“Yeah, and I know you. You’d never act like him, no matter the provocation, so that’s a bullshit response. If you’re so worried about turning out like that piece of shit, why are you spending two hours at a bar?”
“Maybe he likes the ambiance,” Calvin suggested apologetically.
“Exactly,” I said. “My house is fine, but it’s quiet. I don’t want to talk to anybody, but it’s nice having other people around.”
“There will be people at my house.”
“I’ve already got plans,” I repeated.
“At the Firelight Tavern?”
“Yes.”
Dusty’s smile turned wicked, which made me suspicious.
“That’s what I hoped you’d say.”
“Why?”
“Have you gone to the Tavern on a Friday night?”
“No. Is it really busy?”
He made a noncommittal sound, but his eyes danced.
“If you’re not coming to our dinner party…”
“I’m not.”
“Then you should definitely go to Firelight and tell us all about it on Monday.”
Calvin grinned broadly.
“Agreed,” he smirked. “I might convince my friends we should go there instead of driving into the city. The Firelight is pretty fun on a Friday night.”
Their matching maniacal grins made me nervous, but how bad could it be?
I should have gone to the damned dinner.
It was open-mic night at the Firelight, which wasn’t as bad as karaoke, but only because there was less audience participation.
“Hey there, soldier,” Neil greeted me when I finally snagged a stool at the bar. “Didn’t expect to see you here tonight. It’s busier than you like. Dani’s currently changing out a keg in the back.”
“Is it always this busy on Fridays?”
“Yep. People love it.” He smirked. “You should get something stronger unless you’re going to get into it with Beau.”
“What’s he doing here?” I growled.
Neil shrugged.
“We’re the only bar in town. There’s a bigger one in the next county, but since he’s getting shit-faced every night, it’s probably safer for everyone if he doesn’t drive far.”
My brows creased.
“He’s been here all week?”
Dani hadn’t said a word.
