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She nods and gives me a reassuring smile.“I’m sure.You get used to dealing with it.”
I make a face.“That doesn't make it any better.”
Carleigh reaches up and takes my hand.“You’re very sweet,” she says, squeezing it.“But we have great bouncers and I promise it’s fine.”
I sigh and squeeze her hand back.“Okay, but if you need some asses kicked, you just give me a yell.”
She nods, now clearly just humoring me, and drops my hand.“I will.Now, what’s the thing with the buffalo sauce?”
“Er.”I rack my brain, trying to remember.“Oh.Quinn wants to know if it’s made in-house.”
Carleigh gives me an odd look.“Of course.I’ll bring him a little taster cup.”She turns, not waiting for a reply, and goes back into the kitchen.
When I get back to the table, Quinn seems to have made a decision.“I’m getting three kinds,” he announces.
“Great,” I reply, still distracted.“Which ones?”
Usually, when I meet Quinn or any of the other guys for a drink after work, we hop around to a few different places, but today Quinn doesn’t suggest leaving.He might be annoying, but he’s a great friend where it counts.Quinn catches me up on his new job as an events promoter, we talk about our friend Andrew, who recently followed his girlfriend to California, we argue about the Rangers – and eventually, Quinn stops shooting teasing looks at me whenever my attention falls to Carleigh.
It happens a lot.
I don’t want to think too hard about the sudden protectiveness I feel toward Carleigh.I’m attracted to her, that’s all; it’s a physical thing, which I can’t help.Plus, she’s my friend, and I want my friends to feel happy and safe and all that good shit.It’s definitely got nothing to do with any actual feelings, or anything.Definitely not.I really should try to cool it and not glance over every ten minutes.Really.I should try.
Besides, Carleigh can obviously take care of herself.I know the table of guys from earlier are definitely not the only people in the bar who have hit on her tonight, though none of them I see after, seem to physically impose on her.She handles them all with a practiced ease, and I’m reminded of the fact she’s worked here since long before I knew her, and she didn’t need a babysitter.
I still kind of want to be back on the couch with my arms around her, keeping her safe, but I fight the urge.I can learn to evolve.
Around eight, the crowd dies down a little.I’m kind of surprised until I remember that we’re in the Financial District, which can be kind of dead once the time for after work drinks or dinner is through, especially on a Wednesday.Carleigh comes to our table with a sheepish smile and her hands in her apron.
“Hey, it’s slowing down, so I’m getting sent home early, since I’m just covering a shift,” she explains.“Do you guys mind if I settle up with you?You can start a new tab with Teresa, she’ll be taking over.”
“Sure, Carleigh,” I say immediately.“No problem.”
Quinn pulls out his wallet.“Big plans for the rest of the night?”
I smile at that; I imagine her night will have something to do with a reality show, a blanket, and maybe a glass of Lillet.
“No big plans, unless you count watchingBelow Deck,” Carleigh answers, taking Quinn’s credit card.
“You’re really predictable, Murphy, you know that?”
Carleigh rolls her eyes at me.“Give me your credit card.”
“Now Carleigh, is that any way to get a good tip?”I tease, handing her my card.
“Careful,” she warns with a wink, “I know where you sleep.”
I grin at her.“Threats, Carleigh?You wound me.”
“Why don’t you join us?”Quinn interrupts.“Have a drink.”
Carleigh hesitates, like she’s trying to turn down the offer, but in a friendly way.I’m about to jump in with an easy out for her, but she replies before I can speak.
“If you guys want to go somewhere else, then sure,” she says, to my surprise.“But I really don’t want to hang around work anymore.”
“Sure, we can go somewhere else,” Quinn agrees.“There are a few places on the next block.”
Carleigh gives me a closed-mouth smile, her shoulders a little tense.“Great.”She meets my eyes; I grin at her cheerfully, and she relaxes.“I’ll go run these,” she says, holding up our cards, then leaves.
