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She wrinkled her nose and frowned. “What?”

How was I going to tell her I had been watching her for months without sounding like I was a stalker or something? “I noticed you a few times. The club likes to hang out here.”

“Oh.” She nodded and tucked her hair behind her ear. “I never noticed.”

“You would have to look at something besides your feet to notice anyone,” I jested.

“Eyes down so no one makes eye contact. It’s worked the past five years.”

“Until yesterday,” I quipped.

She tipped her head to the side and smiled. “Yes, until yesterday.”

“Have a drink with me,” I offered. “Maybe play a game or two of pool.”

“I, uh, well, you see…” she stammered.

“One beer, one game of pool,” I bargained.

She glanced behind me at the stairs that led to her escape.

“Let’s start with the beer, and if you still want to take off up those stairs, then I won’t stop you.” I wasn’t going to let her run just yet. Last night, I had her for a few minutes; tonight, I was shooting for at least twenty minutes.

She chewed on her bottom lip and glanced around. “I don’t drink, but I’ll take a Coke.”

Hell yes.

Chapter Four

Mary Jay

Why was I doing this? I should have told Hail no and ran up my stairs.

But, no. Instead, I agreed, and now I was sitting on a wonky barstool while the bartender poured me a Coke.

“Where do you work?” Hail asked.

“Cranston Produce in the warehouse. Second shift.” Four to midnight Sunday through Thursday, I worked my butt off and then walked through the doors of Dive Inn like clockwork every night.

“You like it?”

The bartender set my soda in front of me and a fresh beer in front of Hail. “Well, it pays my bills, so I guess I like it.” I didn’t know anyone who actually loved their job. I didn’t have a problem working at the warehouse, but if there was a way for me to make money and not have to work there, you can bet your butt I would do it as long as it was legal.

Hail nodded and took a sip of his beer. “What else do you like to do?” he asked.

“Is this an interview?” I laughed.

“Getting to know each other, babe.”

“With only you asking the questions?” Didn’t seem very fair. “And why would you want to get to know me?”

“Well, I think that was you asking two questions right in a row.”

I rolled my eyes. “Are you going to answer them?”

“Three questions,” he muttered.

I flattened my lips and turned slightly toward him.

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