Lead (Stage Dive, #3)(41)

“The challenge is the gents to my right—one of them is knocking back a lager, so that’s simple enough. But the other two? Spirits glasses. Amber liquid, but not straight. No fizz. No ice. The clue, little children, is the tall glasses of water. They’re proper drinkers, just enough of a splash of water to bring out the taste in their scotch. Since I know from past experience the top shelf here finishes somewhere in the attic. I’m guessing Blue Label Johnnie Walker.” He shrugged. “Unless they’re single-malt aficionados in which case I have no f*cking clue.”

“Holy crap, man,” said Ben, “You should be on TV.”

“I am on the TV, you chump.”

“I shouldn’t have let you come in,” I said. “You used to drink here. This place is a trigger for you.”

He scoffed and spread his arms wide. “This whole world is a trigger for me.”

“Jimmy, I’m serious. You should go.”

“Not just yet.”

“He doesn’t trust me to behave with you,” said Ben, sliding his cell onto the table.

I scowled. “That’s ridiculous.”

Jimmy just gave me a cool glance. “I love Ben like a brother, but I’ve known him a hell of a long time. No offense, right Ben?”

“None at all.” Something pinged on Ben’s cell and he slid a finger across the screen, bending closer to read the message.

Calm as can be, Jimmy reached over and smacked the back of his head like he was some recalcitrant child. “Don’t be so f*cking rude. You’re out with Lena, put it away.”

“Waiting for news on something, get out of my face.” Ben took a swig of his beer and winked at me. “So, Lena. What should we talk about?”

“Christ,” Jimmy groaned. “You’re going to make her do all the work? Really?”

Kill me now.

“Seen any good movies lately?” Ben asked without missing a beat.

“Ah, yes. We watched Thelma and Louise last night. I’d seen it before, but it’s always great.”

“You and Jimmy watched it together?”

I nodded. “Yeah, we often watch TV at night time. Have you ever seen it?”

“Can’t say I have.”

“It doesn’t end happily,” said Jimmy. “I can tell you that much.”

“Depends on your perspective,” I countered with a smile.

The waiter delivered our drinks. His eyes widened at the sight of Jimmy, and then he did a double take of Ben. To his credit, he didn’t make an issue out of who they were. I ordered a plain soda water and slid the gin to the side.

“You look smooth, Jim. Wish I’d thought to wear a suit.” Ben had worn a red sweater and jeans. It suited him. God bless a scruffy man in a pair of fitted blue jeans. Yum. Jimmy with his suits and smooth ways had never been my type. This attraction to him basically went against the very laws of nature. I could beat it, I just had to try.

I shuffled forward in my seat, determined to renew my efforts with my date. Who knew, maybe Ben and I would hit it off. For certain, as a couple, we made much more sense.

“You should have thought to get her flowers too,” said Jimmy. “That would have been a good thing to do.”

Ben smacked his forehead. “You’re right. I should have.”

“You shouldn’t have. It’s fine.” I gave Jimmy a warning look. Red lights and sirens, danger ahead.

Of course, he ignored it. “Send some to the house tomorrow.”

“You got it, Jim.” The cell at Ben’s elbow pinged again and he gave it surreptitious look. “Sorry, Lena. I just need to reply to this.”

“Man—” Jimmy reached out again, but I caught his wrist before he could strike.

“That’s fine, Ben,” I said. “Take your time.”

Jimmy narrowed his eyes. “Who is it, Benny?”

“No one.” His finger got busy tapping against the screen.

“And this no one is more important than being polite to Lena, I take it?”

My fingernails dug into the palms of my hands. “Shouldn’t you be heading to David and Ev’s? We don’t want to hold you up.”

“It’s fine. I didn’t give them a time.”

Great. “Jimmy, read between the lines. It’s time for you to go.”

He turned a truly pained look heavenward. “Can’t a man finish his soda? Is that really too much to ask?”

“Yes. Please leave.”

“You don’t have a problem with me being here a bit longer do you, Ben?”

“Not at all, Jim. So … Lena.” Ben finally put down his cell and picked up his beer, giving me an easy smile. “Catch the game last night?”

With a groan, Jimmy rubbed a hand across his face. “She just told you we watched a movie. Plus, she hates sports. You’re boring her, this is a disaster.”

One of the great things about this restaurant was the small tables. I could easily kick Jimmy in the shin, I hardly had to stretch at all.

“What the f*ck was that for?” he griped, reaching down to inspect his pants leg. “This is a custom-made suit, Lena. Have a little respect.”

“Oops. Sorry,” I lied with a grimace, thus displaying my brilliant acting abilities. “Did I accidentally catch you with my boot?”