Sparks & Cabin Fever Read Free Page B

Dusty Road. You owe me for not telling me he was here.”
    Stefani sighed. “I don't enjoy the bar scene. You know that.”
    Her lips turned up into a pout. “I just know Deacon will turn up. Come on.”
    â€œWhy don't you go by yourself? You've never had a problem going alone before.”
    â€œHe's different. I don't want him to think that I normally pick up guys in bars.”
    â€œEven though that's all you ever do.”
    Harper ignored Stefani's sarcasm as she batted her long fake eyelashes. “I would do it for you. You know I would. Come on, Stef. Please?”
    Stefani frowned. “The minute you spot Deacon you'll drop me like a hot potato.”
    Harper lifted an eyebrow. “You know I wouldn't do that, Stef.”
    She grunted. “Right. How many times have you left me sitting alone while you took off with a new conquest? It happens almost every time we go out.”
    Harper scowled. “You make it sound like I leave you stranded or something. I never left you alone in the bar. I only left you alone while I was dancing.”
    â€œWhile I sat alone twiddling my thumbs for most of the night.”
    â€œIt's not my fault you refuse to put yourself out there and let a guy know you're available. You don't have to sit alone. You could be out there on the dance floor, too, having some fun for a change.”
    She looked at the line. “I really need to get back to work,” she whispered as she eyed Kathie looking at her, this time with an annoyed expression on her face. “I'm going to get into trouble.”
    â€œPlease?” Harper persisted. “Come out for just a little while. We'll take our own cars so you can leave anytime you want to.”
    Stefani had to get rid of her and fast. “I don't know. Maybe.”
    â€œGood. I'll meet you there at nine.”
    â€œI said maybe,” Stefani reminded her, but Harper was already halfway to the exit.
    * * * *
    Stefani glanced around the large room jammed with tables pushed back to the sides to make room for the dancers. She scanned those settled at the tables and others standing either alone or in groups near the band, which was tuning up in preparation for their first set. As she made her way to the long scuffed bar, the band struck up a popular tune. Couples immediately filled the dance floor.
    She glanced at her wristwatch. Harper was thirty minutes late. She texted her and waited for a few minutes, then sent another text. No response. That was par for the course with Harper. She had a bad habit of turning off her cell phone or putting it into her purse where it was impossible to hear it, especially if she had it on vibrate, which she usually did. Harper had a pager to notify her of any problems with her elderly parents, though. She never went anywhere without it and kept it within hearing range at all times. Harper often got on Stefani's nerves, but she had to admit that Harper was a loving and dutiful daughter to her elderly parents. Her parents came first in Harper's life. She'd drop everything the minute her pager went off.
    Stefani ordered a glass of wine then sat on a bar stool, positioning her body so that she faced the crowded room. The bar's décor was plain. Actually, the building used to be an old barn. The younger crowd always packed the place on weekends, especially Friday nights. Stefani didn't come here often, but when she did, she noticed how the crowd seemed to get younger and younger, and then realized that it was because she was getting older. She waved to a few people when they called out to her. There were a few others her age or older, but she still felt out of place. Especially sitting at the bar alone. She thought that it made her look desperate.
    She sighed heavily. Still no sign of Harper. She'd wait until ten, and if Harper didn't show by then she'd head home. She wished she wouldn't have come in the first place. She was growing increasingly more uncomfortable as she watched