Page 22 of Stay

I chose this place because it’s not too romantic, and not too dive bar-ish. It’s also my comfort zone. “Their brick oven flatbreads are decent. The gyros are massive. My favorite is the crab imperial stuffed chicken breast.”

“Wow.” She gawks at the menu. “They really do have a bit of everything here, huh?” Her brows knit as she studies both sides of the laminated menu.

“Welcome to the Screaming Pelican. Can I start you off with some drinks?” The waitress looks up and smiles. “Oh, hi, Cole.”

“Hey, Mandy.”

“You want a Modelo draft. Tall?”

“Yup.”

“You got it.” She looks expectantly at Haley. “And for you?”

“Um, I guess I’ll have the….” Her gaze flicks over to the bar specialties and she frowns. “Root beer.”

“Sure thing. You guys want any appetizers?”

I raise my eyebrows, letting Haley know she can decide for us.

“Loaded nachos, please.”

As Mandy writes that down, I take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous Haley is. She also seems nervous, which is kind of cute. “Do you know what you want to order, Angel?”

Her old honorific makes her gaze lock on mine. “Umm. Yes?”

I tip my head at Mandy, signaling Haley to tell her what she wants.

“Can I have the buffalo chicken flatbread pizza. Blue cheese and carrots on the side. And a house salad with vinaigrette.”

“Absolutely.” Mandy turns to me next. “You want your usual?”

“As if you even have to ask.”

Mandy sticks her pen back in her hair and walks away.

Haley and I stare at each other, and the restaurant noises become muffled. The auburn headed, hourglass figured bombshell from my past is all I see, hear, and want.

I’ve made a spreadsheet of all the clients we need to invite to this stupid holiday party, and I got all the answers to Haley’s questions she sent through text. If this “date” turns into a business meeting, I’m prepared. If it morphs into something romantic, I’m also prepared.

“So…” Haley unfolds her napkin and places it on her lap. “Have you thought about what you want for your holiday party?”

Business it is.

“We have about fifty clients and twenty employees to invite.”

“Spouses too?”

“Yeah, but no kids.”

Haley digs through her huge bag, pulls out a notebook, and jots things down. “Theme?”

“Don’t care. Just not too Christmas-y or anything. Keep it neutral.”

“Of course. Winter Wonderland with snow and ice, okay?”

“Yeah. That works.” My boss won’t even notice, anyway. He only cares about the bar and talking his head off to everyone.

“Budget?”

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