Page 112 of The Bartender Special

There was no time to assess past that.

“Let's get out of here,” Benny called out.

Two black sneakers flew through the air in front of them. Jack caught Justus’s head disappearing back inside of the window.

No jeans floated down, so Jack let Benny down, scooped up his shoes, and ran to the driver's side of his truck.

He didn’t mean to, but he laughed.

Benny must have been feeling it too.

He actually whooped as Jack sped away into the adjoining parking lot. He was still laughing when they made it to the main road.

“I tell you what, whoever finds my pants next is going to be confused as hell.”

Jack, still amused as all get out, laughed again.

When Benny swung his head around at the next stop light to look at him, Jack couldn’t help but glance down at his lightly sunburned legs.

Which is why he missed the new mischievous glint to Benny’s eye as he made a proclamation that was as determined as it was confusing.

“Speaking of pants, I think I know a way to beat The Drinking Spot’s newest secret weapon,” he rallied. “But first, I need to know how comfortable you are with your nipples.”

If Jack had a blog, he decided that one would have made it into a post.

TWENTY

“Happy Wednesday, boys and girls, and welcome to Cassidy's first-ever fashion show!”

Santana stood in a shiny dress at the end of the runway that went from the bar to the stage. Patrons in attendance had their chairs turned to face her, some with a beer glass on their table, and all with a laugh or two ready to go.

Santana wrapped her hand around the mic stand and accepted the hoots that came first from the crowd.

Though, crowd was a generous description.

While there were more people than normal filling the room, according to Dixon, most of them were regulars. Friends who wanted to see their long-time bartender loosen up while embarrassing himself. And the others? Well, most had seen Benny's posts online the day before and were either curious about what a fashion show at their local bar meant or, also according to Dixon, just wanted to see Jack shirtless.

For that reason alone, Ms. Peggy was seated at the table closest to the stage. Ethan and Callum were sitting on either side, drinks at the ready. Santana’s video camera was sitting in the middle of their glasses, pointed at the stage with a full charge.

Much to Jack's immense displeasure after requesting the event not have video evidence.

“We thank you for coming and can't wait to get started,” Santana continued, really leaning into her role as emcee. “First, let's go over the rules and how you can help our favorite grumpy bartender win the esteemed title of King of Arbor Bay!” She pointed to the whiteboard they'd wheeled in and placed at the back of the stage. Benny had made sure to cover up the part that said Property of Arbor Bay Academy in the corner.

There was only one category written on it in black marker—fashion—but there were several sub-sections ready to be scored beneath it.

“Our Jack will strut his stuff, showcasing several adventurous outfits while our job is to choose which ones he should wear for the About Me portion of the Sailors and Mermaids pageant, the themed costume walk, and then what he'll wear during the talent section.” She caught Benny’s eye where he stood at the mouth of the hallway and pointed to him. “And remember, we must be somewhat kind, considering Benny here will be forced to be on stage with him during the costume and talent portions!”

A wave of voices and laughter came through the crowd as most seemed to have no intention of going easy on Jack just for Benny’s sake. Santana tried to calm them with her own laughter. When it was clear they were having a time with it, she instead gave up.

“We’ll be starting in five minutes, so make sure you grab a drink before we get down to business!”

Several people got up and made their way to Dixon behind the bar. Santana joined him. Benny took the time to fall back to the bar’s office in the back.

He knocked on the door with a barely-contained smile.

Jack’s grumpiness was not contained at all.

“Dixon, I swear to God, if you take one more picture, I’m going to beat the⁠—”