“Sure.”
“What are you in the mood for?”
“Hmm. Something classic.”
Sadia grabbed a shaker. Her competent hands were a blur as she mixed sugar, lemon juice, water, and gin in a highball glass. She stirred the liquid and garnished it with a couple raspberries before sliding it across the bar. “Gin Fix.”
Livvy picked up the glass and took a sip. “Nice. What year?”
“Late 1860s.” Sadia wiped the counter down.
The holidays were still months away, but Livvy made a mental note to see what she could find for Sadia in the way of old mixology books. The girl was a history nerd.
“This place has a lot of character,” Livvy said.
“Character’s a nice way of putting it.”
“It’s character.” She tipped her head down the bar at the man wearing flip-flops and a neon-green suit. “It has characters in it.”
“Ha. Well, characters tip well.”
“They tip you well, because you’re hot.”
Sadia gave her a mock glare. She’d changed out of her mom clothes. With her curves poured into tight black jeans and a tank top, shewashot. “Excuse me, I’m also really good at pouring drinks.”
“Uh-huh. That’s what’s got that blonde down at the other end of the bar so entranced.”
Sadia slid a surreptitious glance down the bar. “The guy or the girl?”
“The girl.”
“Huh.” Sadia cleared her throat. “It doesn’t matter. I’m not looking for a relationship right now.”
“Damn.” Livvy shook her head sadly. “Now you’ve done it.”
“Done what?”
“Said the words that ensure a relationship smacks you in the face.”
“I see you’re still a romantic.”
Livvy’s smile faded, but Sadia was talking, her words rehearsed and practiced. “I have a business and a son. The last thing I have time for is another person.”
Livvy shrugged. “An affair might be fun.”
Sadia leaned closer. “Actually... I’ve had a few of those this year. Flings.”
Livvy opened her eyes wide. “No!”
Sadia’s lips twitched. “Okay, okay, Ms. Woman of the World. It was a big deal for me. I’d only really been with Paul.”
“Please don’t violate our lifelong code of not talking about you and my brother likethat.”
“I’m not giving you details.”
Livvy screwed her eyes shut. “Bless you. Anyway, I think you should have as many affairs as you want. I can give you man-slash-woman hunting tips.”
Sadia fiddled with the tiny apron wrapped around her waist. “I thought it may be strange for you.”
