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“Cheers.” The sound of the door opening collides with the clink of our glasses and in walks Solia and her friend, Mia.
A kick dents my shin. I look over at Tyler and see him panting and staring in the girls’ direction. Every head in the place swivels to witness these two stunning women walk through the door. If you told me they were sisters, I’d take your word for it. While Mia is taller than Solia, they share enough features to make you assume they’re related.
Despite everyone staring at them, I see Solia’s baby blues searching for me, and everything else instantly fades. Another kick to the shin refocuses me.
“Hey, ladies.” Tyler cuts directly in front of me, always the ladies’ man, making sure he’s the first to greet them.
“Hi. Tyler, right?” Solia asks. “This is my best friend, Mia.” I may be mistaken, but Mia seems to smile flirtatiously at Tyler. “These are Jackson’s friends—Tyler, Jay, and Ryan.” Solia’s fingers weave between mine as I extend my other hand to shake Mia’s.
“Nice to meet everyone. I wish I would’ve gotten here sooner, but at least it’s still July. Let’s get drinks!”
“Right on!” Tyler puts his arm around Mia’s shoulders and leads her to the bar.
“Tyler, always so shy,” I say.
“Oh, he’s met his match,” Solia replies with an ear-to-ear smile.
“What can I get you to drink?”
“I’ll have whatever you’re having. But I’m sticking to one drink tonight. It’s Mia’s first night and I’m driving.”
I look toward the bar and grab Cindy’s attention while she helps customers. I hold a finger in the air, and she nods. Even though I haven’t been around much lately, certain things never change. Within minutes, we have our drinks, jokes are flying, and the world is right.
The melody of Brice’s voice fills the Binn around nine, stunning the place into silence with his deep country vocals. He starts with classics to get the crowd’s attention, and it works. After a few songs, people are out of their seats and on the dance floor. Patrons turn their stools for a better view. The atmosphere is nostalgic, the crowd sings along, and even the regulars at the bar tap their fingers to the beat.
Mia and Solia sway arm in arm to the music, blending in with the crowd as if they’ve been in town their whole lives. Both girls let loose when Brice starts the next song on his set list, “Pour a Pint for Me.” Mia grabs Solia’s hand and raises it in the air. I’m fixated on Solia, and she looks over, motioning for me to join. I’m not much of a dancer, but if she wants me out there, I won’t think twice.
Tyler follows my lead, including himself in the invitation. He takes full advantage and gets Mia’s attention by demonstrating his ridiculous dance moves. Solia immediately catches on, and the two of us laugh our asses off. Tyler can’t dance to save his life, but Mia seems to be enjoying every minute of it.
Breathless, Solia and I leave the dance floor, fanning ourselves as we head back to the table where Greg is chatting it up with Jay and Ryan. Tyler and Mia maneuver to the bar, and within minutes are toasting Irish slammers. I remember the first time I drank one of those—the taste of Guinness, whiskey, and Bailey’s will live forever in my gut. Way too heavy for me, but it’s Tyler’s favorite. And by the looks of it, Mia is holding her own.
Brice Hawkins switches it up with a slow Southern country rock song, reminding me of Stapleton. A few couples congregate on the dance floor accompanied by whistles and hoots from the locals. Solia looks in my direction, and I’m certain she wants to dance.Why not?
Wrapping my arm around her waist, I pull her in for a squeeze and lead her to the floor. It’s been a long time since I’ve slow danced, and it takes me back to my high school days. With my arms wrapped around Solia, she rests her arms around my neck and is close enough to kiss.
Is it my imagination, or is everyone in the room focused on us?
Solia leans her head against my chest. I don’t care who’s staring. As we move in slow circles, Brice’s voice takes over and I’m lost in the moment.
When the music begins to fade, I spot Tyler and Mia downing slammer number two in a dimly lit alcove. Tyler’s arm slides around Mia’s shoulders and he pulls her in for a kiss. Leave it to Tyler. I’ll be driving his ass home.
“They found a cozy spot.” Solia motions to where Tyler and Mia are huddled, looking immersed in each other. I excuse myself and head over.
“Hey, guys, it’ll be last call soon.” I stick my hand in Tyler’s pocket and lift the keys. We’ve run this drill more times than he’d like to admit, and he simply nods.
“Sure thing, boss. I’ll meet you at the truck.”
“Great meeting you, Mia. Solia’s good to drive.” She looks in my direction with a stone-cold stare, nods, but says nothing. Her lack of response sends a chill through me, but I’ll chalk it up to the Irish slammers.
I arrive back at the table, admiring the glow surrounding Solia and the warmth of her smile. She’s been here little under a month, and this is the first time she’s had a piece of home with her. Her shoulders are relaxed as she sways to the beat, and I dig the laid-back vibe she’s giving off. Being in her presence puts me at ease.
She checks me out from head to toe as the lights dim for last call.
“Thanks for coming out tonight, guys. Sorry you didn’t get more time with Mia. Tyler seems to have hogged it all. I had fun hanging out with you, though, and Jackson, as always, I had a great night.” She grabs my hand and rises on tiptoes, reaching for a kiss. I place my lips on hers and hope this isn’t the last time I see her glow the way she is tonight.
A few minutes later, Cindy walks around collecting empties, saying good night and passing out the rest of Brice’s promo items. The music was great, seriously entertaining. I can see why they invite him back. The best talent starts out playing in hole-in-the-wall places, local dive bars, waiting to be discovered. We’ll see him selling out venues one day.
We head to the parking lot, Mia and Tyler in tow. I spot Solia’s truck. The guys and I wait until their doors close before heading to ours. Jay has to coerce Tyler to say good night to Mia and move along. The guy is a sucker for a beautiful woman, but he can be a sloppy drunk. Luckily, he’s never mean. He just needs a babysitter from time to time.
