If Covey can’t show up for our dinner, I'm done giving him chances.He’s made it clear I don’t come first in his life and I'm over it.I don’t want a man who’s constantly going to let me down.I want someone who will step up and show me I mean something to him.I really hoped that man could be Covey, but clearly I was wrong.
The bartender comes back over to me as soon as he’s filled everyone’s drink orders.He eyes my half empty glass and arches a brow, asking me if I want a refill.
“I think I'm just sticking to this one.”I tap the edge of the glass with my fingernail.
“Man, I was hoping I’d get to chat with you for longer than one drink.”
“Do you flirt with every woman who walks through that door?”I arch a brow, daring him to lie to me.He chuckles and shakes his head.
“I can see why you’d think that, but no.I barely flirt at all.Steve, the other bartender, has been razing me since you walked in here because I haven’t been able to take my eyes off of you.”He motions to the other bartender.The guy waves and chuckles, knowing that we’re talking about him.
“And what makes me so special?Why have I gained your attention over every other woman?”
He leans his forearms on the bar, bringing us closer together.I love how he’s giving me his full attention.
“I don’t really know.You have this confidence about you… but it’s not because you think you’re better than everyone else.I think you just know your worth and you don’t care what other people think.It’s kind of addicting.”He smiles as he peeks up at me through his lashes.“You’re not here to find someone to take you home tonight.You’re not really even flirting back with me.It makes me want to know more about you.To understand what makes you tick.Man, I'm practically obsessed with you and I don’t even know your name.”
“It’s Cici.”I nibble on my bottom lip to keep from smiling at him as I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.
“That’s a beautiful name.I'm Adam.”
He holds his hand out to me and I shake it.I'm pleasantly surprised when he gives me a firm shake.So many men will give women a weak handshake and it’s annoying.
“You’re not staying for another drink, are you?”He eyes me.
“No, I think I'm calling it a night.”
“Give me a second…” He grabs something from under the bar and comes back over to me.He’s scribbling something out on a piece of paper before he hands it over to me.“Call me, Cici.I’d love to take you out for dinner.Soon.”
I take the paper and tuck it into my purse.Adam’s eyes light up with amusement.
“What?”I chuckle.
“Well, I gave you my number… Shouldn’t you be nice enough to return the favor?”
I grab the pen he used and pull his arm closer to me.I carefully write my number on the inside of his forearm, near his elbow so other people don’t notice it.Placing the pen back on the bar, I glance up at him.
“Better be careful it doesn’t wipe off before the end of your shift.”I smile as I climb off the stool and down the rest of my drink.I spin so my back is to him and head towards the door.
“Jokes on you!I’m taking my break and making Steve cover this place by himself so I can go put your number in my phone right away,” he calls.
I chuckle and can’t help the smile that’s spreading across my face.I doubt any sort of relationship will develop between us, but he helped me forget about the man who stood me up today and I’ll forever be grateful for that.
After picking up something for dinner, I head home.As I drive through my gated development, I can’t help myself and I turn down Covey’s street.His car is sitting in the driveway and there’s a light on in his bedroom.
My heart aches at the thought of him sitting at home while I was waiting for him at the restaurant.I'm glad I didn’t take the hostess up on her offer to seat me while I waited for Covey.I would’ve felt like such an idiot.
Plus, it was really nice to meet Adam.He definitely boosted my confidence when I was so let down.After I realized Covey wasn’t coming, I really thought the tears would begin to fall, but Adam had me laughing and smiling before I even left the restaurant.Now, I can’t stop smiling every time I think about him.
Pulling into my driveway, I grab my dinner and head inside.Before I even take a bite of food, I'm changing into my bathing suit and taking my meal out to the hot tub.
I slip under the hot water and let out a long sigh.Between work and Covey, my muscles are so tight.I really need to schedule a massage and get this tension under control.I know if I don’t, my migraines will start up again and that’s the last thing I need.
Once I'm finished with my dinner, I place the container on the deck and sink down lower in the water.I close my eyes and try not to think about anything.
My phone pings with a text.I groan, but don’t hesitate to pick up the device to see who’s bothering me.
Covey: I'm so sorry!I can explain.Are you home?
