“Not true. It’s just not as convenient as it used to be.”
“Yeah, yeah. Well, you owe me a beer now. Meet me over at Ball Busters.”
Fox hopped on his bike, and I followed him over to the pool hall next door to his tattoo parlor. We’d met up here a few times before, but it was more Fox’s scene than mine. I’d tended to frequent the sports bar when I lived in town.
I followed him inside, and we went to the bar to order a couple of beers. Fox nodded to a couple of guys sitting at a high-top near the pool tables. One had long, blond hair tuggedback in a messy bun, and the other had shorter, brown hair. He narrowed his eyes at Fox, not looking too pleased to see him.
Fox chuckled under his breath. “Sheriff doesn’t like me.”
I did a double-take. “That’s the new sheriff?”
“Yep. Don’t you know Dalton Harvey? He’s pretty famous around here.”
I shrugged. “I never get into trouble with the law.”
“Such a good boy.” Fox rolled his eyes. “Your mother must be so proud.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I said. “So, let me guess, the sheriff doesn’t like you because you’re a pain in the ass?”
Fox laughed. “If that were the problem, he wouldn’t be with Axel. That guy puts me to shame.”
“Axel is…”
Fox nodded toward the blond. “His gorgeous boyfriend, who I sorta offered a happy ending at the tattoo salon.”
“Fox!” I exclaimed, shocked.
He slid onto a barstool. “Relax. I didn’t know he was shacked up with Sheriff Harvey.” He paused. “Well, that’s not true. It’s just that Axel got around, you know? I didn’t expect Harvey to be the one to lock him down.”
“Well, he does have handcuffs,” I said.
Fox laughed. “Right? I guess that’s the secret.” He slapped the bar as the bartender approached. “Hey, Leo, get me a couple of beers of that new IPA you’ve got in.”
“Oh, so you get all fancy when I’m paying,” I said dryly, but I didn’t really mind. “I see how it is.”
Fox shrugged as Leo pulled our beers. “Wild Outlaw is good shit.”
“That’s what it’s called?” I chuckled. “Well, that’s fitting for you. Let’s hope the sheriff doesn’t have to arrest us.”
Leo glowered. “He better not. My bar has beentorn up enough. I only let Axel back in because he swore on Harvey’s badge that he’d behave.”
Fox raised his hands. “We’re not here for trouble. Besides, my cuz will keep me in line. He’s a stick in the mud.”
“Thanks a lot,” I said. “I wonder why I don’t come hang out more often?”
Fox chuckled. “Just kidding, man.” He picked up his beer and took a swallow. “Tell me what’s new. Do you really like it in Grannyville?”
I snorted. Grannyville was kind of an appropriate nickname. Iola was just one of several older ladies who ran around town getting into everyone’s business.
“It’s a great place to be in the dog business,” I said. “Lots of grooming work.”
“Yeah? That’s good, I guess.”
I nodded. “I’ve been organizing Dogtober Days, too.” Fox raised his eyebrows, so I clarified. “It’s a dog festival.”
“Jesus Christ, you’ve turned into one of those loons, haven’t you?”
I took a swig of my beer. It wasn’t bad. Maybe a little watered-down. At least I’d have no trouble driving home soon. “What if I have? It’s a cute town with nice people. Riverton could learn a thing or two from Granville.”
