Page 80 of Levi

After parking in the lot of the small hardware store, he exited his truck, then entered the store.

As he looked at the different signs, he picked up a few of them then walked to the register and paid for them. Driving past the pharmacy again, he shook his head, knowing he would never love another woman.

Later that evening, he was so tempted to call Kinley, but what good would it do? He would love to get back together with her, but he was too afraid she’d always want kids even if she said she didn’t, and he knew she’d never truly be happy.

Getting up from the recliner, he looked at the clock to see it was almost eight o’clock. He strode to the kitchen, grabbed his hat, walked out the back door. He had to get out or he’d go insane.

Without no destination in mind, he drove past Dewey’s, circled back, parked, and stepped from the truck. He stared at the building and he could hear music and laughter each time the doors opened. He shook his head, turned to get back into the truck, but slammed the door, and headed for the doors of the bar.

Levi entered Dewey’s and was immediately engulfed by the boisterous crowd. He made his way through, until he reached the bar. An empty stool beckoned to him and he sank onto it.

The bartender, a striking woman with fiery red hair, paused in front of him and flashed a friendly smile. “Hi, what can I get you?” she asked.

“A shot of whiskey,” he replied.

“Any particular brand?”

“The best you’ve got.”

She nodded and turned to prepare the drink. Levi took the opportunity to observe his surroundings. The air was thick with the smell of alcohol. The wooden bar top was well-worn, and the wall behind it was lined with bottles of various liquors.

“Here you go. Callahan Whiskey,” the bartender announced as she slid the glasstoward him.

Levi handed her his money and waved away the change before taking a closer look at the dark amber liquid in front of him. He could almost taste it on his tongue just from the aroma wafting up toward his nose. Lifting the glass, he admired its beauty as it caught the dim lights of the bar. Bringing it to his nose, he inhaled deeply before setting it back down.

Resting his arms on the bar, he rested his chin on them and continued to stare at the drink in contemplation. After a moment, he reached for it again but hesitated and pulled back his hand.

“How long has it been?”

He turned to see the bartender, looking at him sympathetically. He knew exactly what she meant and shook his head.

“Twenty-five years.”

She leaned against the bar, folding her arms in front of her. “I’m Scarlett. I own this place.”

Levi couldn’t help but grin at her introduction. “Your name’s not Dewey?”

She laughed, and he realized she was even more stunning up close. “No, Dewey was my uncle. He retired, so I took over.”

“I do know who you are. I was here a couple of years ago for Cody and Addison’s engagement party.”

“I see. You didn’t drink, did you?”

“No, ma’am.” Levi met her gaze and couldn’t help but feel a sense of ease around her. “I bet you see a lot in this bar.”

Scarlett nodded knowingly. “I do, but most people just toss back their drinks and order another. You’re different though. You seem to bestudying that whiskey as if it holds all the answers, but you know it doesn’t.” He smiled as she reached out and touched his hand. “Do you really want that drink?”

“No,” Levi admitted, “but—”

“What’s your name?” she interrupted. “I don’t think we met back then.”

“We didn’t. I’d remember. It’s Levi.”

“Well, Levi, what brings you here if you don’t want that drink?” she asked curiously.

“A woman,” he replied with a smirk.

Scarlett laughed, and Levi found himself grinning in response.

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