“Text me when you get home?” she asked.
“Yep, I will. In the meantime, let’s enjoy what time we have together.”
We grabbed our things and roamed around a bit, making our way to the back of the bar where the games were. It was standing room only, but there were some darts happening as well as pool. I was no pool shark, but I enjoyed a game of darts now and then. As I stood watching a game take place, I made eye contact with one of the guys playing, and he smiled.
“Wanna play?” he asked when he got closer.
He was cute. He had striking blue eyes and short light brown hair that was almost shaven on the sides and stuck up a bit on top. He had the look of a guy who knew he was good-looking butwasn’t cocky about it. Just confident. Since he was in jeans and a hoodie, it was hard to gauge his age, but I placed him around mine.
“Sure,” I said.
Next thing I knew I was three drinks in and four games ahead of my opponent, whose name was Garrett. His friends were invested in our tournament, betting on me to come out ahead.
My phone buzzed against my ass.
“Your friend taking off?” Garrett asked.
“Uh, yeah, she’s meeting up with someone.” Looking around, I decided it might be time I headed out as well. I didn’t want to give Garrett the wrong idea by hanging out too late with him. There had been a passing hand on my back here and there, and it wasn’t what I was looking for tonight. “I think I’m gonna head out myself. It was nice meeting you, Garrett. Thanks for letting me play.” He shook my outstretched hand as his smile faltered.
I reached for my coat and bag and started for the front of the bar. As I maneuvered through the crowd, I knew he was following me.
“Maryellen,” he said as he reached for my hand to stop me. I pivoted toward him and saw his lips turn into an adorable smile. “Can I at least get your number?”
He was hard to say no to, and there was no harm in exchanging numbers. Once we did, he continued walking me to the door.
“How are you getting home? I mean, since you’re alone,” Garrett said.
“I’ve called an Uber.”
The entrance was crowded with people waiting to get in and trying to leave. The crowd pushed against us, so Garrett pulled us both out the main door onto the sidewalk.
“What are you doing? It’s freezing out here and you don’t have a coat,” I said.
“I didn’t even wear one, I don’t live far. Besides, there’s no way I’m letting you wait out here alone for your car.”
Huh, maybe he was more of a nice guy than I gave him credit for. Looking at the app on my phone, my car should arrive in two minutes.
“Tonight was fun, I’m glad you asked me to play,” I said.
He pulled his hood over his head as a genuine smile spread across his face.
“It was fun. And you’re scary good at darts. I’m gonna get my ass chewed out when I go back in there, ya know, but it was worth it. Maybe we can do this again? Can I use that number you gave me and actually call you?”
He reached out and pulled the hood of my coat over my head, making sure to tuck my long hair in as well.
“Maryellen?”
That voice.
Garrett and I both turned at the sound of my name.
I couldn’t believe he was here. What were the chances?
“Maryellen, what are you doing here?” he asked. “And who is this?” His gaze went to Garrett’s hand as it left the side of my cheek.
I froze as I stared at him. Because he had some nerve asking me what he just asked, considering his hand was attached to someone else’s. Some red-haired girl I’d never seen before. She looked more uncomfortable than I did at his questions. As well as his tone.
Garrett must have sensed my nervousness, because he grabbed hold of a finger on my right hand and tugged it gently. As if trying to let me know he was there for me.
