“She used to let loose.” Roman didn’t need to open his wallet to see the image of Sadie grinning and striking her Madonna pose. He’d looked at that image of her so many times over the years that he had it memorized. “We went to a movie once and she tossed Reese’s Pieces and popcorn in the air and caught them with her mouth. Never seen a woman laugh so hard at something so simple.”
“We never did movies. My girl prefers the theater.”
“When’s the last time you took her to a show?”
The guy got a distant look on his face. “I have no idea.”
You know what, maybe what Sadie needed in her life were some Reese’s Pieces and popcorn she could toss in her mouth.
It made no real sense, but then again, what part of relationships made any sense?
Roman tossed enough cash on the bar to pay his tab and stood. “I’m probably making a huge mistake, but I’m going to grab a Lyft and go buy candy and popcorn.”
The guy lifted his glass. “I hope you get to share it with her.”
“You figure maybe you should buy some theater tickets?” Roman asked.
“You know, I was just thinking that wouldn’t be a bad idea.” The guy ran his fingertip around the lip of his cup. Then he climbed from his stool and paid his own tab.
“What if she won’t go with me?” he asked.
“Send her with a friend?” Roman suggested.
“Make it about her.” He nodded. “Maybe that’s where I fucked up. I thought the purses were all about her, but…” He shook his head.
Roman got it. He did. And maybe if he could help Sadie be happy, they’d have a chance. Even if they didn’t, she’d be happy and, well, that would have to be enough.
“Hey Rome?” Brek called.
Roman did a chin lift toward his friend. “Yeah?”
“Eli’s down a bartender over at Eats and he texted an SOS. How are you with slinging drinks?”
“I’ve never slung drinks, but I learn quick.”
“It’s my understanding that Eli’s wife and a certain group of friends are hanging out over there tonight.”
“Yeah?”
“I’m headed that way. You want to help us out tonight?” Brek did a series of fist bumps with the other bartender.
Oh boy, did he ever.
“It was nice to meet you,” he said to his new friend. “I’m Roman, by the way.”
The guy held a hand out to Roman with his business card. “Rex.”
“Good luck with your girl, Rex.”
Chapter Seventeen
With her head resting in her hand and her elbow on one of the cocktail-height tables in the lounge area near the bar of Eli’s restaurant, Sadie ran her free hand through her hair. “We could play a round of hot or not, boxers or briefs?”
“Alternatively, you two could help me out until Brek shows up.” Eli came up behind Marlee where she sat with Luke snug against her chest in his baby carrier. Eli set his hands on Marlee’s shoulders to give her an impromptu massage.
“Who didn’t show up?” Marlee glanced at him over her shoulder.
“Both new bartenders are MIA.” Eli glared at the bar area where they should’ve been. “Brek said he’d help out. He’s on his way.”
