AllFreeNovel
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“The shot will make it two,” I say, glancing down to make sure my cleavage isn’t as exposed as it feels.
“Sure. We’ll see. Now, what made you choose the snobbish bar Brooklyn has to offer?” Stella gives a short grimace over my shoulder.
I slap my hand against my forehead.
“You’re too direct for me at times.”
“Well?”
We laugh, and the power of the chuckle feels very freeing at this moment.
“I haven’t been out since autumn, and it’s about to be summer, so I have no idea what the vibe is these days.” I shrug.
“Well, you look adorable as always. Loving this gold and white ruffle-trimmed mini you have on. Got the girls out. Did you get that drink for free?”
“Ha! No. Still no luck in that department, friend. I’m honestly cool with that.”
The bartender returns with our shots. Taking the shots back, Stella and I briefly share wrinkled looks of disgust.
“So, tell me! Did your brothers come and try to save you like you said they would?”
I give her a look, and she shakes her head.
“They really haven’t processed how outdated they are. And, just… it’s a lot. You know, they think it’s their duty to provide for me since Dad is gone. He’s been gone for eight years. I’ve rejected their moneyevery timethey’ve offered, and they now just send it directly to my account. But I’ve blocked them…four ways.”
“Next time, just take it and give it to me.” She winks.
“Not a bad idea. And then you can take me out and spend it on me, and it’ll feel less dirty because it’ll technically be yours.” I laugh.
“Ha! See? You understand.”
The bartender stops in front of us with two whisky and sodas. He nods his head toward a pair of men. They look well into their forties, no rings adorn their ring fingers, and excitedly they stare at us as if deciding who wants who. Here we go.
“Two whiskeys and cokes, on them.”
“Nice! Thank them, please.” Stella teases and follows her shot with a sip.
“Shouldn’t we go thank them?”
“Micola, have you lost your mind? If they want to get to know us, they are capable of coming over and…here they come.” Stella clears her throat and shakes her curly ponytail, hoping for more fluff.
“Good Evening, beauties.”
The more mature looking of the two scales me up before whispering into my ear, “Love the dress.”
“Thank you?” My response tumbles out like a question.
I’ve been absent from the dating arena since the beginning of 2020. It’s been over three years, and the thirties have me feeling like I’m infested with cobwebs.
“I’m Edward. And you are?”
To me, Edward is the more attractive of the two, even though his hair is almost entirely gray and his breath reeks of gin. I can’t stomach gin.
“Micola.”
“Strong, beautiful name. Where is it from?”
“Not sure, but my folks are Sicilian.”
