Page 63 of The Bluffing Game

“I just want you to know one thing: this is not a date.”

“What? You and me?” He frowns. “I didn’t think it was a date. I’m just here, having a drink, and you are …”

“No, I mean, Chad and me, the guy over there.”

“Okay? I’m confused.”

“I’m saying, yes, this was a date, but I didn’t know Chad was, well, as old as he is.” I cross my arms. “Anyway, I don’t really owe you an explanation, but I didn’t want you sitting there, looking at me, thinking I was on this date by choice with this old-ass man.”

“Sure, Sage.”

“I mean, I knew I didn’t have to explain any of this to you.” I sigh. “I just didn’t want you to think that I was such a person. He lied to me on the app. Anyway, I know I’m not making sense, and I don’t want to be rude to Chad, even though he doesn’t really deserve my politeness, since he lied to me.”

“I see. He lied, huh?”

“What are you doing here anyway?” I ask.

There’s a twisted smile on his face as he looks at me.

“Like I said, I’m having a drink.”

“You’re having a drink at the same place I happen to be.”

“Coincidences happen all the time in life, and this isn’t a big town. How would I have known you would be here?”

“Yeah, I suppose that’s true. Why do you look like you want to laugh?”

“I just think it’s really funny that we’re both here at the same time, but you seem to be spending more time with me than your actual date.”

“I’m not spending time with you. I just …”

“It’s going to make me think that you wish I were your date instead.”

“I do not wish you were my date instead, Dalton, far from it.”

“If you say so.” He offers me a grin. “Good luck.”

“I don’t need luck. I just …”

He leans forward and kisses me on the cheek.

“What was that for?”

“That was to inspire you to have the best evening ever.”

“You’re weird.”

“You’re only just realizing that?” he says with a wink. “Try not to have too much fun with Grandpa. Unless you love wrinkly balls.”

“You suck, Dalton Leone.” I can’t stop myself from giggling. “And with that, I’m off to let down your look-alike.” I smirk. “I bet looking at him is like looking in the mirror, huh?”

Chapter 18

DALTON

“The two new girls seem to be doing well.” Jimmy the Fish eyes me over a shot of whiskey. “Seems like they’ve always been here.”

“Yes, Rosie and Sage are good additions to the team.” I down the whiskey from my seat at the bar and look over at them as they greet customers and take orders. “Don’t tell Lucia I said that though, or it will go to her head.”