“Wise words. You’re a smart woman.”
“I don’t know about that.” She tossed her head. “What about you? I’m guessing you have some regrets.”
“Like I said, you’re a smart woman.”
His reply made it clear he wasn’t willing to do a deep dive into his motivations with a stranger. She couldn’t blame him. She wasn’t looking to make friends tonight either.
What am I looking for?She wasn’t sure, but she was starting to wonder if it might be wrapped in a tall, tawny package.
Other than losing herself in a glass of wine, she hadn’t really planned ahead. Mostly, she just wanted to forget.
“So,” he said. “What brings you to Joe’s Tiki Bar?”
“I guess you could say I’m starting a new life too.”
Alex slid off his bar stool and moved over to the one next to her. His new proximity made her inhale in anticipation. “How so?”
“Do you want the true story? It’s very sad.”
“I can take it.”
“I was dumped by my fiancé just a few hours ago.”
He had been about to take another sip of his drink but put the glass down. “I’m sorry. Here I am, moaning about my situation, and you’ve had a truly shitty day.”
“It’s okay, but thanks.”
“Wait. Please tell me you didn’t come to Vegas to get married and he bailed.”
“No, we both live here. Now that you mention it, I suppose I should be grateful he didn’t ditch me at the altar. Knowing what I know now, that could have been a distinct possibility.”
“That sucks.”
“Yeah. You’re the first one to hear the news.”
“Don’t you have anyone you can talk to?”
“Oh, I have family and friends. I’m just not ready to let them know. My parents are all over this wedding and they think Tommy is the Second Coming. My sister lives out of town and she’s going through a divorce right now. I don’t want to upset her. Besides, she and I have a prickly relationship. We’re very different. And anyway, sometimes it’s just easier talking to a stranger.” She raised her wine glass.
“I get it.” He clinked his glass against hers and they drank.
Once again, their gazes met, this time over the tops of their glasses. Alex’s eyes narrowed in appreciation.
Nah. The cheap wine must be affecting her vision.
“Your ex-fiancé, his name is Tommy?”
“Yes.”
“Tommy is a fool.”
“Aren’t you sweet? I might need to call you the next time I need a pep talk.”
“You can call me any time you like.”
“Well, well. Sweet and agreeable.”
“Not at all. I just have excellent taste.”
