I didn’t plan to drink much, and figured I could valet at the hotel where the bar was. In case Margo wanted me to drive her home? I wasn’t sure.
Leaving the keys to my Cayenne in the center console, I told the valet, “Maybe two hours, tops,” and slipped inside the Oak from the street entrance. There was a grander entrance through the hotel, but this was the one I preferred. The street-side door was for locals.
The place was pretty packed, but my usual corner was empty. Sliding into a high-back stool, I pulled up my Uber app. Since I’d sent the car, I wanted to make sure the driver wasn’t doing anything weird.
That car showed to be in front of the attached hotel, and I decided a drink was needed. As I tossed my card on the bar, my favorite bartender appeared.
“What can I get you?” Wes asked.
“Lagavulin, neat, and keep the card. A friend is joining me.”
Wes nodded, and he was off.
I propped my shoe on the footrest of the empty chair next to me and looked around the place. Heavy chandeliers, wooden accents, and a marble bar, it was an alchemy of different materials. Like my life.
“Lagavulin, neat,” Wes said, interrupting my thoughts as he slid my drink in front of me. “Water?”
“Large, sparkling, and two glasses,” I said just as Margo entered the room. I could feel her presence as she gazed around the large space, looking for me.
Her eyes met mine, and I felt that down below. Crass, I know, but the truth.
I stood when she arrived at my quiet corner. “Margo ... hello.”
“This is great,” she said, looking around the room. “Perfect little corner too.”
I nodded. “Sit,” I said, watching her slip out of her leather jacket and hang it on the back of her chair. She wore a black silk blouse that tied around her neck into a knot or a bow. It was tucked into dark jeans like mine.
“Is this okay?” She’d caught me staring.
“I can’t help myself ... it’s more than okay. You look gorgeous.” My words part whisper and half growl, I kept them low enough for her only.
When she was seated, Wes came back and poured us each a sparkling water.
“Something stronger?” I asked Margo while the kid lingered.
“Do you have a wine list?” The moment she asked, he produced one and said he’d be back.
“Are you in a white or red mood?” I couldn’t help but babble while she read the list. If I didn’t, I’d probably cage her against the bar and put my mouth on hers, but I didn’t think that was a good idea for a variety of reasons.
“It’s actually a little chilly out ... gah, I can’t stand weather conversation,” she said while smiling, her eyes creasing the tiniest bit in the corners. “Anyway, I’m thinking red.”
I waved for Wes to come back, and she ordered a glass of cabernet before turning her attention to me. “Everything good with the ride, and at home?”
Before answering, she ran her fingers through her hair. It was wavy tonight, wild like her spirit, and my fingers itched to join in on the fun.
“Yes, the ride was great. Thanks. Home was fine too,” she said while wringing her hands on the bar.
“Don’t be nervous,” I told her. I wasn’t sure she should believe me, but I wanted her to.
“He’s away,” she said quietly. “Business trip. He won’t even ask me what I did while he was gone as long as everything is just so when he gets back.”
I nodded. I understood manipulation and abuse. My mom had endured it for years. It was the only form of communication I’d witnessed during my childhood, so I’d taught myself to be different.
“Priscilla is at a friend’s house. She prefers to go to her friends’ places. I didn’t quite understand it until recently, but our house is different. It’s tense. Anyway, I’m going to try to push on and get out. That’s not something I really wanted to do until I met you,” Margo said sheepishly, looking down at her hands.
Her wine arrived, and I waved Wes away after he set it down.
“To pushing on,” I said, tipping my glass toward hers.
