Then I see the weathered sign swinging slightly in the breeze. Cocktails & Chaos. A tiki bar. Maybe a good place to wind down before I face Birdie and unravel the last two years of trauma and drama. Because I know that when I’m with her, I’m going to finally fall apart. Birdie is the only person I can do that with.
“Wait,” I blurt. “Wait, wait, wait.”
The driver taps the brakes. “Everything okay?”
“Stop here,” I rush out. “Please.” I hand him a wad of cash and climb out before I can overthink it. I have no idea why, but something is telling me to stop here.
Just like your gut told you to run from your wedding?
Your gut was right.
As soon as the warm, salty air hits my skin, I’m flooded with relief. I grab my bag, sling my purse over my shoulder, and march up to Cocktails & Chaos like a woman on a mission.
It’s a cute little establishment, open on three sides with a long bar running along the length of it. Smooth barstools are scattered from one end to the other. String lights stretch across the back bar, lighting up the bottles along the wall in a whimsical way. It’s charming and I like it.
I trip over the threshold of the bar when my feet get tangled in my dress and I grab a nearby stool to steady myself. My bag slides off my shoulder, so I let it drop to the sandy wood floor at my feet. It’s then I realize what shape my dress is in. I’ve somehow torn the bottom of it, and it’s completely filthy. Well, there’s that.
I hear someone mutter nearby, “Is she...”
In a wedding dress?
Yep.
Nothing to see here, folks.
The tiki bar is thankfully cool, with fans, and loud, with good music playing from the speakers. Glasses clink, and the air smells of fried food and something sweet. A breeze picks up and blows my hair behind me as I slide onto the stool. It feels like every head turns and stares at me.
Probably because I’m still very much wearing my wedding dress.If I could get the damn thing off, I would. It’s like a straitjacket straight from hell. I ignore the stares and plop my purse down on the bar top, dramatically exhaling when my phone buzzes again. I pull it out and shudder at all of the unread messages. Somanyunread messages.
I close my eyes and shake my head. “Nope.”
Still not dealing with any of that. I need five minutes. Or five drinks. Or a lobotomy. It all sounds promising.
The bartender stops in front of me, and I stare at him, frowning. He’s unexpectedly handsome, and I can’t help but notice. Sun-kissed skin, dark hair that curls, and a smile that’s as warm as the air breezing in off the ocean.
I’m not sure I’m mentally equipped to deal with a good-looking man when I’ve just left a mediocre one at the altar.
The man looks about my age and is completely at ease, like he knows exactly who he is and isn’t trying to prove anything to anyone. There’s something about him I can’t put my finger on. I’ve spent all day running, unraveling, pretending I’m fine, and standing here under his quiet, easy gaze, I feel myself slow down. Like maybe, for the first time today, I don’t have to be anywhere else.
He’s calming. I bet it earns him all kinds of good tips. The nice grin doesn’t hurt either. Selfishly, I’m glad to have something to distract me from my rampant thoughts.
He takes in my dress, slumped posture, and my exhausted expression. “Long day?”
“You have no idea,” I murmur.
I’m curious as to how someone lands a job like this. Honestly, it seems kind of nice. I wonder what his story is.
“What can I get you?” he asks, smiling warmly. Not flirty, just safe and solid. I silently thank God because that’s what I need right now. Just someone to be kind to me. Plus, he’s easy on the eyes and I deserve a pretty view after my day from hell.
“Something that makes my current life choices feel justified.” I snort.
He arches a brow. “Dealer’s choice?”
“Surprise me.”
He grins, turns, and starts mixing. I watch him work, grateful for the distraction. He throws a glass, catches it, dances a little, and hums to the music. He’s in his element here, and I don’t miss the fact that alot of eyes are on him, watching him. Apparently, everyone is enjoying the view.
He slides a bright yellow and orange drink in front of me with a blue paper umbrella perched on the rim.
