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A McDonald's is up ahead, so when the light turns green, I signal to turn into the parking lot.
I have no idea where Bill's Bar is.
It's Sunday morning, and I'm surprised it's open. I check my GPS and see it's about 45 minutes away. So, I turn back the way I came so I can follow the directions.
The more miles I head away from Juniper, the more rural the landscape gets. The bar ends up being off the highway, down a dirt road about a mile. When I park, there are several pick-up trucks and motorcycles.
I sit in my car for a few minutes, letting the engine idle. I'm about to turn around and go back to Juniper when my phone pings: "where are you?"
I sigh and type back: "I just pulled up outside."
By the time I turn the engine off, Gavin is standing at the single door that leads into the bar.
He has a big smile on his face. I get out of the car, and as soon as I'm within arm's reach, he grabs me into a hug. I get a little uncomfortable because the hug lingers longer than is necessary.
"I'm so glad to see you!" Gavin speaks animatedly.
I force a smile on my face and let him guide me into the bar. It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the suddenly dim light. The air is slightly musty. I notice two older men saddled up to the end of the bar, smoking cigars.
"What are you drinking?" Gavin asks.
"Oh, just a Coke, please."
"C'mon darlin' you can do better than that," Gavin persuades.
"No, seriously, just a Coke," I say more firmly.
"Alright, alright," he puts up his hands in a placating gesture.
I stand stiffly watching him. I notice a pool table with some guys laughing and another set of tables with four or five guys playing a card game. The atmosphere is a bit sad, if I'm honest. The space is old and weathered, and it looks like these guys live here, and they probably do most days. I'm curious why Gavin is here because I don't notice any other cuts. I thought bikers stuck together. I'm not sure what to make of it, and I decide to stay as long as is polite and just get the hell out of here. I may have been too hasty in my decision to find him.
"So darlin', do you want to meet some of the guys?" Gavin's eyes are playful, and I can't be sure if they're glassy because the light in this place is shit.
"Well, that's fine, but I was hoping to talk to you. Maybe we should make a date later. I probably should get back to town soon."
"Ah, don't be like that. I've hardly seen you since you came back to town." He touches me behind the back and lightly pushes me toward the pool table.
"I'll meet your friends, but I'm not going to hang out long," I compromise.
"Yeah, we'll see."
The two guys playing pool look up as we approach, and Gavin stands a few inches from me and makes introductions, "Willow, this is Troy and Mac."
I smile politely and say, "hello to both guys."
Mac looks like he may have played basketball once upon a time. He is tall and lean with a full tattoo sleeve down his right arm, which I can't make out more than a large skull on his forearm. Troy has dark skin and looks like a bodybuilder.
"Yo, so you're the Willow," Mac smiles widely, chalking up his pool cue.
Troy stands across the table and leans to rack the balls so they can start a new game but doesn't do more than nod at me. I'm kind of grateful because I'm not sure what to say.
Gavin interjects, "that's enough of that! Willow, do you want to play?"
"No, thanks," I say awkwardly.
Gavin steers me to a table in the corner.
I sit down, and before I know it, he's moved another chair close to mine to sit. What is up with this guy? I try to lean away a bit, so I have some personal space. Before I can say anything, Gavin's got his hand on my thigh.
