Page 41 of More than a Memory
“Hey Gabe.”
“Hi Darcy. I see you’re still hanging around with this cowboy wannabe,” he joked.
“Wannabe? Who are you calling a wannabe? I’m a certified cowboy if there ever was one!” Sam chimed in, feigning indignation.
“Yeah, Gabe, I can’t seem to shake him off.”
“Kind of like a barnacle,” he returned.
“I never quite thought of it like that, but you could be on to something,” Darcy laughed. “Where is Sydney?”
“We broke up. I’m back to my bachelor ways.”
“I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t bring up a sore subject.”
“Not at all. We were just way too different, wanted different things. I wasn’t the guy for her. I couldn’t live up to her expectations … Let’s put it this way: she couldn’t make a silk tie out of this old burlap sack,” Gabe said, grinning.
“I hear burlap is the new satin,” Darcy said, laughing at Gabe’s humor. “Well, it’s only a matter of time before the right girl comes along and sweeps you off your feet.”
“I’m in no hurry, trust me on that. How is your sister Annie?” he asked.
“Living the dream, depending on the day,” she joked.
“Please tell her I said hi, would you?”
“Of course. She did Allie’s hair today. She is truly an artist!”
“Allie looks stunning … as do you, Darcy. Sam is one lucky guy.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more, my friend,” Sam chimed in. “Excuse me but I’m going back for seconds.”
“Me too.” Gabe got up to follow.
Darcy watched the two handsome men walk away, admiring Sam’s lean but muscular body. His butt in those navy slacks … yum. He had already removed his tie and unbuttoned the top buttons of his shirt. His broad shoulders filled out the expensive white dress shirt to perfection, with his sleeves slightly rolled up exposing tanned, muscular forearms. She wanted him so badly she was crawling out of her skin. She had never had a man make her wait so long. She hoped tonight would be the night.
* * *
Ursula, Fiona, and Clare hovered in the corner by the podium, giggling and whispering amongst themselves, as they swooned over Gabe, who was just taking the stage. He smiled down at them and winked as he picked up his guitar, causing a fresh wave of blushing and more nervous tittering.
“What are you three up to?” Casey asked, as she approached them smiling knowingly. Ah, to be eleven years old again, she thought.
“Nothing!” they chorused.
“Could it have anything to do with the handsome lead singer?” Casey asked, feigning ignorance.
“Maaaaybe,” Ursula, their fearless, leader drawled slowly.
“He is so hot!” Fiona chimed in.
“I am in LOVE!” Exclaimed Clare, turning pink from her admission.
“Well, you girls have good taste.” Casey admitted, “I have to agree with you there, he is gorgeous.”
“He just winked and smiled at us,” Clare whispered conspiratorially.
“Lucky girls! Are you ready to dance?”
“Maybe … Depends on the song,” Clare said.