“I help them both out, especially recently. Chase’s assistant just left, and we haven’t hired a new one yet.”
I tried to play it off. But Garrett definitely picked up on the tension between Chase and me that night outside the bar. Once Chase saw me, we said nothing to one another. All he did was stand there and watch Garrett put me in my Uber. Thankfully, Garrett walked straight back into the bar without incident while Chase went on his way down the street.
I watched out the back window.
“Hmm,” Garrett said. And that was it.
This night took a turn, and I was making a mess with two guys now. This was a disaster. I was a disaster. Maybe I wasn’t meant to be with anyone. It was time for me to head home, sit in my cozy chair, read a book, and be content with that as my life.
“Maryellen, did you hear me?” Garrett asked.
“I’m sorry, could you repeat that?”
“I was wondering if you’d like to do something once we leave here.” His smile appeared hopeful as he reached across the table for my hand. “It sucks that it’s January, and the zoo and thegardens are closed, but we could head to this cool bar nearby, it’s a beer hall.”
I didn’t screw this up. My belly did a little dance as I smiled back at him across the table.
“That sounds great,” I told him.
“Yeah?” His response was adorable. Surprise mixed with complete joy. “Do you like beer? Because they have tons there, so many I haven’t tried them all yet.”
“I do like beer.”
His smile grew wider, if that was possible. He grabbed his wineglass and drained the contents, eager to get going.
“Let’s blow this popsicle stand,” he said.
His words made me chuckle as he stood from his chair. Joining him, I reached for my bag and coat. And proving to be the perfect gentleman, he came to my side and helped me with my coat.
“Shall we go?” He offered me his arm.
The bar was fun. We shared a couple flights, tasting a wide variety of beers. From chocolate-flavored to coffee-infused beers. Some were good and some were awful. Garrett made sure to finish the ones I didn’t like. And there was a musician playing in the corner and taking requests, which made the evening more enjoyable.
As the night wore on, my thoughts about you-know-who faded. I found myself laughing, singing, and becoming completely enraptured by Garrett. His smile warmed me, and I began to look forward to his occasional embraces.
“It’s kinda late,” he said, looking at his watch.
It was. I couldn’t believe it was almost two in the morning.
“What do you say I get you home.” He put my coat around my shoulders as he started typing on his phone, which I had to assume was to call a car.
The late hour suddenly hit me hard as I yawned and put my head on his shoulder. He held me against him, holding me up, as he walked us to the front of the bar.
“Staying out this late after working all day can be tough, I’m sorry,” he said as he wrapped his arms around me.
“I was having too much fun to go home,” I told him.
He kept me enveloped in his arms, protected from the cold, as we waited for the car on the street. It seemed so…ordinary.
With no drama.
Exactly what I needed.
“The car’s here,” he said.
Before I knew it, we were pulling up to my building. He asked the car to wait for him so he could walk me inside.
“I had a great time tonight, Maryellen.” He held my hand as we walked up the stairs to my floor. “I hope we can see each other again.”
