Page 3 of The Fake Play

She sits back and smiles seductively. “And if my imminent intention was to buy the next round for the entire bar, does that mean that you will cover it if I tell you the name of my book?”

A pricey proposition but I have a bet to win. “Yes.”

“Hamilton's Guide to Public Relations and Chocolate Chip Cookies. An old favorite of mine.”

I laugh. “There's no way that's a real book title.”

She turns it over, showing me the cover and that it is, in fact, the real book title. “I believe you now owe the entire bar a round.”

“I am a man of my word.” I stretch over the edge of the bar and wave Gabriel over. “I'm getting the bar’s next round.”

The old man's mouth drops open. “You take a blade to the head or somethin’?”

“Just put it on my tab, Gabe.”

“You got it, kid.” He announces a free round and the bar goes crazy, people lining up to place their orders, all plans of dancing or dating out the window at the prospect of free booze.

Even “No” orders a fresh beer.

She smiles. “Didn't think you had it in you.”

“Well, seeing that you just cost me a few thousand dollars, can I get your real name?”

She half shrugs, still smiling. “Kenneth.”

I freeze for a beat. She’s obviously lying. But I can play along. “Nice to meet you, Kenneth.”

She laughs. “If you wanna run back and tell your friends that you got my number, I'll back you up.”

How did she know?

“What do you mean? I'm not?—”

“You're here because I turned your buddy down, right?”

“I'm here because I saw a pretty girl sitting all alone. I thought she might want some company.”

“What about me sitting here with a book makes you think I want company?”

“Maybe not company, but definitely someone to show you a good time.” I lean in close enough to catch a hint of her floral perfume. I wonder what it would feel like to wake up with sheets that smell that good. “I am excellent at showing a beautiful woman a good time.”

“If I see any, I'll be sure to tell them.”

I can’t help but laugh. “I'm already talking to the most beautiful woman at the bar tonight. Dance with me. Or you could just kiss me and we’ll call it even for the huge bar tab.”

“I'd sooner set my hair on fire.”

“Funny you should mention that. I’m?—”

“Luke,” Gabriel cuts in. “Just one round, right?”

“Yeah, why?”

“The team seems to think you’re in a generous mood tonight.” He motions toward my table where at least a dozen shots are sitting in front of the guys.

“Those are not on my tab.”

He smirks. “Understood.” He toddles on his way, his limp giving away the injury that ended his hockey career. Gabe had been a right winger like me, so watching him makes it hard not to think about what an injury could do to my career.

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