Page 17 of Wine Whiskey & Lipstick

Cat had been eyeing the dance floor since the moment they arrived. After several more shots of liquid courage, she was ready. “Let’s go mix it up with the locals, ladies!”

Chapter 8

Frank’s was packed when Ben and Lucas walked inside. They were so close to people they were almost shoulder to shoulder and, in some cases, had to turn sideways just to maneuver through the crowd.

“Who the hell are all these folks?” Ben directed the question more so to himself than Lucas.

He could see his brother’s mouth moving but couldn’t hear him, not with the music blaring so loud. He cupped his ear. “What?”

Ben shook his head. “Never mind.” He recognized some of the regulars who frequented the place on Friday nights, but there were quite a few faces he couldn’t place. Ben heard that there were new people in town due to a roadway and bridge being built in the next city over, but he hadn’t seen too many of them. More strangers meant moremenlurking around their sister. But where else would they go? Frank’s was the only place in a twenty-mile radius where people could come and unwind from a long week. That also meant he and Lucas would be on-site to make sure Selah made it home safely. She might see it as being overprotective and unnecessary, but whether Selah wanted their protection or not, she was going to get it.

Lucas yelled over to Ben. “We’re going to have a helluva time trying to locate Selah.”

“Yeah, looks like it. Her shift should be ending soon. Hopefully, we’ll get lucky and snag her so we can get the hell out of here.”

The bartender recognized them immediately as they inched their way toward the bar. He threw up a hand and waved them over. “Yo, Ben. Lucas. What’s up?”

Both men acknowledged Cliven with a smile and a nod as they glanced about the place. Ben said, “Busy tonight.”

“Yeah. Almost too busy.” Cliven laughed. “Tips are good, though. How about a couple of drinks? They’re on the house.” He’d known Ben and Lucas since childhood and knew their favorite drinks. He passed each of them a shot of whiskey. “Looking forward to the barbecue on Sunday.”

“Thanks, man. Looking forward to it too,” Ben lied as he tossed back his drink. “Should be a good time. You seen Selah?”

“I had her in my sights most of the night, but it’s been crazy. She was serving those ladies who just bought the old Steele Orchard a little bit ago.”

Lucas perked up and joined the conversation. “I heard about them. You meet ‘em yet?”

“Not face-to-face, but I got a good look at them from a distance.”

“What do you think?”

Cliven whistled. “I ain’t gonna lie. They’re hot. All three of ‘em, but they’re also like what you’d expect someone from New York to be at a place like Frank’s.” He laughed. “Fish out of water.”

“You said they were hot, though?” Lucas asked again.

“Yeah. They are definitely good-looking women. If they’re single, they won’t be for long. Every guy in the place has tried to hit on them.”

“Really? It’s like that?” Lucas was intrigued. “Don’t hold out on me, man. Point ‘em out.”

“Can’t. Saw ‘em make it over there during the line dancin.” Cliven lifted his chin in the direction of the large circular hardwood floor. “My guess is they are somewhere in the middle of that melee. Selah’s probably close around the edge watchin. We put her on their table, so she didn’t cause no fights. No disrespect, but Selah attracts the guys like bees to honey too.”

When did Selah become hot?Ben decided to ignore that part. Instead, he thanked his old high school buddy. “Good looking out and putting her on a table full of women.” Ben reached out his fist and bumped it against Cliven’s.

“I know how it is. I’ve got three sisters. Keeping them out of harm’s way is a full-time job.”

“They resent you too?” Ben asked.

Cliven laughed. “You know it. But I don’t care. I’m their brother.” He shrugged. “It is what it is. Anyway, Selah is still on the clock for another ten, fifteen minutes. I’m sure Baker’s got his sights on her.”

Ben pushed his empty glass back to Cliven. “Thanks for keeping an eye out.” Lucas thanked him too.

“No problem. She’s like a fourth sister.” A customer walked up, and Cliven had to get back to work.Thatwas the problem. Cliven and Baker couldn’t keep watch over Selah at all times. Not when they had work to do too.

Lucas turned around and looked out at the crowd of people. “I think I might see her.” He pointed in Selah’s direction.

Ben turned and followed where Lucas was pointing. He nodded. “We should probably stay put until her shift is over. You know how she gets.”

“Nuh-uh.” Lucas plastered on a sly grin. “If you’re going towatch the purses, I’ll check out the scene.” Lucas was the brother with all the charm. Ben had about as much of that as a bull in a china shop. He slapped Ben on the back and walked away.

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