Page 78 of Love or Tequila in Unexpected Places

“Tough life,” Allison whispered to herself, knowing Sandy wouldn’t hear over the bar’s noise. Louder, she said, “Yeah, you could say that.”

“Hard liquor, then?”

I shouldn’t, Allison thought instantly. She wasn’t much of a drinker and knew she’d regret it. But then again, if it was too much, she could just order an Uber and leave her car until morning.

Ah, fuck it.

She nodded.

Sandy grinned, a mischievous glint in her eyes that made Allison momentarily second-guess her decision to trust her so easily.

A minute later, Sandy placed a pink drink with a lemon slice on the edge in front of her. A quick sniff confirmed it was tequila.

“On the house, gorgeous,” Sandy said with yet another wink.

Two thoughts crossed Allison’s mind:What if it’s too strong?And,What if it’s not?

She had planned to have just one drink, but now she was reconsidering. If it was too strong, she could order something else—no one would know, and no one was pressuring her. On the other hand, if it wasn’t strong enough—unlikely, given her low alcohol tolerance—she might need a second.

Stop overthinking, Allison.

She took a small sip and cringed as it burned down her throat. She heard Sandy’s bright laugh somewhere in the background, though she couldn’t see her through the tears that blurred her eyes.

Jesus, that shitisstrong.

As Allison was about to order a glass of rosé—a compromise since it was wine but not her usual choice—the burn in her throat subsided, leaving behind a surprisingly pleasant, sweet taste.

Maybe that explains the pink?she thought.

“Um, Sandy?” Allison called out to the bartender, too curious about the drink to let it go. “What is this?”

“It’s tequila rose and cherry vodka, babe. I thought it’d be a good match for ya,” Sandy replied, a playful glint in her eyes as she noted Allison’s reaction.

“A good match?” Allison echoed, finding herself at a loss for words. She took another small sip, savoring the unusual combination.

“I can make any drink for anyone. I like matchin’ drinks to people,” Sandy explained, leaning in a little closer. “You’re sweet and shy, but I can see that bit of fire you’re hidin’ away. Hence, the pink drink that burns so good.” She shrugged casually, as if she hadn’t just hinted at something deeper within Allison.

Can this fire please come out anytime soon?Allison mused.I’d like to see it, too.

“You don’t even know me,” Allison replied, deflecting. She knew people often poured their hearts out to bartenders, but she wasn’t about to join their ranks. Her private life was going to stay just that—private.

“I saw that little interaction you had with Slimeball at the door. There was steel in your spine and fire in your eyes, sugar.”

Allison couldn’t help but feel a rush of warmth at Sandy’s words. If she wasn’t careful, she could fall for this woman, if only for how she made her feel about herself. Allison had always been a watcher, more comfortable with a book than with people. The only exception had been Amira, but she’d been stupid and lost her best friend.

“Ah ah, what did I say?” Sandy playfully scolded, pulling Allison back to the present.

“No overthinking in your bar.”

“That’s right. Now, if you didn’t like the drink, I can get you something else… though you’ve already downed half of it.”

Allison looked at her glass, realizing Sandy was right. She’d been so lost in thought she hadn’t noticed how much she’d drunk. The burn was almost gone now as she took yet another sip.

“Thanks, I’m good. I actually really like this,” Allison said, and she meant it.

“See? Told ya it’d be a good match. Enjoy yourself, sweetheart. You deserve it,” Sandy said with a smile before another customer caught her attention, pulling her away. She moved like a spark of energy, lighting up the room around her.

As Allison’s thoughts began to settle, she realized something she hadn’t picked up on earlier.

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