Gentleman Nine(18)

She cracked a slight smile that I knew was masking a plethora of self-doubt as she tried to convince herself of all the reasons not to take me up on my offer.

“Amber...just drinks. Okay?”

She let out a breath and softly said, “Okay.”





CHAPTER SIX




* * *



AMBER




Happenstance was a bar a few blocks from home. A co-worker had recommended it, saying the atmosphere was relaxed, and the beer was reasonably priced. So, I suggested it to Channing for our night out.

A jukebox sat unused in the corner. Maybe I’d get up and play something later.

The bar was channeling an old Coyote Ugly vibe. Hundreds of bras hung over rods along the ceiling, an indication that there had certainly been some wild nights at this joint. Unfortunately, tonight wasn’t one of them.

“So, what do you have up your sleeve tonight, Lord?”

“Absolutely nothing. This is just a night out between friends. But if anyone happens to catch your eye, just let me know. I’m your man.”

“And what exactly are you going to do if I decide I want to talk to someone?”

“I’ll catch him at the bar, start a casual conversation with him. I need to vet the guy first to make sure he’s not a tool. If it seems like he’s worth talking to, I’ll give you a signal. We’ll have to come up with something. Like maybe I’ll look over at you and scratch my chin.”

My eyes were transfixed on Channing’s masculine fingers rubbing against his scruff as he demonstrated.

“That’ll signal that it’s safe to come over,” he said.

“Then, what?”

“I’ll introduce you as my friend. I can casually slip away if it turns out you’re getting along with him. If not, you can excuse yourself.”

“Is this what you do for your guy friends?”

“I’ve done it a few times in the past.”

“Does it work?”

“Sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no.”

“Why?” I asked before the answer hit me. “Oh, let me guess…because the chick ends up disappointed that you weren’t the one interested in her. She wants you instead.”

He laughed guiltily. “That might have happened once or twice.”

“Oh, my God, Channing, I would never let you be my wingman if I were a guy. That would be counterproductive.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you’re not a guy, then, isn’t it?”

Channing looked and smelled amazing. He wore a dark gray beanie that reminded me of the one in the photo on Facebook. His shiny hair was sticking out at the top. The wooly, fitted sweater he was wearing made me want to scratch it like a cat.

He looked around. “I don’t see any viable options.”

“I’d have to agree with you. It’s pretty empty here tonight.”

Channing took a bite of his fry and dipped it in my ketchup. “Some things to keep in mind if you’re ever out and about without me…”

I straightened in my seat. “Okay…what?”

“Be wary of men who are by themselves in bars. They’re lurkers.” He pointed to a man in the corner of the room. “Like that guy over there. A dude is much safer if he’s with a friend or a group. Much less likely to be a psychopath.”

“Makes sense. And, well, you do seem able to read people. I was impressed by your observation of that couple in the bookstore.”

“Look around, tell me what you want to know about someone here. I’ll tell you their story.”

Taking him up on his challenge, I pointed to a girl sitting at the bar. “What about her?”

The girl looked tense, like she was waiting for someone.

“See how she’s looking around frantically? She’s waiting for her Tinder date, and I think it might be the first time she’s ever done this. She’s already decided she’s going to have sex tonight. She’s not sure if she should, but she’s going to do it anyway.”

Interesting. That reminded me of something.

I pointed to the man in the corner. “What about him…the guy you said was a lurker. What’s his deal, really?”

“He’s probably here looking for you, but I’m with you, so thankfully that was intercepted. He’s creepy.”

“Totally.” I looked toward the opposite corner of the room where a man and woman were together but completely ignoring each other. “What about that couple over there?”

“God, look at them. They’re both on their phones, not even paying attention to each other. They’ve been together for a while probably and just don’t give a shit anymore. That’s kind of sad.”

“Yeah, but we all do that from time to time, right?” I said.

His eyes widened. “You and Rory went out and spent half the night looking down at your phones?”

“Well, yeah, actually we did sometimes. You’ve never done that?”

“I can’t even recall one time I pulled out my phone on a date. Well, not for the purpose of making a phone call or checking the Internet.”

“What other purposes are there?”

Channing smirked, and that made me very curious.

“Maybe I don’t want to know. But tell me anyway.”