Page 34 of More Than a Fling

“Everyone’s a comedian tonight.” He put his arm around Annie’s waist and pulled her against his side. She slipped her arm around him, liking the feel of his body beneath her fingers, hard and all muscle. Leaning toward the bar, he ordered a beer for himself and another round for Cal and Annie. The female bartender was a little over-the-top flirtatious for Annie’s liking, but Gabe didn’t seem to notice.

He raised his bottle to the two of them for a toast, “Here’s to new friends, romance, and beer,” grinning as they clinked bottles.

Jake and Billy sidled up to get a couple of digs in on their friend, “Thanks for putting our love-sick bull moose out of his misery, earlier he was watching that dang door like his life depended on it,” Billy said, then introduced himself and his sidekick. “This here is Jake and I’m Billy.”

“Remember, I’m the funny one, right Gabe?” Jake said.

“No contest,” Gabe retorted then leaned down to nibble Annie’s ear lobe.

She giggled, high on his attention. It felt too damn good.

“This is Cal, my new hire at the farm, he’s fitting in great. Lucky to have him,” Gabe said making the introduction to his band mates.

“I’m the lucky one, I really appreciate you giving me the opportunity, I hope I can learn from you. You’re a rising star in the horse world, I’m honored to be able to observe and learn from ya,” he said.

“Don’t believe everything you hear,” Gabe said.

“Oh, he’s a rising star alright, he is a regular Polaris,” Jake said ribbing his friend with obvious affection.

“On that note we had better get back up there before everyone leaves,” Gabe said. He kissed the tip of Annie’s nose, “See you in a bit.”

“I’ll be here.”

“Come backstage after this set so we can have a little privacy. It’s right behind the stage the door on the right,” he said, pointing.

“OK,” she said.

“Annie? Hey what brings you here?” Annie turned toward the voice only to discover that it was Bradley’s partner and best friend, Ike.

“Hi Ike, what areyoudoing here?” she asked.

“I’m out on a hot date. We met online. Here she comes now,” he said as a young blond approached, no doubt coming from the restrooms.

“Sue this is Annie, Bradley’s ex,” he said by way of introduction.

“Hi, I’ve heard so much about you,” Sue said holding out a slim hand toward Annie.

“Hi, I’m not sure if that is good or bad,” Annie joked.

“Oh, Bradley still has it bad for you,” she said, creating an awkward moment as Ike gently nudged her with his elbow.

“On that note, I think we’ll return to our table,” Ike said. He glanced around the room like he was looking for someone, “Who are you here with?”

“I’m by myself but met up with some friends,” she said, being deliberately vague.

“Hmm, if you say so,” Ike said. “Who were all those guys you were talking to a few minutes ago?”

“What is this Ike, an interrogation?” Annie said. She felt slightly annoyed and not very happy to see him. She knew he’d immediately report back to Bradley that she had been there.

“No, I’m curious, it looked like you might be hanging out with the band and maybe a little tight with the singer,” he said, grinning knowingly.

“Then why did you ask?” she said, now really annoyed.

“I’m happy for ya, Annie, he’s every girl’s dream don’t ya think? And you’re the lucky one that caught the big fish, at least for tonight anyway,” he said. “Have fun.” He winked and then followed Sue who had already headed back to their table.

Suddenly the joy had been sucked out of the evening. No good could come of this random meeting. Ike was another piece of work like his bestie Bradley—they were both arrogant assholes. She had never been fond of him.

This time she stayed at the bar for the whole set, rarely looking at Gabe during his performance. Ike was right, every girl’s dream, and how long before the next beautiful woman caught his eye? What was she thinking? Cal returned from the dance floor where he had been making a connection with a pretty young woman. She thought Cal already had a girlfriend, but it was none of her business.

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