I hit answer. “Hey, Georgie.”
“Hi, Dad.” She pauses. “I was wondering if I could stay at Avalon’s tonight? I know it’s a school night, but we’re bothcaught up on homework, and you know we won’t stay up super late.”
My heart deflates. I was going to surprise Georgie with some cheddar caramel popcorn while we watched another rerun ofStranger Things.But as usual, my teenage daughter prefers the company of her friends to her old man. Not that I can blame her. I was the same way at that age.
I’m just grateful Georgie’s friends aren’t like mine were. I shudder to think of her doing the things I did at fifteen.
“Did you get all of your chores done?”
“Yes. I even took Bones for a walk. And the laundry is in the dryer too. Everything’s done.”
“Alright. That’s fine with me then, as long as you promise you aren’t missing any assignments at school.”
“I’m not.”
I could log into the school system to see for myself, but Georgie isn’t the type to lie just to get her way. In fact, she rarely causes trouble—to the point my ex-wife and I joke about winning the child lottery.
And her request isn’t that unusual, either. Avalon has been Georgie’s best friend since they were toddlers. Her parents were my closest friends until the divorce. We aren’t close now, but I still trust them completely, especially with my daughter.
“Okay. See you after work tomorrow, then. But text me when you’re on your way to school in the morning so I know you’re up.”
“I will. Thanks, Dad. I love you.”
“Love you too, hon.”
A hollow feeling settles over me as I disconnect the call. I miss my daughter’s company more and more, and by next summer, she’ll have her driver’s license, which means she’ll be around even less. It makes my heart ache. She’s growing up too fast.
I still swing by the store to grab a bag of popcorn on my way home, then leave it on her bed along with some cash. It’s the easiest way to win her love these days.
After a brief pause to scratch my dog’s ears, I drive to Graham’s Bar to meet my crew. It’s fairly quiet when I arrive, which is not surprising, given that it’s the middle of the week.
I park near the entrance and head inside. The bald, stoic bouncer greets me with his familiar, curt nod. Vince is the textbook version of a bouncer: broad, muscled shoulders, sharp eyes that are always scanning the room, and he rarely makes conversation. I’ve tried a few times to get to know him like I have with all the other employees, but he always shrugs me off.
Whatever. I don’t come here for Vince. I come for the company and good food. Graham’s has always had a unique atmosphere, and it’s even better since the remodel. Plus, the upbeat music is refreshing after a long day.
Of course, it helps that the hottest bartenders in the city work here too.
Declan is behind the bar, red hair gleaming under the bright lights. He’s bent over a notebook, which he quickly closes and puts away as I pull out a seat in front of him.
“Hey, man,” he says. “Is it Friday already?”
I laugh. “Nah, just coming in to celebrate the end of a tough job.”
“Oh yeah? The one with the electrical issues?”
“That’s the one. We finished it today.”
His grin is immediate as he throws a hand up for a high-five. “Congratulations! I bet you’re relieved.”
“Extremely.” I sit back, my chest warm. Declan has always gone out of his way to get to know his customers. It’s part of why I love coming here. He makes me feel at home.
He looks around. “Is your crew coming?”
“Some of them, yeah. They had to take the trailer and supplies back. They’ll be here soon.”
“Ah. Well, can I get you anything while you wait?”
“Some onion rings would be great. And start a tab for the guys under my name, would you? I told them I’d treat them tonight.”
