Chance was in a great mood, and he wanted everyone to know it. After getting himself some fried pickles at the diner, he impulsively swung into a parking spot down the road from the Bluebird. He turned to Jolene. “Let’s go in and have a beer.”
She gave him a curious look. “I thought you hated being seen together in public.”
She made his feelings sound so…bad. “That isn’t true. I just don’t enjoy being harassed when we do something as simple as going to the coffee shop. That’s all. I like being with you.”
Jolene was relaxed, but she didn’t exactly seem eager. He would have thought she’d jump at the chance to make them look like a couple, though he knew better than to say that out loud.
“How worried should we be that we’ve got nada written for this album?” she asked.
“Let’s worry tomorrow.” He reached over and tweaked her nose. “We wrote yesterday. Today is our off day.”
She looked unconvinced but didn’t push it. Instead she glanced into the backseat. “We already left Dolly in the car while you ate. I don’t know if we should leave her again.”
For once, he appreciated some of the perks that came along with being famous. “If we walk into the Bluebird, do you think anyone is going to give a crap that we have a dog with us?”
“There are health codes and whatnot.”
“Whatever.” Chance turned off the truck and opened his door. In fifteen seconds he was on the passenger side and opening her door, holding out his hand. He studied her, needing her to understand that he wanted to put the past behind them. Move forward. “Let’s give them a show, JoJo. That’s what you want, right? For them to see us as a team.”
She pursed her lips. “Why do I feel like I’m being set up?”
That wounded him, he wasn’t going to lie. Of course, he had accused her of manufacturing their relationship in what had been a huge dick moment, sprung from his own goddamn uneasiness with the media. “I’m not throwing you a surprise party, and I didn’t tip off the media that we’d be here. I’m just being impulsive.”
“You are good at that.” She took his hand and slid out of the truck. “I’m only doing this because I don’t want to fight with you. And because I could use a beer.”
He laughed. “Fair enough.” He reached into the backseat for Dolly, who was already eagerly scrambling over the seat and out of the cab. “Hey, girl, let’s go listen to some music.” He grabbed Dolly’s leash and gave Jolene a wink. “Both my favorite girls.”
“You’re trying too hard. Just stop.”
But she was pleased, he could tell. He enjoyed making her smile. “Hell, maybe this will inspire us.”
“Or terrify us. We could be walking in on the duo who’s going to replace us at the top of the charts.”
“When did you become so gloom-and-doom?” he asked, slamming the door shut and locking the truck. “Or are you just talking to hear your voice?”
He’d meant it as a joke, but she just shrugged. “I don’t know. I say that because it’s always in the back of my mind. What will I do if I end up without a career? I don’t know. But you’re right—there is no reason to worry about that tonight. I’m in a good mood, and I shouldn’t spoil it for myself.”
Chance tightened his grip on her hand before she could pull away. “There is no reason to worry tonight. Let’s have some fun.”
They walked down the sidewalk hand in hand, and it took all of about ninety seconds for him to notice the long stares and people digging in pockets for cell phones. For once, it didn’t bother him. “I notice people are admiring our dog,” he said, giving Jolene a wry grin.
“Yes, that’s definitely why they’re staring,” she said teasingly, rolling her eyes at him. She waved at a group of college students who were whispering behind their hands and pointing. “Hey, y’all,” she called. “How’s it going?”
“Aren’t you Hart-Rivers?” one bold skinny kid said, adjusting the hat on his head.
“That’s right,” Chance told him. He also gave a wave, then opened the door to the Bluebird for Jolene. Music spilled out onto the sidewalk, and he took a deep breath. Oh, yeah. This had been a good idea. He felt his creative juices stirring already.
Not to mention his other juices. Jolene looked luminous, bathed in the fluorescent light of the sign out front, and he was feeling like a great day was turning into a great night.
“Hey, buddy, you can’t bring that dog in here.”
Chance turned when the bouncer at the door touched his arm. Jolene did the same, and instantly the man’s face changed.
“Ms. Hart, I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize it was you.” He stared, wide-eyed, first at Jolene’s face, then at her chest, before yanking his eyes upward and over to Chance. “Mr. Rivers, can I get you both a seat?”
“Yes, that would be great. Somewhere tucked away so the dog can be under the table? I’m sorry for bringing her in here, but we didn’t want to leave her out in the truck barking her head off.” Chance pulled some money out of his wallet and tipped the guy. “Thanks.” He clapped him on the shoulder.