Page 60 of Smokey's Distraction
“I don’t think they do on Sundays, but they have this old-fashioned jukebox with an amazing selection.”
Ashley switched on the ignition and drove out of the parking lot.
An hour later, the two women sat at the bar with their drinks in front of them. Ashley ordered a blackberry margarita, and Nicole picked up her frozen pineapple daiquiri and took a sip.
“This is good,” she said as she put the drink back on the counter. “I love it. I’m surprised this is only the second time you’ve been here.”
“I’ve been so busy at work. And besides, it’s not that fun to go to a bar alone. If you lived here, we’d be at Blue’s Belly once a week for sure.”
“I love the layout and décor.”
“Mr. Sexy renovated the place. He’s good friends with the owner.”
Nicole swiveled around on the bar stool. “I’m impressed. He’s got an eye for design, and he did a kick-ass job.” She poked Ashley’s shoulder, giggling. “Now you’ve got another reason for indulging in an affair with your boss.”
Ashley laughed. “You’re so bad.”
“Would you like another drink?” the bartender asked.
“I’ll have another. Your daiquiris are the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot of them.” A peal of laughter broke through Nicole’s lips.
“Thanks,” the handsome man drawled and glanced at Ashley. “What about you?” There was a biting edge in his tone that surprised her.
“No thanks. Is Whitney here?”
“She called in sick. Are you two friends?” There it was again.
“I met her the last time I was here.”
“I remember you.”
Nodding, she turned away and looked over in the corner of the room to find Brady Shelling sitting with Gage. It looked like the director of the homeless shelter was arguing with the handyman. The younger guy kept pounding his fist on the table, and Brady’s face was red and blotchy as he pushed the table toward Gage.
“He’s cute,” Nicole said.
“Who?” Ashley turned toward her friend.
“The bartender. I’m a sucker for a dark-haired guy with dreamy eyes. What do you think?”
“He’s okay, but not really my type. And he’s not all that friendly.”
Nicole smiled. “He is to me. If I were staying a few days more, I’d lay it on thick and snag myself a date with him.”
“I’m sure he’ll be around the next time you visit.” She looked back over to the corner table. “I know those two guys.”
“Where?”
“The corner table to the right.”
Nicole craned her neck to see them. “They’re not bad looking. Who are they?”
“One works at the shelter I volunteer at, and the other one came over yesterday to help Mark at the house. His name is Gage, and he’s a bit creepy.” A shudder ran through her.
“He looks sort of goofy, and the shelter guy looks pissed as hell.”
Ashley nodded. “He does. I wonder how they know each other?”
“Why don’t you ask them?”
