Except for this guy, apparently.
In fact, he looked so out of place, big and tough with a grimace on his face. It was such a contrast to his clean external style of a crisp navy-blue shirt and slacks. I nearly snorted a laugh at the sight. If that wasn’t enough, the way he was blatantly ignoring one of the college girls and her sloshing of an oddly green margarita sent me over the edge.
I covered my mouth with my hands, careful not to smudge my lipstick, though most of it was already imprinted on the thin straw sticking out of my drink. I swung my legs back and forth as I pressed my lips together and took another sip.
The first slips of paper were being handed out along the bar. Some put up a hand and swatted away the opportunity to play. I, on the other hand, yanked it toward myself and got my lucky pen out from my purse. The last time I had used blue ink, it had turned out in my favor—even if it leaked over my fingers with every answer and I still couldn’t beat the moms club.
The half-dozen women in the Barnett mothers group showed up every single trivia night. They drank their own obnoxiously lime-green margaritas and cheered after every question they got correct.
There were a lot of questions they got correct.
Taking a deep breath, I braced myself as they woo-hoo’d the moment the bartender rang the bell behind the counter, signaling the game was about to begin. Less enthusiastic bargoers who knew what was happening huffed.
One by one, the non-players moved in a horde. Brushing past me, they made their way to an open booth near the back corners of the place even though the cushions there were always a little sticky and less well-lit with the recently renovated mason jar lamps hanging over the equally sticky, but much more often cleaned bar top.
Stretching myself out a little more, I gave my pen a little scribble, ready for action.
“You ready for tonight?” Brenson asked me from behind the bar, getting his magic papers set up with all the questions and answers.
I smiled up at Celeste’s son, trying to peek at the list. He pulled the sheets back with a shake of his head. Though he had only recently graduated school, he remained in Barnett, like most of us, tied to the place. Unsure what his plans were post–high school graduation, he ended up at Bar and already felt like a permanent fixture, much to his joy or horror.
Either way, he was the best bartender in town.
I told him so.
“Your flattery is not going to help you.”
I shrugged. “I thought I’d try. It’s been nearly a month since the last game.”
“Yeah, but doesn’t Bar look nice?”
“Bar looks like a bar.”
“Have you noticed the updates though?”
I feigned delight toward the less dusty lights. Outside, there was also an ironic new wooden sign, though it didn’t make the place look any less like a dive.
I leaned my chin onto my hand as I nodded in all mock seriousness. “Really brightens up the place.”
Brenson chuckled, flashing a smile that had to be all his father. I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen Celeste smile so genuinely. “We’ll get trivia started in just a second. Need another drink?”
“Before you put on your trivia MC hat? I’d better.” I nudged my nearly empty glass toward the rubber runner.
“You got it.”
Taking a deep breath, I clicked my pen a few more times before setting it down and leaned back in my chair. Another update I actually appreciated at Bar? The new chairs had backs even if they were at an awkward angle. I felt like I was half sitting straight up and lying down with my boobs pointed up in the air, all at the same time.
Looking down at the neckline of my black lace tank top, I adjusted the girls and pulled it up a bit.
“You all right there?”
My eyes tore away from my cleavage up toward the man next to me. The mystery man from out of town pressed his lips together, as if trying not to laugh. He pointed to the chair beside mine, now empty since the non-trivia fans had left. Before I could say anything, he yanked it out, legs squeaking against the floor.
He was even handsomer now that he was closer, and I took the time to get a good look.
His eyes caught mine again, and, goddess, I felt like I was being sucked into a void. Just as hastily, he pulled his gaze away and leaned over the bar, trying to get the attention of someone. It was clear, however, that no one was coming for whatever it was he was drinking.
Clearing his throat, he glanced toward me again. “Hey.”
