On the Outside Looking In (Wrong Reasons) Read Free

batting her eyelashes at him.   As she dug money out of her purse, Evan looked at me, lifting his brow, amusement in his eyes.  “Keep the change.”
    “Sure thing,” he said, clutching the money in his hand.  He turned to me.  “Need anything, Morgan?”
    “No, but thanks,” I said with a grateful smile.
    “Okay,” he said before strolling back to the bar.
    “Do you know him?” Jessica asked as Irelyn and Bailey eyed me, puzzled.
    Leaning over the table, I stuck my straw in my mouth and took a sip.  “He comes into the coffee shop where I work.”
    “Oh,” she said just as the lights dimmed and the band hit the stage.  Conversation at our table slowed as the music started.  I sat back in my chair, my eyes constantly landing on Spencer, and enjoyed the show.
    They’d seemingly gotten better since I’d heard them last, and the original songs that they did were fantastic.  I wasn’t sure who this record guy was or where he was sitting but I was hoping that he was enjoying the show as much as I and just about everyone else in the bar.
    When the first set ended, the guys didn’t jump off the stage and join us.  Instead, they sat on the side of the stage, heads close together, talking quietly as a waitress brought them beers.
    “They don’t sit with us between sets anymore,” Jessica said, noticing where my attention was focused.  “They go over the set, talking about what worked and what didn’t, before going over the list for the next set.”
    I hadn’t asked for an explanation but she’d obviously felt the need to explain.  I didn’t respond, just turned toward Irelyn and Bailey again.
    “What have you guys been up to lately?” I asked.
    “Just the same old stuff,” Irelyn said, avoiding my eyes.  I wanted to press but didn’t feel that it was the right time.  Besides, I wasn’t sure if it was my place anymore.
    “How are your mom and Tommy doing?” I asked.
    “Great,” she said with a smile.  “Mom’s dating a really nice guy and Tommy is still taking piano lessons.  He’s amazing.”
    “I bet he is,” I said.  “How are your folks, Bailey?”
    “Good,” Bailey said.  “Dad complains because I’m living with Collin and not married but Steffi usually chills him out.”
    “That’s good,” I said, like an idiot. Why was conversation so hard?
    “He’s not as bad as the Newtons, though,” Jessica added with a giggle.  “Aunt Sandy is always hinting around that she’d like to see a wedding.  She’d love to see both of her sons and her nephew married.”
    I couldn’t take much more of Jessica.  I wasn’t sure what she’d heard or what she thought, but it was becoming more and more obvious that she wanted me to know that she was Spencer’s girlfriend.
    As the band took the stage again, I looked at Spencer.  Tall and handsome, he had a way of making everyone laugh.  He’d been a good friend to me while he’d been in his on and off relationship with Bailey.  When they broke up for the final time, I was the one he’d leaned on – the one he’d confided in.  That hadn’t lasted long, though.  Either he’d figured out that I had feelings for him or someone else had figured it out and told him.  It didn’t matter which.  Once my secret was out, Spencer had distanced himself from me.
    I stayed for a few more songs before making a big show out of checking my watch and telling the others that I had to go – I had to work in the morning.
    “I’m so glad you came,” Irelyn said as she stood to give me a hug.
    “Yeah,” Bailey said, hugging me next.  “It was good to hang out again.”
    “It was,” I said, putting on my jacket.  “Let me know what happens with the record label guy.”
    “We will,” Irelyn said.  “Let’s get together this week.”
    “Okay,” I said with a wave.  I turned toward the door but my eyes shot toward the bar as I shoved my way through the crowd. I spotted Evan pouring beer into a pitcher.  His eyes met mine,