“I know I can.”
“She’s a bartender. A really good one,” Cleo said with so much pride, as if she performed brain surgery daily. Cleo was not only good for the soul but her ego.
Barry scoffed. “Then let’s fucking see it.”
Challenge accepted.
She got up, walked around the bar, and gathered everything she needed. It had been a long time since she’d worked in a dive bar. Surprisingly, she kind of enjoyed it. Once the drink was complete, she added the cherry, gave it a quick stir, and placed the glass in front of the man. It barely hit the counter before he was sipping it. His face said it all, but she appreciated the verbal praise.
“Now,that’show you make an old-fashioned.” He winked at Addison and continued to take another sip.
She rounded the bar and took a seat. All the while, Barry stared at her as if he didn’t know what to make of her.
“You got a lot of experience behind the bar?”
“She’s been a bartender for years,” Cleo blurted, earning a scowl from Barry.
“I wasn’t asking you,” he snapped.
Back the fuck up, Barry.
“Well, you might as well have, because she knows. I have been a bartender for years and worked at several bars. It’s not a job for me, it’s a career, and I’m damn good at it.” She arched her brow. “And for future reference, Cleo can answer for me without getting attitude. Does that answer your question,Barry?”
He straightened. If she had to guess, he wasn’t accustomed to women talking back to him.And he certainly doesn’t like it. Addison grinned.
“You’re hired.”
What? She didn’t get the chance to verbalize her shock. Cleo did it for her.
“What?”
Barry lifted his cast. “Can’t work the bar without both hands. Need someone to fill in for me, and apparently” —the sarcasm was hard to miss as he pointed to Mandee— “I ain’t got anyone capable.” He looked back at Addison. “So you’re hired.”
What the hell is happening?
“She doesn’t live here, Barry. She’s just visiting,” Cleo said.
“How long?”
This was one question Cleo couldn’t answer. She’d been vague with her timeline. Until now.
“I’m in town for the next three and a half weeks.”
Cleo gasped and grabbed her arm. “You are?” Her voice hitched, and her excitement was evident.
“Yes.” Addison smiled, and Cleo tightened her grip.
“That’s so great!”
“Well, that’s fucking perfect because I only need your ass for three weeks until” —he lifted his casted arm— “this thing comes off.”
This had to be one of the most bizarre experiences of her life.
“You don’t even know me.”
“You can make an old-fashioned. That’s all I need to fucking know. A hundred a shift.”
“But…” Cleo piped up. “Not too many shifts because she’s here on vacation.”
