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"Bottom shelf," I confirm with a grin.
He hands me the cheapest beer they have, getting one of his own as well, and we crack them open in our fancy clothes and sip on them as we lean against the bar. It's like no time has passed at all, the two of us together again like kids.
"I'm glad to know your taste hasn't changed," he says. "I don't know why I just figured you had...I don't know. Moved on or something."
I shrug. "I mean--I don't know if people change like that? I've grown up a little, but so have you."
"My whole family would beg to differ," he laughs. "I am...incredibly immature."
"I'm sure that's not true," I elbow him. "Look at you--teaching history to the next generation of Fern Hollow-ans, coaching future pro hockey players. You're shaping young minds."
"And it scares the hell out of everyone around me," he chuckles. "You've got like...a real person job out in Portland, right?"
"It's so much less exciting than you make it seem," I shake my head. "All I do is write grant applications and beg people for money. Honestly, I miss working at Safe Harbor, and living in Fern Hollow. It's quiet."
"Do you think you'd ever move back?"
I bite my lip. "No...Steven's work will definitely keep us in Portland."
Finn falters and we both go quiet for a second. I want to talk about Steven without sounding like he's ruining my life; but Finn seems to see right through me.
The awkwardness is interrupted by some guy walking out of nowhere and ordering a drink next to Finn, though, taking him by the hand and shaking it like their old friends.
"Hey, Carson," the newcomer says. "So...this is your date?"
I blush while Finn stammers out an explanation. "Platonic only," Finn mutters. "And yeah--this is Jenny Liu, animal rescue specialist extraordinaire and connoiseur of cheap beers."
"Hey!" I say, shoving him playfully. "I'm also a connoiseur of cheapwine."
"Johnny Playfair," the guy says, putting out his hand. "I just met Finn before the wedding and realized he was one of the only ones here flying solo...so he agreed to help me scope out the prettiest girls here. Unfortunately, I think he already found her."
He winks and I can feel my cheeks absolutely burning. I haven't gotten this much attention from men in...well, I can't rememberevergetting this much attention.
"Chill, Johnny, she's got a ring on her finger," Finn says.
I can't ignore the possessive tone he takes as he pulls me in for a one-armed hug...then keeps that arm around my shoulders.
It feels so right.
I hate how right it feels.
"Okay," Johnny says, taking up a position next to me. I feel so tiny, sandwiched between these two tall, buff men. "I'm pretty sure damn near every girl here is married, but...I've been asking around for eligible bachelorettes, and I think I figured out which one I'm going to go for."
They talk back and forth, and I get lost in their banter. Johnny is definitely a player, and I don't know if I like how he talks about the women here, but Finn keeps pushing back.
"No, no," Finn says. "You've gottarespectthese women. Remember they're getting as much out of a one night stand as you are, so like...take it easy, buddy."
"And who knows?" I add. "You might just accidentally fall in love."
Johnny snorts. "Hell no--not me. I'm a bachelor for life, and once the hockey season starts, I'll be swimming in pussy--"
"You are in the company of alady," Finn chides. "Jesus, dude."
I laugh loudly. "I'm notthatmuch of a lady," I correct him. "Remember I'm the girl who used to shotgun beers out at the lake? Seriously, not that much of a lady."
Johnny's eyebrows go up. "Uh...can you still do that?"
I give him a coy smile. "Would you like to know?"
