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“Hey, Frank. Your bar is stupid successful,” she said, and he laughed.
“How unfortunate. What can I get you ladies? Same as last time?”
He remembered our drink orders? I tried not to read into that as I crinkled my brow, wondering if I should try something new this time.
Frank caught my eye. “What’s the dilemma, Claudia?”
How he could read me so easily? Was he in tune with my thoughts already? That couldn’t be possible.
Trying to play it cool, I shrugged. “I was wondering if I should get the same thing or try something new. What do you think?”
“Ryan is trying to create a new tequila-based drink. I’ll have him make it for you, and you can tell him if it sucks or not.” He looked at Britney. “Still want a No Bad Days, or want to try a rum-based drink instead?”
“Rum!” Britney shouted like a schoolgirl, and I smiled.
“Don’t go anywhere,” Frank said as he walked away.
Like I’d even dare.
“Well, I guess we know the connection is still there.” Britney raised an eyebrow at me. “My hug was pathetic in comparison to yours.”
“I noticed,” I said, not even pretending to play games. I called them like I saw them, and was happy that Frank hadn’t touched Britney the same way he’d touched me.
“He’s definitely into you.”
I nodded in agreement. I got the same impression from Frank, and the feeling was so very mutual on my end. But now what?
“What’s wrong? What are you thinking about?” Britney asked, but Frank reappeared carrying two drinks before I could respond.
“Okay. Claudia, don’t hold back on this. If it isn’t good, you have to tell Ryan what you don’t like about it. And, Britney, you’re going to love this. Even I think it’s delicious, and I don’t like sweet drinks.” Frank’s green gaze touched on me when he said the word sweet.
“Just sweet girls?” Britney said with a laugh.
He bristled for a millisecond, but I noticed. Frank regained his composure, his gaze bouncing between us. “Eh, not too sweet.”
“That’s good, because Claudia’s mostly sour.”
I choked out, “Shut up. Frank, please don’t listen to her. She’s an idiot.”
“Like my brother.” He tipped his head toward Ryan, and I burst out laughing.
“Hey! Ryan’s not an idiot.” Britney defended him, her gaze finding Ryan at the bar. “Why does he have to be so hot? Ugh,” she said before taking a sip of her drink. “Shit. This is good.”
“I knew you’d like it.” Frank smirked before looking at me. “Your turn.”
I felt pressured, like I was under the microscope as they both watched me sip on Ryan’s latest creation. I really hoped it was good as I eyed the orange wedge perched on the rim of the glass before taking a sip. The tequila hit my taste buds, followed by bitters, and then a hint of something else.
“Is there banana in this?”
Frank smiled. “There is. Do you like it?”
“It’s unbelievable. It’s so good,” I said before taking a gulp instead of a sip.
“Ryan!” Frank shouted.
Ryan’s head shot up. He pointed a finger in the air to signal one second, and headed our way once he finished the drink he was working on.
“What’s up? Hi, girls. I wondered what the hell Frank was doing out here.” Ryan’s blue eyes met mine, and I felt myself blush.
