Beneath the Scars (Masters of the Shadowlands #13)(9)

“I’m pleased to meet you.” He offered his hand, and as they shook, he held her gaze. “In fact, I believe I’ve seen you before. Perhaps at The Highlands?”

She blinked and realized he’d been one of the men waiting for Uzuri’s girl-party to end. “Yes. Your lady was the pretty blonde?”

“Yes. The very intoxicated pretty blonde. She giggled all the way home.” His smile showed he wasn’t put out in the least.

“They did have fun.” So much that she’d been a bit envious.

He still had her hand in his, and before she could react, he’d seated her in the chair he’d been using.

“But this is—”

“Your seat now,” he said firmly.

“Holt, put that chair down,” Alastair said in a clipped voice.

Holt was carrying out a chair from the kitchen.

Making tsking sounds, Max took the chair and placed it beside Josie.

“Nothing like being surrounded by mother hens.” Holt’s wry smile indicated he wasn’t truly upset. “Josie, wine, beer, or water?”

“A beer would be wonderful.”

“A lady after my own heart.” After bringing her a beer, he sat down beside Alastair and asked about their vacation.

Zachary took the chair beside Josie. After taking a sip of his drink, he spoke quietly, “You looked quite comfortable behind the bar at the Highlands. What is it like being a female bartender? Are you treated differently from a male?”

Trust a psychologist to ask an interesting question. “Hmm. Not really. In the past, perhaps there was more of a difference. The change is probably more noticeable for male bartenders. Their female customers are now as”—she probably shouldn’t say obnoxious—“aggressive as my male customers.”

“One of my bartender buddies often complains about how often he’s getting groped these days.” The low smoky sound of Holt’s chuckle sent a shiver over her.

“There’s progress. We now have equal opportunity groping.” Max shook his head. “Male or female, touching without permission is sexual assault.”

That’s right; the man was in law enforcement. No wonder he looked so tough.

“True enough.” She smiled at him. “Smart bartenders quickly master the ancient art of the side-step.”

Zachary considered her. “Aside from serving excellent drinks and dodging straying hands, are there any particular bartending objectives you set for yourself?”

Another unusual question. She rolled the bottle of beer between her hands, trying to find the right words. “Speed, since no one should have to wait long for a drink. Courtesy, of course. But also, beyond the alcohol, to be there to…I guess…just listen, especially to the ones who don’t have someone with them.”

She realized the other conversations had stopped.

“You treat single customers differently than people with dates?” Holt asked.

“Dates or friends.” She bit her lip. “Some people who drink alone come in merely to be around others. Some need a person to listen to them or to laugh at their jokes or just…see them.” She often had customers during the quiet hours who’d come in to sit at the bar and share their day.

“You see that as part of your job?” Zachary asked quietly.

“Not every bartender does. I do.” Or did. Who knew where her next job would be? She looked down, saw her bow tie, pulled it off, and stuffed it in her pocket.

“At least you won’t have to wear that ugly bow tie any longer.” Uzuri said to Zachary, “Z, would you believe her stupid boss fired her? The guy’s niece is fresh out of bartending school with no experience whatsoever, and he gave her Josie’s hours.”

“Indeed.”

“At The Highlands?” Holt frowned. “The girl is in for a rough time.”

Her neighbor was correct. Despite years of experience—and a superior memory—Josie had struggled for her first few weeks. “My boss thinks he’s doing her a favor.”

“Will you wait until she fails or go in search of a new position?” Alastair asked.

“I’ll be searching. I’m sure I’ll find something soon.” Actually, job-hunting might not be easy. She only worked part-time and had certain…standards…as to where she’d work. She smiled. “I’d rather hear about how you two met Uzuri.”

“Ah, well.” Uzuri shifted her feet.

Josie brightened. Sounded like there was a story here…

Max said, “I met her at a party where a couple was celebrating the adoption of two young boys. Zuri didn’t like me at all.”

“You were pushy.” Uzuri sniffed. “You both were. Are.”

Alastair’s grin was wide. “Quite correct.”

Josie watched them banter. How wonderful that Uzuri had found a man—men—who were so amazing. But a party introduction shouldn’t make Uzuri embarrassed. “How did you meet Alastair?”

Uzuri’s skin darkened with a flush.

Josie grinned. There it was.

Zachary said easily, “I believe a friend of mine saw Uzuri’s interest in Alastair and introduced them.” The amusement in his gaze showed he knew why Josie asked.

When Uzuri let out a relieved sigh, Josie pointed at her. “Just you wait. I’ll get you alone without all this protection and worm the real story out of you.”