I was half way to Jack’s before I stopped glancing in the rearview mirror, expecting to see someone trailing me.
I could use a drink.
Colt’s Pub was packed, so I grabbed the only two open seats, which were by some miracle next to each other, and claimed them by slipping my light jacket over Sylvia’s bar stool before ordering the house IPA and a glass of water.
The bar had several big-screen TVs, all playing different channels, mostly sports.Seriously, who comes to a bar to watch golf?Loud music from the modern jukebox in the corner reduced the crowd to nothing but muddled background noise.
At least the IPA was good.Just what the doctor ordered.
“Is this seat taken?”
The hair on the back of my neck stood on end as I tightened my grip on my pint glass.What the hell is Paul doing here?
“It is,” I said, swiveling my stool to look at him. I pretended I didn’t recognize his voice. “Oh, hi Paul. What are you doing so far from home?”
“I heard this bar was worth the drive.”
Had he overheard me at the clinic? Nah, he wouldn’t have. Would he? No. Colt’s had marketed to the surrounding towns and was quickly making a name for itself.
“I don’t see a drink.” He nodded his head towards the empty bar top in front of the empty seat.
“My friend’s running a little late, but should be here any second.” I intentionally left her gender out of my answer.
“I could keep you company while you wait.” He moved a little closer and reached to move my jacket.
“Thanks, but it’s not necessary.”
The muscles in my shoulders tensed more and more as the unwanted conversation continued.
Paul didn’t do or say anything inherently bad, but I didn’t want his attention and I didn’t return his affection.
My phone vibrated on the counter, but I ignored it.
“I don’t mind.”
I need to nip this in the bud. Resorting to formality, I said, “Mr. Bunson-”
“Paul.” He smiled.
“Paul, I have a strict no dating patients policy.” There, I’d said it, even though he hadn’t asked me out.
“That doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.”
Why can’t he take a hint?I looked towards the door, hoping to see Sylvia.
Maybe he’d had a drink or two, making him slow on the uptake.
Or maybe he was one of those guys who needed to be hit over the head with a bat to take a hint.
Either way, I needed to end the conversation and send him on his way.
Chapter 4
Matt
The Ramos gig was a nightmare. I couldn’t wait to get home, report to Jay, and check out the new pub in town.I could use a beer. And a willing partner for some physical stress relief.
After tapping my knuckles on his doorframe, I walked into Jay’s office and tossed the file on his desk.
