“Speaking of connections,” Kaia said, perking up. “Any new developments between you and Eve?”
“Not really.” Her cheeks flushed hot. “I mean, nothing’s happened since that kiss on Friday night, but…”
“You both want it to,” Kaia finished for her.
“I knowIdo,” Josie admitted.
“I hope you guys aren’t gossiping without me,” Adam said as he arrived at their table with a fresh round of drinks. He plunked glasses in front of Kaia and Josie before going back for his own.
“Josie was just about to tell us how much she wants to jump Eve’s bones,” Kaia told him with a wicked grin as she took another sip of her martini.
“Pretty much can’t stop thinking about it,” she agreed, knowing the alcohol had loosened her tongue and not much caring.
“Damn, girl,” Adam said with a playful lift of his eyebrows. “Tell us how you really feel.”
“I feelgood,” she said as she tossed back the shot in front of her. “I’ve been so overwhelmed and stressed out about everything at Swanson’s. I really needed this.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Adam said, raising his glass. “You were definitely overdue for a night out. So a gay bar, huh?”
“Yeah.” She looked at her two best friends, sobering. “It’s a pretty big change.”
“A good one, I think,” Kaia said. “There really weren’t any good gay bars in this part of town, which is why so many of us hung out at Swanson’s in the first place.”
“It’s exciting, but also…terrifying, and a little bit sad,” Josie said.
“Explain that last part,” Adam said.
“I’ve lost all my regulars,” she told him. “I know I didn’t have many, but I had a few, and I’ll miss them. And this morning, my Uncle Timothy—my dad’s brother—reamed me out on the phone for destroying Swanson’s legacy.”
“Hold up.” Kaia placed her hands on the table. “I thought your family was always super cool and supportive.”
“They are.” Josie shrugged with a sigh. “I guess I should have expected a few ruffled feathers about turning Swanson’s into a gay bar, though. It all happened so fast, I didn’t have time to discuss it with them before I made my decision.”
“Which is fine, because the bar isyours,” Adam said adamantly. “You’re the one working your ass off night after night, the one paying the bills, the one whose name is on the deed.”
“I know.” She nodded. “Everyone else has been great, and I’m sure Uncle Timothy will come around. It’s…I don’t know, big change like this is always scary, and I’m not used to moving so quickly. Eve and I are going to be interviewing new bartenders tomorrow.”
“Ooh, hire me,” Adam said, tapping his glass.
“What?” She gave him a skeptical look. “Really?”
“Yes. I cover for you all the time. It’s fun, and I could use the extra cash.”
“But you have no real bartending experience, and you already have a job.”
Adam made a face. “Being a bank teller isn’t all that. I’m honestly starting to hate it. Just try me out on weekends or something and see how it goes. Maybe, if I’m having enough fun and making enough money, I’ll quit my job and work for you full-time.”
“Well, okay,” Josie said, reaching out to take the hand he’d extended toward her, shaking on their deal. “In that case, you’re hired.” She grinned as she imagined working with Adam every day. Really, what could be better?
“I don’t want a job, but I’ll bring you lots of new customers,” Kaia said. “And no more free drinks.”
Josie flinched, remembering her conversation with Eve.
“I mean it, Jo,” Kaia insisted. “From now on, I pay.”
“I guess, but…I’ll still slip you a beer on the house when I can,” Josie said, resting a hand on Kaia’s arm. “And thank you.”
“Of course,” Kaia said.
