Back in the Saddle (Jessica Brodie Diaries #1)(54)

He nodded and followed like a hurt puppy. I was running out of stamina for this first date, and unlike at the rodeo, when it was time to go, I was absolutely going. Nothing good came from hanging around just to be in William’s shadow. Especially with all the single boys around. They would smell Randall and my issues like a lioness would a lame wildebeest.

After we braved the stairs, I stopped by the small bar on the upper floor. The bored bartender stared at my boobs.

I yanked up my top and said, “I need a round for the boys in the back.”

“Who?” His eyes were trying to ferret out my covered br**sts. If he wasn’t behind that bar, I would stare hard at his groin and squint, as though trying to find something small and hidden. Even up the scrutiny.

“The large group of guys in the far back of the VIP area. Davies and his crew.”

“Oh, them. Yeah, what are they having?”

What I wanted to say: “Did you not fill their order? You can’t remember ten minutes ago?”

What I did say: “Oh, um, I’m not exactly sure. I thought you might know...”

Snotty waitress walked up with a few empty bottles and a Sniffing-Poop type expression.

The bartender shifted his gaze to her br**sts. “Hey, Denise, what’re them boys drinkin’?”

“They ain’t ready for a round. Plus, it’s on a tab.”

“Right, yeah, I realize that.” I leaned against the bar, advertising that I was an annoying bitch that intended to get her way. If I didn’t order one now, those boys would never let me order one at all. I wasn’t that type of girl. My friends went in rounds, each person picking up the tab when their turn came. I wasn’t going to sacrifice my bar ethics just because I moved states and some boys were willing to throw money at me.

No matter how great that idea sounded to a poor chick that could drink a lot.

“Still, I want to get them a round. I’ll pay right now,” I persisted.

Snotty waitress stared at me for a beat, her eyes scanned down my body in the way women did when sizing you up as an intimidation tactic. It made me want to punch her in the face, which was probably the opposite of what she was going for.

Noticing I didn’t plan to back down, she turned to the bartender and rattled off an order. “You want anything?” She threw that question over her shoulder at me.

“A full round, yes. Please.” The bartender smirked and got to it.

I paid and wandered away, Randall again in tow.

“Why didn’t you grab the beers?” Randall whispered.

“She’ll take them. The guys will tip her, thereby making it so I don’t have to. She was a bitch.”

“Yeah.”

Back in our section, and back at our stools—Randall immediately headed in that direction—Adam once again found us.

“Hi ya, Jess. Hi Randall. It’s Randall, ain’t it?” Adam asked in a friendly way.

“Hey Adam,” I said happily.

“Yes, it’s Randall.” His voice was monotone as he looked back the way we’d come. I patted his knee, waiting for the shot to kick in. Hoping it kicked in. Soon.

Adam nodded and pretended not to notice. “How do you two know each other?”

“We work together,” I said. “He’s in I.T. and I am in Accounting.”

“Good stuff,” Adam said, still smiling.

I finished my drink and noticed the waitress was coming with her full tray.

Adam followed my look, then stood rapidly. “Y’all it’s my round. Who went and got this ‘un?”

The waitress was even with me when she said in a sultry voice, “The lady here got y’all the round.” She smiled and batted her eyes. I rolled mine.

“Now, what’d you go and do that for? Ladies don’t pay.” Adam had his hands on his h*ps like a mother scolding a naughty child.

“That is very 1950’s of you, Adam.”

“Hey.” A new guy joined our stool farm. His hair was a styled mess and his neck sported a necklace of white shells that looked Hawaiian. It made him look like a surfer boy. A nicely dressed one.

“Hello, I’m Brad,” he said. No accent. “I met you earlier, but I’m sorry, I forgot your names…”

Randall sunk further into himself. It was probably about time to go.

Trying to be friendly for the both of us, I gave a gleaming smile and gave our names. Then how we knew each other. Then said, “Adam, stop frowning, it’s rude.”

Adam snorted and took a sip of his beer.

“Please excuse me; I have to use the restroom,” Randall said, standing abruptly.

“Sure,” Brad said, nonplussed.

I watched Randall leave, my mouth hanging open.

“Davies says you’re living at the Peek place,” Brad continued, his attention back to me.

“Peek place?...Oh, Gladis Peek, yeah, I am in her pool house.”

He smiled and nodded. “I have been in that pool house. They used to have pool parties when I was a kid. That was when Mr. Peek was alive and the family got along.

Well, got along better. I don’t think they’ve ever been a close knit family.”

“It’s a pretty nice place.”

“Yeah, I always liked that place. Gladis is a hoot!”