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“It’s freaking awesome, that’s what it is. I love that even though you guys are going to be living there in Summer Lake, we’re all going to be closer than we’ve been before. Shit, sorry. I have another call; I have to go. Let’s talk again soon.”
“Give me a call anytime. I don’t like to call you because I know you’re always so busy.”
“That’s a load of crap, and I wish you knew it. You need to stop talking like that. That’s you putting yourself on the outside like you used to. I want to talk to you. Yeah, I’m busy, but whenever you call, I’ll make time for you, okay?”
Tori smiled. “Okay. I’ll call you soon, then. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
When she reached the resort, she was glad that the restaurant seemed to be quiet – there were plenty of parking spaces in the square, and she was glad that she didn’t have to try to squeeze the big truck into a tight spot.
Xander was waiting for her at the bar and greeted her with a smile. He got down from his stool and kissed her cheek when she reached him.
“Aww, you guys are just the cutest!”
She laughed when Kenzie winked at her from behind the bar. “Hi, how are you?”
Kenzie nodded. “Doing great, thanks. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you. I was just telling your man here that I want a word with you.”
“Why’s that?” Tori instinctively moved a little closer to Xander.
Kenzie laughed out loud. “Don’t look so worried, sweetie. I heard that you guys are taking over the wine bar – turning it into a sports bar.”
Tori’s heart raced; she hoped that Kenzie wasn’t going to be mad at them – surely she wouldn’t see them as competition for this place?
Kenzie shook her head. “I reckon I might be able to help you out.”
“You want a job?” The question popped out before Tori could stop herself.
“No. I’m more than happy right here. What I want to do – if you want me to – is to show you the ropes.”
Tori gave her a puzzled look.
“Have you ever worked behind a bar before?”
“Oh, yes. I did, for a while in college.”
“Did you enjoy it?”
Tori knew what she was getting at. She wasn’t the most assertive person in the world – and if Kenzie wanted to give her some tips, she’d love to hear them.
“I did, but I know I have a lot to learn. If you are inviting me to study at The Kenzie School of Bartending, then I’m all in.”
Kenzie laughed. “I wouldn’t have put it that way, but yeah. I reckon I can give you a few pointers if you want them.” She looked more serious as she added, “Only if you want my help.”
“I would absolutely love your help, thank you. I’m not worried – I know I can handle it – but I believe that I’ll be much better at it and enjoy it more after I learn from you.”
“Awesome. Before you leave, let’s set up a time when we can get together.”
After she’d fixed their drinks and moved away to serve other customers, Tori looked up at Xander.
“Are you okay with that?” he asked.
She nodded happily. “I am. It’s so kind of her to offer – I’m really not worried, but hell, who wouldn’t want bartending lessons from Kenzie?”
Xander laughed. “That’s what I thought. I’m tempted to ask if I can join the class, too.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
