“Keep ‘em,” I said when he tried to hand the papers to me. “Email them to me instead.”
He frowned but nodded. “What about the realtor you had me contact out in Bridge Lake. He called this week and says he has a couple of houses you might be interested in.”
I pulled a face, having forgotten all about the realtor.
“Are you still considering moving back to Bridge Lake?” Lenny asked when I didn’t respond.
I didn’t have an answer. I’d had him contact a realtor almost a year ago when I was at my lowest point after Banks’ death. Something kept me from making a decision.
“Tell him to send some pictures,” I said. Standing from the stool, I leaned over to the bartender and said, “You know what, I’m feeling generous tonight and our team is winning, why not get a round for the entire bar.”
The bartender gave me an open-mouthed expression.
“Throw one in for yourself while you're at it.” I tapped the bar with my palm and pointed at him like we were friends before picking up the still full bottles I’d ordered that Lenny never touched.
“Luke,” Lenny called when I turned away. “Don’t forget about the Rodriguez contract. There are a few things in it I’d like to go over with you.”
“We’ll discuss it as soon as you get with the twenty-first century and email it to me.”
He huffed. “Yeah, I’ll do that. Wait, where are you going? You haven’t paid for all the beers you just ordered.”
I stopped walking as I came up beside the dude, who grilled me earlier and his chick with the annoying voice. I placed the bottles of beer in front of him.
“The hell?” He griped when I threw my arm around his shoulders. “These are for you. Thanks, bud. Hey?” I called the bartender.
When he looked my way, I lifted my hand and pointed. “The beers are on him.” Then I looked down at him. “Trust me, buddy, you’re going to need all the alcohol you can get tonight if you plan on taking that hyena-voiced broad home.”
I gestured toward blondie.
“The fuck?” He yelled as I sauntered off.
“Luke, what the?” Lenny questioned as I pushed through a few of the other patrons to get to the door.
I needed fresh air. More so, I needed some pussy.
***
“I ended up having to pay for that round of beers. He wanted to kick your ass,” Lenny said a few minutes later as he exited the bar. “It’s not funny, Luke.”
“It is to me. Poor guy’s going home with blondie. Did you hear her voice? I’d rather blow an eardrum than listen to that sound all night. The alcohol will at least help.”
“You’re a piece of work.”
I shrugged. “I’ve been called worse.”
“Yeah, by me.”
“Quit belly aching about paying for a few drinks. You can afford to pay for a few rounds at the bar. You did that poor bastard a favor.”
Lenny shook his head.
“I’ll catch you in the morning. Send me that contract and the pictures from the realtor and we’ll go over ‘em tomorrow,” I said.
“Constance is expecting me home soon anyway.”
“How is the ol’ ball and chain these days?”
“Well, she and I would both prefer if you didn’t call her that.”
