Fallen Too Far (Rosemary Beach #1)(29)

"What do you want to drink?" Rush asked, leaning down to my ear so he wouldn't have to yell.

"I'm not sure," I replied, looking at Bethy for guidance. "What do I drink?"

Bethy's eyes went wide and then she laughed. "You haven't been drinking before?"

I shook my head. "I'm not old enough to buy my own alcohol. Are you?" She clapped her hands. "This is gonna be so much fun. And yes, I'm twenty-one or at least my ID says I am." She cut her eyes to Rush. "You need to let her out. I'm taking her to the bar."

Rush didn't budge. He looked back at me, "You've never had alcohol?"

"Nope. But I intend to remedy that tonight," I assured him.

"Then you need to go slow. You won't have a very high tolerance." He reached out and grabbed a waitress' arm. "We need a menu."

Bethy put her hands on her hips. "Why are you ordering food? We're here to drink and dance with cowboys. Not eat."

Rush turned his head toward her so I couldn't see his face but I could tell his shoulders had gotten stiff. "She's never drunk before. She needs to eat first or she'll be bent over puking her guts out and cursing you in two hours time."

Oh. I didn't like to throw up. Not at all.

Bethy rolled her eyes and waved her hand in front of her face as if Rush was an idiot. "Whatever, daddy Rush. I'm going to get me somethin' to drink and I'm getting her something too. So feed her fast."

The waitress was back with a menu before Bethy was done talking. Rush took it and turned back to me opening it up. "Pick something. No matter what diva the drunk says you need to eat first."

I nodded. I didn't want to get sick.

"The cheesy fries look good."

Rush held up the menu and the waitress came running back.

"Cheesy fries. Two orders and a tall glass of water."

Once the waitress nodded and walked off, Rush leaned back and tilted his head to look over at me. "So you're at a honky-tonk. Was it everything you hoped it would be? Because I'll be real honest, this music is painful."

Smiling, I shrugged and looked around. There were guys in cowboy hats and then those that just had on regular clothes. Some had large belt buckles but for the most part they looked like people in my hometown.

"I just got here and I haven't drunk or danced yet, so I'll let you know after that happens."

Rush smirked, "You want to dance?"

I did want to dance but not with Rush. I knew how easily I'd forget that he was just a friend. "Yes, I do. But I need a shot of courage first and I need someone to ask me to dance."

"I thought I just asked," he replied.

I put my elbows on the table and rested my chin on my hand. "You think that's a good idea?" I wanted him to admit this wasn't a good idea.

Rush sighed, "Probably not."

I nodded.

Two plates of cheesy fries slid in front of us and a frozen mug with ice water was set down in front of Rush. The food looked surprisingly good. I hadn't realized I was so hungry. I needed to keep up with how much I was spending. This was seven dollars. I wasn't going to spend more than twenty dollars tonight. That might mean I only got one drink but Rush said I needed to eat so I was going to eat.

I picked up a fry smothered in cheese and took a bite.

"That's better than peanut butter sandwiches, isn't it?" Rush asked with a teasing grin. I nodded and picked up another fry.

Bethy slid in on her side of the booth carrying two drinks in small little glasses. They were yellow. "I figured I should start you out easy. Tequila is a big girl drink. You're not ready for that yet. This is a lemon drop. It's sweet and yummy."

"Eat a few more fries first," Rush interrupted her.

I took another fry and quickly ate it followed by another. Then I reached for the lemon drop. "Okay, I'm ready," I told Bethy and she picked hers up and grinned. I watched as she put it to her lips and tilted her head back. Then I did the same.

It was really good. Only a small burn in my throat. I liked lemon. That was nice. I put the empty glass down and smiled over at Rush who was watching me.

"Eat," he replied.

I tried not to giggle at him but I couldn't help it. I laughed. He was being ridiculous.

I took another bite of my fries and Bethy reached over and got a few fries too.

"I met some guys at the bar. I pointed you out and they've been watching us since I sat down. You ready to make a new friend?"

Rush moved slightly closer to my side and the warmth from him and the warmth in my stomach made me want to stay right here by my... friend. Which was why I needed to get up. I nodded.

"Let her out, Rush. You can keep the booth warm for us in case we come back," Bethy said.

Rush didn't move right away and I started to think he was ignoring her or he was going to make me eat some more. He finally slid out and stood up.

I wanted to say something to him. Anything to make him smile and stop scowling but I didn't know what to say.

"Be careful. I'm here if you need me," he said in a low whisper as he stepped close to me. I just nodded. My chest tightened and I wanted to crawl back in that booth with him.

"Come on Blaire. Time to use you to get us free drinks and men. You are the hottest sidekick I've ever had. This should be fun. Just don't tell these guys you're nineteen. Tell everyone you're twenty-one."