We get to the bar, and Specs leans casually on the counter. If he’s feeling self-conscious, he doesn’t show it.
“What can I get you to drink, Cassie?”
I don’t usually drink, but tonight I need something strong.
“Rum and Coke, please.”
The bartender frowns at me. “You sure you wouldn’t like some champagne or a cocktail?”
I’m about to change my order. It would be the right thing to do. But I’m tired of pretending with my parents. I’ve been the good daughter for so long. I’m wearing a dress they would approve of. I’m here at their party. But I just want to be myself for once.
“No,” I say firmly. “A Rum and Coke, please.”
“Certainly.” The bartender turns to Specs, and he rubs his beard.
“Don’t suppose you serve beer at a party like this?”
The bartender motions to a fridge behind him. “Of course we do, sir. I've got some of the finest craft beers. I recommend this local one from the Wild Taste Brewery.”
Specs chuckles. The Wild Taste Brewery is the brewery that the Wild Riders MC runs. I know he’s thinking exactly what I am. If the vineyard is good enough to serve their beer, then why is everyone looking at him like he doesn’t belong?
“I’ve heard that’s good beer,” he says with a chuckle.
The bartender takes a bottle from the fridge and slides a glass along the counter.
Specs holds up his hand. “I prefer drinking it from the bottle.”
“Certainly.”
The bartender hands over the bottle. Specs takes the beer and turns around to lean his elbows on the bar as he faces the party.
There’s a tap on my shoulder, and I spin around to find my dad. He’s got a smile plastered on his face, but his eyes burn with anger.
“Hello, Cassie. I didn’t know you were bringing anyone.”
I give him a bright smile. “This is Specs. He’s my plus one.”
My dad, aware that every eye in the vicinity is on him, offers a polite hand to shake.
“Specs. That’s an unusual name.”
Specs takes his hand and I tense, worried Dad is going to do something stupid like try to assert dominance with a power handshake. If he does, Specs doesn’t show it.
“It’s my road name,” he says. “But you can call me Paul.”
I glance around at Specs, or Paul. In the years I’ve known him, this is the first time I’ve learned his real name.
“Paul,” I say softly, trying it out.
His eyes flick to mine, and something smolders in them.
“Cassie,” my dad says. “Can I speak to you for a moment?”
Specs’s look turns sharp. “Will you be okay?”
He’s been playing it casual, but I can tell he’s ready to protect me if I need it.
“Yeah,” I say. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
