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After a drink on the deck, Bill suggested we head down the mountain to a little bar and grill that he often frequents when he comes. He says they have the best wood fire pizza and beer. While beer isn’t my jam, we agreed to go with the rest of the group.
“This place is adorable,” Todd exclaims. The wordadorableshould not be used by a grown business man when talking about a hole in the wall pizza joint on the mountains.
“I reserved a spot on the screened-in porch off the back for all of us. I figured since we’re here to relax, we didn’t need to do the whole sit down dinner. The room has a couple of couches and a bar right inside.”
“This place is awesome.” I beam as we enter the private porch. “Did you find this place just driving around or did a local tell you about it? I would’ve gotten lost finding it since it’s so tucked away.”
“The locals,” Bill answers, making his way to a high top table that has two chairs. “We try to come up here at least four times a year. This spot is always non-negotiable during our stay.”
“The pizza isto diefor,” Cathy says. “I could melt just thinking about the pizza we’re about to eat.” She takes a seat on one of the couches.
Todd follows Bill to the high top because he can’t remove himself from Bill's ass, and Vivian hesitantly takes a seat next to Cathy.
Marc interlocks his fingers in mine. “We’re going to head to the bar for a drink. Can we get anyone anything?”
Bill jumps off his stool and pulls his wallet from his back pocket, “Grab a pitcher of sangria for the ladies and a pitcher of beer for us.”
Marc waves him off. “On me, Bill. Don’t worry about it.”
“Here take mine, Marc,” Todd interjects, flashing his credit card in front of Bill. “Open a tab on me.”
“That’s not necessary, Todd,” Marc grumbles, before he tightens his hold on my hand. “We’ve got it.”
Turning on our heels, we leave the patio and make it to the bar right inside. It must not be their busy season because every seat in the bar is open.
“Hey there,” a young girl—who doesn’t look a day older than twenty-one—greets us. “What can I get for you, tonight?”
“I’ll have whiskey neat and she’ll take a glass of champagne,” Marc answers.
“Coming right up.”
Marc swivels his chair so that my legs are between his thighs. “We’re having ourselves a drink before we head back there. Todd is driving me insane.”
“Is it just me or does Vivian seem a little… off to you?”
“She really is. Something doesn’t sit right with her. I just can’t pinpoint what it is.”
“Here you go,” the bartender interrupts us, and I don’t miss the sleeve of tattoos cascading down her arm. “Whiskey neat and a glass of champagne. I filled it to the tippy top because you look like you need it.” And then she winks at me.
“You’re a gem.” I offer her a smile. “Can you tell us a little bit about this town? We just got here this morning and were wondering about it.”
“I wish I could,” she scoffs. “I just moved here myself. From one small town to another.”
“Where are you from?” I ask.
“Montana. I had to get away from that state.” She has a sad look on her face. She looks way too young to have that look in her eyes like she’s been through hell and back already. But then she lets out a laugh. “Anything to piss my parents off.”
“I like this girl,” I tell Marc before I direct my attention back to her. “Do you mind if I ask how old you are?”
“I’m twenty-four,” she admits. “I’m here to find a little bit of serenity and peace. It’s just a stepping stone until I can afford to make it to the big city.”
“New York?” Marc asks.
“Yes. It’s always been my dream to make it there as a chef. I’ve wanted to cook for as long as I can remember. Life threw me a couple curve balls before I even turned eighteen, but I figured now’s a good time in my life to try and pursue it.”
“Wow. Good for you, girl. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams.” I cheer her on. “We’re from the city.”
“Are you?” She beams. “That’s amazing. Is it as cool as everyone says it is?”
