“Thanks, Gordie. I’m Frankie.” I clinked my glass to his. “Are you a trader?”
“I’m a broker with ARC Financial.”
I’d never heard of them but didn’t want to appear ignorant. “Oh, that’s great. Did you have a good day today? Or should I say, did your clients have a good day?” I made sure not to flirt. I wasn’t there to get drunk and hook up. I had my man at home. I needed insight and information.
“Yeah. I mean, not enough to buy that BMW I’ve had my eye on.” I laughed along with him. “But certainly enough to buy you a nice steak dinner and a bottle of wine.”
“I wouldn’t want to lead you on. I have a boyfriend, so no thank you for dinner, but I would love to talk.” I gave him what I hoped was my best smile. “I’m very interested in learning about investing.” Gordon didn’t give off a creepy vibe. Dancing at Man Up taught me how to make swift assessments, and his frank gaze and wide smile put me at ease. I was used to guys flirting with me.
“Oh, I can give you a quickie lesson in investing. Teach you everything you need to know.” He downed the rest of his drink and hitched his barstool closer.
That sounded like exactly what I needed, and I was glad he understood I wasn’t a pickup. Not everyone was out to screw people. “I have a notebook. Hold on.” I dug in my bag, pulled out the leather-bound journal I’d bought specifically to take notes, and flipped open to the first page. Pen in hand, I waited. “I’m ready.”
I caught Gordie glancing over at me several times.
“What?” I couldn’t help asking. “You keep staring at me.”
“What do you do for a living? You have an incredible body.”
The bartender interrupted. “Another round?”
Gordie arched a dark brow. “Do you want something else to drink?”
“I’m fine with just water, thanks.”
“Oh, don’t be like that. I’m having another, and I hate to drink alone.”
The earlier good feeling I had faded a bit. “I’m fine.” Stock tips or not, I wasn’t about to let him push me around. “Really.” I sipped my water as we waited for the bartender to bring Gordie his drink, and I wondered if Aaron was enjoying himself with the people from work. As happy as I was to see him making friends, it had to be hard on him to go out to a bar and not drink.
“So, you never told me what you did for a living.” Gordie took a sip of his drink.
“I’m a dancer. Hence the leggings. I practically live in them.”
“Exotic?” His eyes widened and raked over me, the friendly gaze turning heated. “Where?”
I had no desire to tell him my life story, and with a silentsorryto Tyler for using him in my lie, I took a sip of my water. “No, I teach ballet to children.” What had seemed like a good idea, now felt uncomfortable.
“Oh,” Gordie said, his disappointment obvious. “I could totally see you up onstage at one of those clubs in the city. I’ve been to a bunch of them, and you definitely have the look. I love the eyeliner. I’ve been thinking of waxing my brows as well. Maybe you can give me the name of your person.”
Not answering him directly, I gave him a slight smile and tilted my head before taking another sip of water.
He gulped down his drink, ordered another, and ate a handful of pretzels before speaking again. “Okay. Let’s talk stocks. You’re a novice, so you’ll want to start small. Open an online account where you can get free trades and experiment.” He nudged me. “I can help you with that.”
“I don’t want you to get the wrong idea about me. I’ve got money saved to invest.”
And for the next hour, Gordie answered all my questions. He was funny and charming, putting me totally at ease. So much so that I agreed to have a drink.
“So here’s a tip I have for you. One of the big drug companies is planning on releasing a new cancer drug soon.” He put a finger to his lips. “I shouldn’t be telling you this, but I had such a great time tonight and you’re so cute, I can’t help it. You should invest in pharmaceuticals as soon as you can. It’s gonna have a run-up. It’s a sure thing.”
Excitement fluttered through me. If I could double Nana Josephina’s money, that would really help my parents.
“Be right back. Gotta go to the restroom.”
With a slight list to the side, he shuffled off, but I barely paid attention. My head was too busy with thoughts of how I’d do this trade and all the money I could make. After about ten minutes, Gordie came back, looking a bit worse for wear.
“Sorry. I don’t feel so hot.”
Those three gin and tonics sure didn’t help. I’d made sure to sip my second margarita slowly.
