Page 11 of In the Dust

Brad’s voice beams through the phone, “Hey, babe! Perfect timing then.”

I sigh, “How’s New York without me?”

“I’m managing, but I do miss you. Especially at night.”

“I bet you do.” I switch the phone to my other ear. “Listen, I’m a little busy right now. Can I call you back in the morning?”

“What are you doing tonight? Busy milking the cows?” He’s the only one laughing at his little joke.

“That’s not what we do here. Actually, Harper and I are going down to Fuzzy Bud’s.”

“What the hell is that?”

“It’s a bar, Brad.”

“Okay, well, have fun at Buzzy Fud’s.” He laughs.

“It’s Fu—” I stop myself. “Never mind. Have a good night, babe!”

* * *

We pullinto the old gravel lot, stopping next to a grey Chevy. There are quite a few vehicles here and about a dozen motorcycles closer to the door. It’s going to be crowded tonight.

Harper and I walk arm in arm into the dimly lit dive. I look around, scoping the place out. It’s smaller than I remember. There are four pool tables off to the left, taken over by couples hanging all over each other between turns.

The scent of stale beer and smoke fills my nostrils as some guy walks past us, causing me to scrunch my nose. Brad would never approve of a place like this. He’s too clean cut.

Harper heads straight to the bar top, towing me behind her. “Two shots. Make them neat.”

“Coming right up, beautiful.” The handsome man nods his head.

I turn my head to her with curiosity. “Who is that?”

“Nobody. He’s just being friendly because we usually bartend together.”

“Considering the way he looks at you, I bet he’s real friendly.” I giggle, nudging her side with my elbow.

“Not gonna happen, Dix.” She looks over my shoulder. “Let’s check out the pool tables. That one looks open over there.”

I follow closely behind her until we stop at the table in the corner. I don’t see any quarters holding the table, so I turn to grab a pool stick from the wall while Harper begins to rack the balls.

“Excuse me, but we’ve been waiting on this table,” a distinctly familiar voice flows from behind me. I close my eyes. Maybe it’s not him.

I take a beat before turning around to see that it is in fact Colton and his best friend Jackson standing in front of us. I turn to Harper, who’s staring at them dumbfounded. “You have got to be kidding me,” I mumble to her.

“Ladies.” He tilts the tip of his hat. “Didn’t expect to see y’all here tonight,”

I hate that stupid grin of his. I silently curse my guardian angel as I walk around the table.

“Good to see you, Dix.” Jackson leans against the pool table.

I shoot him a smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. “You too, Jackson. Been a while.”

Turning my attention back to Colton, I try not to huff. “Look, we’re just trying to have a girls’ night. Why don’t you and Jackson wait on the next table … from the other side of the bar.” Or how about another bar entirely?

“I have a better idea.” He takes a step closer. “Let’s play teams. Loser buys the next round.”

I glance at Harper, hoping she’ll tell him to kick rocks, but instead I find her deep in conversation with Jackson. So much for girls' night.

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