Rory: Hope City, Book 7 by Maryann Jordan (uplifting books for women txt) 📕

Sandy was sitting on a tall stool near the end of the bar, nursing her glad-to-be-off-work Lemon Drop with her phone pressed to her ear, chatting to Harper. She twisted around in her seat so that her back was to the barstool next to her, and she cast her gaze around the room. Tuesday nights were never crowded, and this one was no different, hence one of the reasons she decided to come out.

“Sweetie, I’m sorry. I had the day off and needed to get so much done. Sean’s getting off work a little early, and I decided to fix a nice dinner.”

“Harper, don’t worry about it. I’m not upset, just envious! You and Sean being all lovey-dovey and getting settled into his house is nice. Honestly, girl, I’m happy for you.”

“Well, I want to have a girls’ wine night sometime next week. Just some of our friends, and a chance to let our hair down. Text me when you think you can make it because I want to be sure you’re there.”

“Sounds good!” she said, taking another sip. She was bumped from behind as someone stepped between her barstool and the one next to her. She glanced over her shoulder, but all she could see was the back of the man facing the woman who had been sitting on the barstool next to her. “I’ll let you go since Sean will be home soon. I’m just having a drink and shooting the shit with Torin and Maeve. Bill was going to show up, but he sent me a text and said he’s got something going on. Hell, I haven’t seen him in a while. He’s probably got a girlfriend and we don’t even know about it!”

“We definitely need to get together soon,” Harper agreed. “Besides the wine night for girls, you and I can hit the Cock soon and catch up with all our friends.”

“You got it, sweetie,” Sandy said. “Talk to you later.” Just as she disconnected, the door opened, and she saw a small group of first responders coming in. And, of course, one of them was Rory. She blew out her breath, wishing her eyes didn’t seek him out. Yep, it is so not my night.

Bumped again from behind, she decided to finish her drink and leave. As she set her martini glass back onto the bar, she twisted around in her seat, surprised to see that the man who’d been standing behind her was now gone. So was the woman who’d sat next to her. With a little bit more room to maneuver, she stayed at the bar for a few minutes, checking emails on her phone in between hasty bits of conversation with Maeve.

She slid her phone into her purse and looked up just as Maeve set a beer on the counter close by. Glancing to the side, she watched as Rory picked up the beer, took a healthy sip, then set it back down. He twisted his head around and held her gaze. He offered a chin lift and greeted her with just her name. “Sandy.” His voice was as low and whiskey-smooth as she remembered.

She hid her surprise and inclined her head as well. “Rory.” She waited for a few seconds, but he didn’t say anything else. Maintaining a running conversation with anyone was normally easy, but now in his presence, she found herself tongue-tied. Considering he made it quite obvious at the wedding that he didn’t want to spend any time with her, she battled her irritation at his continued presence. He took another sip of his beer. “A lady should always initiate a conversation to alleviate an uncomfortable silence.” Finally, she blurted, “How’s your… um… family?”

He smiled, and she wished it didn’t affect her so much. Schooling her face to be as blank as she could manage as though she didn’t care whether or not he answered, she almost expected him not to. Instead, he surprised her again.

“I’m good, thank you. The family is good, too. I’m sure you keep up with Harper and Sean. I believe you’re friends with my sister, Caitlyn, also.”

Nodding, she offered a tight smile and glanced back at her empty martini glass, tired of attempts at polite conversation.

“Hi, handsome,” a purr came from nearby.

Turning, she watched a tall brunette lean toward Rory, her breasts pushed up and almost out in a skintight top pressed against his side so closely that Sandy was certain two people couldn't be any closer.

Maeve looked over and called out, “Another one, Sandy?”

Glad to have someone else to focus on, she shook her head. She opened her purse and pulled out several bills. “No, thank you. I’m ready to head out.”

Unable to see Rory’s face as he looked at the woman, Sandy pulled her purse strap over her shoulder and slid down from the barstool. Jeez, they had this whole room to canoodle, and they have to be right next to me. She hated that she had to walk past them, wishing they would move out of the way. She stole another glance their way, surprised to observe Rory set the woman away from him, a scowl on his face, but Sandy turned around, her attention snagged by a sound coming from behind.

A small groan from someone caused her to peer down the hall leading to the restrooms. A woman was leaning against the wall, her hands pressed against the wood paneling as though it was the only thing holding her up. Sighing heavily, Sandy stepped forward. Great, just great. I hope she doesn’t puke. Twisting her head to the side, she called out, “Maeve, got someone you’re probably going to have to call a taxi for.”

Stepping closer, the woman’s jerky movements were evident as she lifted her head with apparent difficulty, slurring her words. “Feeeels fun… funneeee…” before closing her eyes and wobbling back and forth.

Maeve walked over and stood next to Sandy. “She was sitting close to