“I’ll be right back,” the server said, bowing slightly.
Skylar dabbed at her lips with her napkin and glanced at Rawley. “Where are the restrooms?”
“Down that hallway,” he nodded toward a dim archway off to the side.
“Okay. I won’t be long.” She rose gracefully, smoothing her dress, and he stood as well, offering a hand.
“Your manners are impeccable,” she teased, slipping past him.
He grinned, watching her retreating figure. “My parents thank you.”
****
Rawley settled back into the booth. A moment later, the server returned with his card and a receipt. Rawley added a tip, signed the receipt, handed them back, then stood when he saw Skylar returning.
He checked his watch under the soft glow of the overhead lamp. “It’s still early. Want to stop by Dewey’s for a drink?”
“I would love that.”
“Alright, let’s go.” He took her hand and guided her out of the restaurant. The night air greeted them as they stepped outside, the stars bright overhead. Rawley led her to his truck.
After parking in Dewey’s crowded lot, he opened her door. She slipped out gracefully, then he took her hand again as they navigated through groups of chatty patrons talking in the parking lot.
“It’s always packed here,” she observed, brushing a lock of hair from her face.
He chuckled. “It’s the only bar around.”
“Well, that explains it,” she said with a grin.
He nodded toward the wooden doors, their paint chipped and welcoming. Rawley pulled one open, and the thump of country music, the roar of laughter, and the clink of glasses washed over them. Bright neon signs cast crimson and turquoise light across the worn floorboards as they stepped inside, ready for the rest of their evening.
****
They found two empty stools and settled onto them. Skylar glanced around with a smile on her face. Scarlett spotted them, walked to them and asked what they wanted. Rawley ordered a beer, and Skylar got her usual whiskey sour.
As they sat at the bar, the band began to playWhiskey and You,a song by Darius Rucker and Skylar sighed.
“I love this song,” she said.
Rawley took her glass from her hand, set it on the bar, and put his hand out toward her.
“Then we should dance.”
Skylar placed her hand in his and they made their way through the crowd to the dance floor. She turned into his arms and wrapped hers around his neck. His arms slid around her waist, pulling her closer and she placed her cheek on his chest, under his chin. She smiled when she felt him rest his cheek on her head.
When the song ended, they headed back to the bar but had to find other seats since someone had taken theirs.
“I’ll get us another drink,” Rawley said and put his hand up to get a bartender’s attention.
An hour later, she got up to use the bathroom and pushed through the crowd. When she stepped back into the hallway, she came to a stop when she saw the men who had been bothering her the last time she was here. She hoped to squeeze past them before they saw her, but one stepped in front of her.
“Well, who do we have here?” he said as he put his hand on the wall beside her, blocking her.
“Move,” she said.
“Oh, come on, we can get to know each other.”
“I don’t want to know you, so back off.”
