Page 84
His eyes lit up. “No, I’ll take a pint of Bud Light.”
I pulled his draft and set it in front of him.
He lifted the glass in mock salute, but spoke before sipping it. “Miss Mickayla, you got to let us regulars know when it’s gonna be bike night around here.”
I nodded. “That’s a great suggestion. This wasn’t planned though. Do bike nights bother you?”
He shook his head after taking a generous swig and swallowing. “No, but not having my regular spot does.”
I lowered my voice. “I’m sorry, Duane. These men probably won’t be here much longer.”
A few minutes later, while I shook up a margarita, Tiny caught my eyes. I moved toward him.
“What’s that guy’s deal?” he asked in a low voice.
“End of the bar?” I asked.
He nodded.
I shook my head. “He’s been coming in for months now. He doesn’t have a deal.”
Tiny cocked a brow. “He ever gives you a bad vibe, use a bat.”
“Not a gun?” I asked.
“No. He seems wily, but he won’t expect you to be good with a bat like I taught you.”
I chuckled and poured the margarita into a salt-lined glass. “I’ll keep that in mind, but he’s harmless.”
A familiar looking man with a military haircut grabbed a stool at the bar, smiling huge at me. It took a beat, but I realized it was Killian’s best friend from Biloxi, who’d joined the Navy and found himself stationed in Jacksonville.
“Hey, Colton! What are you doing here?” I asked, putting a coaster down in front of him.
“I’m here for cold beer and some good food. Kill says you serve both here.”
I nodded. “We do. You know, there’s an open table in Killian’s section.”
Colton grinned - it was almost devious. “Yeah, and I see him all the time since he’s been bunking with me. I never see you.”
I chuckled. “This is true. Do you want a draft beer?”
“If you got an IPA on tap, I’ll take that, a cheeseburger, and some advice.”
“Advice?” I turned my head a touch. “Secret menu items come at a premium price.”
He nodded. “It’ll be worth it since I need a woman’s advice about my sister.”
My head reared back. “Your sister - isn’t she in Biloxi? Not sure I can help you much.”
“She moved out here three years ago.”
“Wow. That’s cool.”
He quirked his lips to the side. “It would be, if it weren’t for who she’s dating.”
My eyes widened. “Let me get your beer. From the look on your face, and the tone of your voice - you’re gonna need it.”
I put in his burger order and pulled a pint for him. If it weren’t for Killian learning about me and Tundra earlier today, I’d think he might have put Colton up to this.
