“Could I get a vodka soda?” I asked the bartender.
He nodded and spun around, grabbing the bottles of liquor off the shelf to mix the drink.
Hayden appeared at my side. “Hey.”
“Hi.” I tilted my head to look at him. “Keenan’s buying. Better take advantage of it while you can,” I teased.
Keenan’s head whipped toward me. “Hold on now, woman. I said I’d buy youonedrink.”
“It was worth a shot,” I half whispered, half giggled at Hayden. “Maybe if you hurry, he won’t notice.”
“I heard that, Sierra!” Keenan protested, crossing his arms in mock disapproval.
“Just get me a Coors Banquet. I’ll be over there,” Hayden whispered in my ear, pointing toward a table near the back where the rest of the group was hanging out.
“Anything else for you?” The bartender slid my drink across the counter.
“Can I also get a Coors Banquet? That’ll be it. It’ll be on his tab.” I tilted my head toward Keenan.
“You got it.”
Once I grabbed the drinks, Keenan and I headed back to the table the group was at.
“Here’s your beer, good sir,” I joked as I handed it to Hayden.
“Why, thank you, milady.” He winked before cracking it open and taking a long drink.
“Sierra’s back, boys!” Mikey raised up his can of beer. “A toast.”
I exchanged a curious glance with Hayden, and he shook his head as if to say,Just go with it.
Mikey cleared his throat, lowering his voice so it sounded more official. “Here’s to kicking ass here in Pendleton and bringing home the hardware!”
“And here’s to having Sierra and Keenan here with us,” Ellison added, her gaze floating over the two of us.
“Cheers!” Everyone raised their drinks and clinked them together, a little bit of beer splashing on the table, but all seven pairs of eyes were sparkling and bright.
“How about a game of pool, fellas?” Colter stood, patting the table with one hand. “How are we splitting teams here?”
“Nose goes for whoever has to pair with Mikey,” Jake blurted, tapping his finger to his nose.
“Hey! That’s not fair!” Mikey protested as he crossed his arms over his chest.
Reid tapped his nose next, and Colter followed.
Jake let out a loud cackle. “Sorry, Hayden, looks like you’re stuck with him.”
“Think I’ll actually sit this one out.” He winked at me. “Guess it’s all you, Colt.”
Reid shrugged. “Suit yourself.” The four boys and Ellison moved over to the pool table, leaving me, Hayden, and Keenan at the table.
“Not a big pool guy?” Keenan asked, nudging Hayden with his elbow.
Hayden took a swig of his drink, shaking his head with a smirk on his face. “Not a big fan of constantly losing because of Mikey.”
Keenan nodded in understanding, shooting me a wink as he said, “I’m more of a Beerio Kart guy anyway.”
Both Hayden and I groaned.
