Page 26 of Love Off Script

“Hey, buddy. You’re killing it!” He grabbed the bartender’s hand and pulled him over the counter halfway for a weird bro-hug.

“We could use some more help, but I like what I’m seeing from the staff so far.” He let Matrix go and whipped out a rag to wipe up the mess in front of me. When his dark eyes locked on mine, he smiled brightly. “Hey, pretty lady, what can I do for you?”

“Who says I’m a lady?” I didn’t even care if he was flirting for tips. He didn’t know me or how I identified, so his reference was insensitive.

“I’m sorry, miss. I didn’t mean anything by it.” He slung the towel over his shoulder and looked at Matrix.

“It’s okay. But you want to make sure the customers feel comfortable. And you should never assume their gender.” Matrix was a good person. Even though he identified as he/him and looked like a typical “guys-guy,” I appreciated his ability to break the stereotype by being perceptive.

“Oh, sure, boss. I didn’t know.” He seemed genuinely apologetic, but the “boss” comment took me off guard.

“No worries. But being inclusive is always something to think about.” Matrix tapped his temple, and the bartender nodded before turning to me.

“Definitely. What would you like to drink, beautiful person?”

I stared at him, still annoyed, and realized it wasn’t just the lady part that bothered me so much—it was the reference to my looks. But that shouldn’t be surprising, considering it was coming from someone full of testosterone.

I wanted to scold him, but I'd let that slide if he focused on embracing diversity. “I’ll have a vodka tonic, please.”

“And for you, mate?” He looked at Matrix, and I was impressed with how quickly he picked up on it.

“I’ll do the same. And thanks again. I appreciate your effort… with everything.” Matrix offered him a high-five, which he slapped hard before going to work on our order. “I’m sorry if he offended you.”

“Nah. I’m just pissy. A lot has happened today.” I waved it off, but I was pleased that Matrix stood up for me.

He bumped my shoulder. “What’s up?”

TBJ returned with our drinks and set them down quickly to help serve the rest of the mob.

“Why did he call you boss?” I took a sip through the tiny straw.

“Why did you ignore my question?”

“Why are you ignoring mine?” I countered, and our laughter filled the air.

“How about this? Tell me one reason you’re upset, and I’ll answer you. A little tit for tat, if you will.” He downed half of his drink in one gulp while awaiting my response.

I swirled the ice in my glass before finally summoning the courage to speak. “Shiloh pulled out, so I guess the pepper thing is on.” I gave him a side-eye to see his reaction, and he appeared… disappointed, maybe.

“I’m really sorry, Caz. I know how much you were into helping her.” He patted my forearm, and I wondered why he was comforting me about that instead of the fact that I would have to swallow the flames of hell.

“It’s okay. I’m more worried about burning my stomach lining.” I chuckled, and he rolled his eyes.

“You don’t always have to make jokes with me. You can talk to me seriously.” He finished his beverage and pushed it away.

“What? I was telling the truth.”

He tilted his head and stared. “Are you going to play dumb right now?”

I wasn’t playing. I was perplexed. “You’ll have to explain because I’m not picking up what you’re laying down.”

“You’re upset that you don’t get to help Shorty because you liked her. She was the first person you hung out with when you didn’t have to. You even protected her over doing your job, which I’ve never seen you do.” He narrowed his eyes to drive home his point. “But I didn’t even mind because I was happy you had made a friend. I’m awesome, but you need someone other than me around.” He nudged me with his elbow, and I leaned into him.

“You’re right. I saw a kindred spirit in her, but she’s too sweet for her own good. I wanted to make sure she had the tools to protect herself from those who might exploit that vulnerability.”

“Are you sure that’s all it was?”

“What are you getting at?” I didn’t know where his line of questioning was going, but I wished he would come right out with it.

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