“Well, you picked a great night.” She points to the musicians on the stage. “The Franklin Trio is a huge draw. Folks are coming out in droves to dance tonight.”
I nod. “I can see that.”
“You want the usual? Vodka soda with two limes?”
“Hmmm. Not tonight.” I lean my elbows on the bar top and tilt my chin with purpose. “Tonight I want your best tequila. On the rocks. No salt, but with two limes.”
Janie raises her eyebrows. I don’t blame her. I’ve never ordered tequila in her bar before. Ever. What’s gotten into me?
“Did you score a big sale or something today? You out celebrating?”
I shake my head. “Naw. Just in the mood for something a little different.”
She smiles as if she understands. “Coming right up, Angel Face.”
I laugh at the nickname and swivel my stool so I’m facing the dance floor and the stage of musicians while she makes my drink. The music is thumping, and the dancers are moving in sync to the rhythm. I bob my head to the beat.
“Here you go, Keri.” Janie sets a short glass garnished with two rimmed limes on the coaster, and a tall glass of water next to it. This woman and her twin sister, Jenny, know me too well. I’m all about hydration. I watch her push up her long sleeves, revealing several colorful tattoos on her forearms. “You want to start a tab?”
I grin and raise my tequila in the air. “Sure. Why not? Happy Friday.”
Janie laughs. “Happy Friday.” She turns her attention to the couple next to me. I squeeze both limes into the short glass and take a quick sip. The alcohol burns my throat as I swallow. Even though this drink has zero carbs and fewer calories than most cocktails, I’d forgotten how potent it is. I need to take it slow.
The music shifts into a bluesy, soulful rendition of “Tennessee Whiskey.” I sway on my stool and look out at the packed dance floor of couples clearly having a good time. That’s when I spot Adam dancing with the cute, young waitress from Jenny’s café. My initial impulse is to stare. It’s a primal reaction, like watchinga car crash. I can’t look away. I’m transfixed watching him, his strong arms wrapped tightly around her midriff. His long hair obscuring his profile, pressed against her cheek. The way his hips move seductively to the sexy rhythm of the song.
My mouth goes dry. I gulp my drink, eyes stinging. Shock pins me to my barstool. I can’t move. Paralyzed, I watch him dance with this woman. My inner dialogue screams, “That should be me!” Regret creeps in. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all?
“You want another?” Janie asks from over my shoulder.
“Sure,” I reply, unable to look at her. I can’t. My eyes are fixated on my California dream imploding on the dance floor.
The song ends. Couples pull apart and clap for the talented musicians. The lead singer announces a break and says they’ll be back in fifteen minutes. Everyone disperses to tables and the bar for fresh drinks as canned music fills the room. I watch Adam palm the pretty waitress’s shoulder, lean in, and say something that makes her laugh. She grins, nods, and goes one way. He goes the other way.
Straight toward me.
I stiffen in my seat, my back erect and my hand clenching my fresh drink dripping with condensation. Once he recognizes me, he stops in his tracks. His caramel irises latch onto mine for a few beats. I expect him to smile, or for him to make a wisecrack about my casual clothes. But he just stares. I watch the strongcolumn of his throat move in a heavy swallow as he tucks his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. He slowly continues toward me, the couple next to me conveniently vacating their stools as if right on cue. I couldn’t have planned it any better myself.
“Is this seat taken?” A wolfish grin takes over his entire face as he stands near me. I can feel heat emanating from his hard body.
“No,” I squeak. I blink my eyes rapidly and pat the empty seat next to me. “Won’t you please join me? I’d like to buy you a drink. As an apology for my earlier behavior. I’m sorry I took off like that.”
Adam doesn’t say a word and hoists himself onto the stool, his jean-clad legs spread wide. He sets his cell phone on the bar as I motion to Janie, and she nods. Clearing the earlier couple’s empty glasses and wiping down the polished wood in front of him, she asks, “What can I get you? Another soda water?”
He grins, pushing his long hair back from his chiseled jawline. “That’d be great, Janie.”
I lift my index finger. “And please put it on my tab, okay?”
Janie nods and offers me a cockeyed grin. “You got it.” She’s quick with the bubbly water, using a soda gun from behind the bar right in front of us, and sets it on the coaster.
“Thanks,” Adam says.
“You’re welcome.” She looks at me. “You good?”
I lift my full glass and smile. “Perfect. Thanks, Janie.” We both watch her walk off to fill numerous drink orders for her floor staff.
Adam swivels in his seat and holds up his glass, his baritone voice causing butterflies to flutter in my tummy. “Cheers to the prettiest girl in the room.”
My cheeks heat as I clink my glass with his. “Oh, now I’m pretty?”
