“Impressive.”
She huffed out a laugh. “My friend Cindy gave me the ring a million years ago and taught me the trick.” She twirled the ring with her thumb. “This ring has been to a lot of after-parties.”
“I bet.” It was no issue for my rough fingers, and I tossed the bottle cap in the red cup. “Cheers.”
We clinked bottles and both took a sip. Her eyebrows shot up. “Well, that’s dangerous.”
“Guess we need to make a pit stop at the brewery on our way out.”
“You’ve been very dangerous to my wallet today.”
“Buying local is my motto. I hope to hell it translates to the village.”
“It will.” She gave me an encouraging smile. “It takes a special guy to do what you’re doing, Tate. Most people would take their money and run.”
“And do what with it? Buy a jet?”
“For starters.”
“That’s not me.”
“I’m discovering that.” She took another long drink then sighed.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“Sure sounds like something.”
She shrugged. “I had a few days where I almost forgot Ambrose.” She picked at the label. “It’s been a long time since I’ve just been Amber. I didn’t realize how much I missed her.”
“You’re not two different people.”
“Oh, I really am. Worrying about what I say so it doesn’t get taken out of context. Wondering if the person I’m with is using me for clout or is a true friend. Hoping like hell the photo taken of me is semi-flattering so people don’t pick me apart about my weight.”
I reached over and touched her leg. “And what does Amber want?”
“She really likes having a hard cider with the hot guy she has rediscovered.”
I smirked. “You think I’m hot?”
She grinned as she brought the bottle to her lips. “Maybe.”
I sat back in my chair and kicked out my legs. “I like the sound of that.”
We drank in companionable silence with the sound of children’s laughter outside. Tinny upbeat music played from somewhere.
Suddenly she shook her head with a laugh.“Can never quite get away from it.”
I frowned. “What?”
She pointed to the rafters. “One of my songs.”
I could feel the heat on my ears. “Sorry, I don’t know a lot of them.”
“You’re not exactly my demographic.”
“Pretty sure the whole world is.”
