here or with her. I know she’s been trying to meet up with him. He hasn’t said anything to you?”

I shook my head, and tried to look everywhere but at their table, which seemed impossible. They appeared to be pretty deep in conversation, and it was obvious Nick avoided looking our way.

“Dude, I thought he was done with that chick,” Grant called from the end of the table. “Especially when he hooked up with you, Ally. I mean Kara’s not horrible to look at, but she is the biggest bitch you’ll ever meet. Nick lucked out when he met you. What’s that jackass’s problem?”

I gave a shaky smile to Grant before I heard the chair next to me being slid out, and felt one of Ben’s arms slide around my shoulder. “Want me to go beat his ass, Al? I haven’t had to do that in a while for ya, but I really don’t have a problem.”

I heard all of the guys quickly chime in that they would help, and I couldn’t contain the little bubble of laughter that escaped my lips. “Thanks for the offer, guys, but I think I’m good. Maybe they have some unfinished busy, but I’m not going to let it ruin my night.”

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