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The server sticks her hands on her hips. “You wouldn’t keep your hands to yourself after I asked you repeatedly.”
I move myself to the other side of Taylor, snagging the attention of the handsy patron and giving him my best glower.
Taylor takes a deep breath. “Sir, I witnessed you putting your hands on Vanessa and she rightfully dumped your beer in your lap.”
“I didn’t do—”
“Now,” Taylor speaks louder, “you and your friends can pay your tab and leave, or I can call my good friend Marco. You might know him since he’s the local sheriff. Did I mention he’s a family friend?”
The man’s expression darkens.
I clear my throat.
His bleary eyes lift to mine.
I cross my arms over my chest, daring him to do or say anything out of line so I can step in.
He swallows and his gaze dips back to Taylor’s, more subdued.
“We’ll leave. But we’re not coming back, ever.”
Taylor chuckles. “Don’t threaten me with a good time.”
One of his buddies drops some cash on the table and they leave, slamming the door in their wake.
After a second, the hum of conversation returns, filling the bar.
Vanessa apologizes to Taylor while wringing her hands.
“Not your fault. Go home,” Taylor tells her. “Thank you for staying as long as you did and for getting a babysitter last minute.”
“Are you sure? I can stay a little longer.”
Taylor shakes her head. “I can cover closing duties.”
Vanessa pats Taylor on the shoulder before walking away.
Taylor spins in my direction, offering me a tentative smile. “Thanks for the backup.”
“Of course.” I glance around at the packed bar and the waitress heading off to the back of the building. “Do you need help with anything?”
“Thank you, but I think I can handle the next ten minutes. We’re done in the kitchen and since our rowdiest table is now gone, I’m doing the last call in thirty, so all that will be left other than serving is bussing tables, which can wait a minute. Thank you, though. Go have fun, enjoy your date.”
I frown. “She’s not my—”
But she’s already walked away.
Back at the table, Stewart and Patrick are standing by the booth.
Eve looks up at me. “Are you ready to go?”
“Actually, you guys go ahead. I’ll catch a ride back to camp with Taylor.” I left my truck parked at the main house and rode down here with Eve.
“You sure?” Eve asks, a crease between her brows.
“Positive. I’m going to stay and help her close up. She has no one else.”
Eve nods, and then leans in and puts a hand on my arm, lowering her voice. “Sorry about this whole thing. I told Patrick we’re just friends, but he has it in his head that we would be good together.” Her face flushes with pink. “I’ll talk to him.”
