Maeve
Are you bringing your margs too? I’m confident Sir Donovan will let us drink at noon. What time is your shift?
Sir was a salutation we gave to Donovan when Maeve first started working for him. He never cracked a smile then, and really only talked to her about professional things. Plus, he just seemed so damn stuffy and serious all the time.
Audra
I can’t drink before my shift, but I can bring some for the two of you. I’m covering for someone from 1-7 tomorrow, so plan on an 11:30 lunch?
Jules
I miss you guys.
Maeve
You’re not far. But if you moved back, you could join us for lunch.
Jules
I need a more robust sausage variety than Savannah Springs can offer.
Cora
I can’t believe you just said that.
Jules
Would you rather I say dick? I need a variety of dicks, Cora.
Cora
Tourist season is almost upon Savannah Springs, Jules. It’ll be a traveling sausage show.
I silenced my phone before things went too off the rails with dick chat. Once I got over the initial annoyance of the cancellation, I switched my mindset and looked at it with a glass-half-full kind of lens. As of late, I was doing a poor job of making time for myself, so that night, I was getting the chance to enjoy a clean house, a pretty table, and good food. Plus, Noelle, the owner of the coffee shop in town, Savvy Sips, had asked if I wanted to join her and her friends at The Yard to see a band. That coffee shop was probably where I spent the most time outside of work and home, so I’ve really gotten to know Noelle. In high school, she was always fun and friendly, but I was looking forward to spending some time with her and getting to know more about her outside of her working hours.
Throwing together a quick fajita bowl, I ate and then got dressed to meet her in one of my favorite dresses. It was a long-sleeved mid-thigh number with a flirty V-neck and cowboy boots. I knew this one got me some attention, and I was looking for that tonight. Since the band was playing at one of the twins’ bars, I was sure I’d see at least one of them there, too. Murphy Gannon and Bennett Connelly were twins. Separated at birth, the two of them reunited as teenagers. It was a crazy story, but they had the opportunity to move to Savanah Springs with their families after they found each other, and they took it. Together, they now owned two bars here and others in the surrounding areas. Their bar that night was hosting a 2000s cover band, so I was ready to dance and sing.
It was a little more crowded than I anticipated, but I spotted Noelle and her crew at a table by the stage. As expected, I saw Bennett almost immediately at the bar, too, so I walked over to say hello.
“My favorite Audra,” he said as he pulled me in for a classic Bennett Connelly hug. The kind that engulfed you in the best of ways. He had the special ability to make you feel like you were the only person in the room. If I didn’t know him in the way that I did, I’m certain I would fall for his charms. As it stood, he was easily my best guy friend. “What are you doing here, and what can I get you to drink?” He asked.
“I’m meeting Noelle and some of her friends. I would love a mule.”
“Ooh, yes. She’s at a table closer to the stage, and she’s got some real good-looking friends. Not as good looking as you though,” He winked at me. “Mule coming up. Hey, do you want to try a chai one? I’ve been working on a new cocktail. If you don’t like it, I can make you your regular pear one.”
“A chai mule? Um, yes! Sign me up! That sounds divine.Thanks, B.” I rested my hand on the stool in front of me as he ducked behind the bar.
“Hey, you, can I buy you a drink?” My least favorite voice in the world sounded from behind me. I rolled my eyes to myself. It was my ex, Theo. There was a long, not-so-hot history between us, and though things weren’t exactly hostile, there was no lost love for him anymore. I was civil, and though I strived to remain mostly indifferent, I usually copped an attitude these days.
“Theo,” I said flatly as I nodded at him.
“You look hot.”
“Always such a way with words.” I rolled my eyes in annoyance and gave him a fake smile. I used to be nice, and revel in his advances after we broke up, but now I found it more enjoyable to be just enough of a bitch to get under his skin. Before he could reply, Bennett came to my side with my drink. He made a big presentation of handing it over, then put his large body between Theo and me, cutting off the sightline. The drink smelled amazing, and when I took a tentative sip, it was perfect.
“Bennett Connelly! At minimum, this ties my pear mule for first place. It might even be my favorite! This is so, so good!”
He beamed at me. “I’ll take it! After that praise, let’s go find your friends.” He held his elbow out for me to take, and he led me away from the bar. “See you around,” I shouted to Theo, and didn’t give him a second thought.
