Page 77 of Whiskey

“I did.” I paused then felt like I should explain myself. “We used to train like that back in Afghanistan. It was nothing I couldn’t handle.”

“I took a video! Can you show them, Ty?”

“I don’t think they need—”

“I’d like to see it,” Ivy interrupted me. I cleared my throat with discomfort as I brought the video up and handed her my phone.

“Jesus,” Ivy hissed, “that makes my knees go weak.” She continued to watch, and I looked around at the people coming and going. It was quieter than before but still busy. “That’s impressive.” She handed me back my phone. “I’m glad I wasn’t there.”

“Why?”

“If something happened…” She paused. “What if you fell?”

“Then you fall.” I shrugged as she looked at me. Even as I said it, I knew I sounded like an ass. I hated that I was shutting down inside. Daniel and Sue soon left with the younger kids, along with Abigail and Doc Roberts. We were still spread out along the table, and a few locals came by to talk to the wives and Keith.

“Doctor Ivy,” Olivia moved next to her, “I have an important question to ask you.”

“Oh?” Ivy turned to face her. “What’s that?”

“Remember my friend Milly who you met the other day when you and Mom picked me up at that birthday party?”

“I do.”

Really? This is happening now?

“Well, her father got divorced, and Milly and I thought since you’re so pretty and you’re not dating Ty like I thought,” my gaze flipped up to meet Ivy’s, “that maybe you could date him?”

“Oh,” her tone went up, “ah, well, that’s a very sweet offer, but I’ve never met the man, and I’m a bit scarred from my last blind date.” She chuckled uncomfortably.

“He’s really nice, though.” She leaned into Ivy. “He’s cute, but not like…” She looked at me, and I raised an eyebrow. “Just take this. It’s got his number on it.” She handed her a note, and Ivy nodded.

“Thanks for thinking of me.” Ivy smiled and popped the paper into her purse.

“Olivia, what are you doing?” Savannah called.

“Nothing, Mom.” She went back to sit next to her mother while I spun my beer glass between my fingers.

“Time.” Mike grinned as he suddenly hit the table in front of John. Ivy jumped at him.

“Three men came in. Two are sitting at the bar, and the other,” John thought for a moment, “went back to his car. Where a girl is waiting.”

Moore and I used to do this all the time.

“He went to the bathroom,” I cut in and took a sip of my beer.

“What did you see?” John seemed impressed.

“Three came in, two stayed at the bar the third started to head toward the car but spotted Ivy on his way out and circled back. He then went to his car where he’s now reading something on his phone.”

“Okay,” Mike started, but John held up a hand.

“What else?” He looked at me.

I kept my gaze on my glass as I envisioned the entire place like a movie playing out in front of me.

“There are seven cars in the lot. Two older couples are occupying the booths in the back. They keep the younger teens up front, I’m sure for Zack to keep a visual on. There’s a table of five guys, early twenties, who have had their attention tuned in to our table a little more than necessary.”

“I noticed that, too,” Cole grunted.

---