“We had better go soon...”I look over at Callie, who doesn’t look in a hurry to leave.
“Can we do one more thing?It won’t take long.”
One of my eyebrows raises at him in response.“What is it?”
“A karaoke bar called Ms.Debbie’s.Come on, it’s not too far.It will be fun,” he assures me with a smile.A smile that’s more than just what I can see, I feel it.It seeps deep into my bones and breathes life into what I didn’t know was dead.
“Okay, as long as Callie wants to.”
He tips his chin up, bites his bottom lip, and lets out a loud whistle.Tim’s head shoots up.He flicks his head back, as if to say come here.
“Where’d you learn to do that?”I ask, still holding onto his side.
“Baseball,” he says, one side of his mouth hooking upward.“Tim and I played on the same team in high school.He’s really good.Now he runs my landscaping business and takes care of my mom’s yard while I’m away.”
My sister jumps on me with an unexpected hug.I take a few steps back and Levi’s arm reaches out to stabilize me.
“Okay, Tim is like so hot and so nice.”My sister’s hot breaths tickle my ear and I laugh.
––––––––
“This is not what Iexpected,” I tell him as we fill the doorway.Located in the historic district of Printer’s Alley, Ms.Debbie’s could easily be missed, with just a small blade sign bearing its name.Inside is much like the outside with its classic dive-bar charm.Gone is the commercial lacquer of pretension, and in its place, wooden barstools, neon signs, and a big stage that says $5 A Song.
“I know.It’s great, right?”he says, taking the lead and guiding us towards a tall table at the front.Callie and Tim have been stuck together, giggling like they’re at the back of a school bus, since we left.
“Beer?”He pins Tim down with fixed eyes, who manages to pull himself from Callie.
“Yeah, but I’ll get it.”Tim stands up.“Callie, Tate, can I get either of you a drink?”
“Tate doesn’t drink, but I’ll have whatever you get,” my sister says, responding for both of us.I tell my eyes to take their judgey look elsewhere, but it must not have worked because after the boys leave, she shoots me an annoyed look and a “What?”
“I didn’t say anything,” I say, smoothing out my dress.It’s a multicolored, long-sleeved bodycon dress with ruching down the front and back.Flirty and fun.I chance a look over at Levi and Tim.Levi’s elbows are resting on the bar.He laughs at something, and I can’t help but think that sound is what I’ve been missing.
“It’s just one drink, Sis.”Callie leans forward, putting her arms on either side of my shoulders.“Stop worrying.”
“I’m relaxed!”I lie.“So, you like Tim?”
A crimson blush rushes to fill her cheeks and neck.“He’s—”
“Right behind you,” Tim completes her sentence, coming from behind me, sliding into the seat beside her again.Levi does the same, pulling the chair out to sit by me.He slides a glass in front of me.
“What is it?”I ask, examining the fizzy orange liquid.
“So, I take it you don’t like surprises?”
“In a bar, in the form of a drink, no.A party, present, or adventure, yes.”
He laughs.“Noted.It’s bubble water with orange juice and a mint leaf.If you want me to drink it first...”
“Don’t be silly.That sounds great.”I press the drink to my lips.The fizz, the tang, the slap of mint.“This is actually really good,” I tell him and watch as he rolls his eyes, teasingly.
“Actually?”
“The mint threw me off, I have to admit.”
“Mint makes everything better.”
“I think I read that somewhere.”I laugh, motioning to cheers with him, but he doesn’t have a drink.
