Page 30 of Daddies' Little Troublemaker

“Surprise us!” Sawyer says.

This doesn’t look like the place where they make really fancy shots with extra frilly garnishes. Which is good, because I wouldn’t be able to afford more than a single round if that were the case. The bartender, a slight woman with dyed-black hair and dark lipstick, has an unlit cigarette hanging from the corner of her mouth. She looks me up and down as I approach. “What’ll it be?”

I ask for three shots of vodka. She pours them, I pay, and then I’m back to my friends, setting a glass in front of each of them before sitting down.

It’s quiet for a minute while all three of us stare at each other, but then we burst into laughter.

“Gods that was awkward,” Maya says.

“Sorry, it’s just so weird—but cool!—to see you two again,” I say. “Shall we toast our reunion?”

“Our reunion,” they both echo, wearing smiles as we down our shots.

“So, why this place?” I ask.

“It’s close to where we live. And nobody hits on us here,” Sawyer says with a grin.

“That’s because there’s nobody here,” I say, looking around the nearly-empty bar.

“More people come during the week,” Sawyer says, “and it’ll pick up later. There’s lots of blue-collar workers who just want a beer and a game of pool. There’s no pick-up culture and we’ve made some friends.”

“That’s amazing,” I say.

“Just a strange little corner of Hillside,” Maya murmurs. “So, tell us what’s up with you. Why are you in town? Long visit, I hope?”

My heart warms at the thought that she wants me to stick around. I feel bad for losing touch with them in college. “Well, I was engaged, and he cheated. Then I got laid off from the private school where I was teaching. So I need to stay with my dad for a little while. It’s embarrassing, but there it is.”

“Nothing embarrassing about taking help when you need it.” Maya nods to emphasize her point. “Sometimes it’s harder to do that than fail on your own.”

“You’re right,” I say, appreciating her nonjudgmental view because unfortunately, I’ve been judging myself hard for the past few weeks.

A man and woman walk into the bar. They split off from each other so the woman can set up a pool table and he can order drinks.

When I turn back to my friends, Maya and Sawyer are holding hands.

Oh. I’m a third wheel. Smiling, I say, “Wait a minute, when did this happen?”

The two exchange a secretive look.

“Just a couple of months ago,” Maya says.

“Yeah, I finally discovered I’m bi,” Sawyer adds. “Or maybe not bi, because Maya’s the only girl I’ve been attracted to.”

Maya gives her an air kiss. “Doesn’t matter what you are, as long as you’re mine.”

“Well, you two are hella cute together,” I say, genuinely happy for them.

“Thanks,” Sawyer says. “Now, tell us what’s going on with you. There’s got to be more to the story than your ex cheated.”

“I’ll need another shot for the rest of the story,” I say.

“On it,” Maya says, signaling the bartender as she goes to the bar.

“While we wait,” Sawyer says, “how’s your family? Is your sister still a bitch?”

I groan. “That’s what I need the shot for.”

“No,” she gasps.

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