Page 97 of Daddy By Design

Murray gave me a bright smile. “Got a date, Miss Dahlia?” Then he frowned. “Not that man from the other day.”

“Don’t like Nolan?”

He shook his head.

“Why?” Surprised that I felt the need to defend him, I didn’t say more.

“A man should take the time to hold doors for a lady. And definitely shouldn’t be so gruff with others.”

“Not everyone can be as sweet as you, Murray.” I patted his arm. “But no. I’m just going to meet my friends at Lonegan’s.”

“Oh. Well, enjoy yourself. But you’re sure not dressed for just a night out with the girls.”

“C’mon, Murray. Us women don’t only dress up for a man. We do it for ourselves too.”

“You’re right.” Chagrined, he took my hand between his. “My Katie would have my head for that one.”

I leaned forward and kissed his cheek lightly. “We won’t tell her. Now I’m off to shit talk with my girlfriends.”

Murray threw his head back. “You have a good time. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I waved and headed across the street to the median. The air was oppressive, and the sun was still blasting since the days were getting longer. I crossed the second half of the four lanes and spotted Avery climbing out of her Subaru.

“Hey!”

“Mind if I crash?” She grinned as she met me at the door.

“Not at all.”

She looked me over. “Were we supposed to be dressing up?”

“No. Just was feeling frumpy.”

Not that Avery could look bad if she tried. She was wearing her work khaki shorts and a black Designing Women polo with her hair up in a high ponytail.

She gave me a knowing smile and flipped my hair over my shoulder. “Since when does frumpy come with beard burn?”

I opened the door. “Yeah, that’s a story that requires an adult beverage.”

“Oh, I like those stories.”

TJ waved from a booth at the back. I waved at Colder, the bartender, and he nodded. The nice part of a neighborhood bar was getting good service because they actually liked you.

Avery slid in beside TJ and I took the other side, my back to the room.

TJ was wearing a similar uniform to Avery. “How come I didn’t get the dress cute memo?”

I laughed. “I needed a shower after work.”

TJ leaned back, crossing her arms. “And why is that?”

Avery mirrored her. “Yeah, why?”

Cordelia, one of our usual waitresses, came over. “Hey, guys. What can I get you?”

I smiled up at her. “Saved.”

Cordie sat on the bench beside me. “Saved from what? Do we have goss?”

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