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“I’ve got a lot of them.” He grinned at her—easy, charming. “But we’ll start with a beer. Any local beer on tap?”
“Of course.” Though they had lists printed in holders on the bar, she reeled them off.
“Maybe you can pick one for me.”
“What’re you looking for?”
“Another loaded question.”
She shot him a smile. Looking for some conversation, she judged, along with the drink. And that was fine.
“In a beer.”
“Smooth, but not bland. Rich, but not overpowering. Toward the dark side.”
“Let’s try this.” She got a tasting glass, pulled a tap.
As he sampled it, he watched her over the rim. “That’ll do. Good choice.”
“That’s my job.”
Before he could speak again, one of the waitresses came up. “Girl table over there’s stuck in the nineties. Four Cosmos, Morgan.”
She carried the tray of empties into the kitchen while Morgan got to work.
“You know what you’re doing,” the new guy commented as she mixed the drinks.
“I’d better. Are you in town on business?”
“Don’t I look like I belong?”
Close enough, she thought. His clothes said upscale, but not in-your-face. “Haven’t seen you in here before.”
A cheer erupted across the room.
“Dart tourney,” she said.
“So I see. Serious?”
“Oh, in its way. Can I get you anything else? Would you like to see a menu?”
“Is the food any good?”
“It is.” She pulled out a menu, laid it beside him. “Have a look, take your time.”
With the Cosmos ready, she moved down the bar. Took orders, filled orders, chatting with regulars as she did. She worked her way back.
“I’ll try a Market Street Burger, unless you tell me I’m making a mistake.”
“It’s a classic for a reason. If you like a kick, a little heat, go with the spicy fries.”
He lifted his hands. “You’ve never steered me wrong.”
She laughed, plugged his order in the machine.
Roddy, all six-four and two hundred fifty pounds, walked over to the bar. “Another round, sweets. How’s it going?” he said idly to Handsome Guy while Morgan filled the order.
“Cold beer, beautiful bartender, live sports. It’s a good deal.”
